Principal's Report
Courage, Faith, Love
Dear Parents and Friends of St Agatha's Primary School,
It is that time of year when students, teachers and parents turn their minds to the next year. Questions that are being asked are; who will my teacher be next year? Will I have my friends with me? Which classroom will I be in? There are a mixture of emotions behind these questions. Some are excited for a change, some are nervous about the unknown, some are fearful and anxious about what might happen. All of these emotions are natural and normal.
The way we as adults handle and express ourselves in front of children does influence how our children react to change. I encourage parents to take the time to listen to their child's fears, thoughts, excitement and allow them to share their emotions. Maybe talk about a time when you felt that way and what you did to help calm yourself. I encourage you to explain to your child that in life sometimes things don't go to plan, sometimes things happen that are unexpected and while it is ok to have big emotions, it is important to not react too quickly. Take time to get used to the change. Try to think of the positive aspects of a change. While change is scary, it usually brings with it opportunity. Opportunity to try something new, meet new people, have a fresh start... and the list goes on.
Please remember, that it is in these moments of uncertainty when we allow our child to struggle with their emotions within a safe and nurturing environment, that our children's resilience grows. It is at these times that students learn important life lessons that may be useful when they are older when their challenges are often more complicated.
If you are at all worried, I encourage you to speak to your child's class teacher.
Teachers for 2023
| Foundation | Year One | Year Two | Year Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Baber | Nicola Sievers | Caitlin Burke / Claire Nicol | Sandra Talia |
Brendan Browne/ Claire Nicol | Bree Scrivener | Annette Scott | Liz Hunt (Carver) |
| Casey Thomson | Cass Schalks | Natalie MacKay | Rebecca Woods |
| Rose Howell | Emily Prince |
| Year Four | Year Five | Year Six | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin McCloud | Damian Mitchell | Roger Graham | |
| Valerie Quessy | Ana Mastroianni | Katia Picinali | |
| Irena Culic | Megan Ami | Ginelle Lazarus | |
| Eliza Eskin |
Students will meet their new teachers on Monday December 13 from 12pm to 1pm.
I will announce the Leadership Team structure and Learning Support Placements in the next newsletter.
Staffing Updates
We have another teacher on our staff who is spreading her wings. Christine Bellert who has taught at St Agatha's since 2015 has accepted a position at St Thomas the Apostle in Clyde. At her new school, Christine will lead the learning and teaching of the Year Five Level Community. I know her knowledge of curriculum and her love for ensuring each student receives the best education will be highly valued at her new school. Christine will be missed by many staff, students and parents alike! It is always sad when a staff member leaves the school after so many years, however, I am happy for Christine knowing that she will share her expertise and will gain more experience in a new school.
Term Four is quickly disappearing! Please make sure you stay up to date with all the dates in the school calendar and in the Dates to Remember page of this newsletter. It is going to be a busy few weeks.
I leave you with this prayer taken from the Year Five Advent liturgy.
God of hope, help us to be wide awake. Fill our hearts with your love so that we will be ready to show your love and support to those around us. May we be bright light in your beautiful world.
All: Amen.
I hope you all have a wonderful week.
Michelle Bruitzman
Principal