From the Principal
Celebrating certainties
This year all the predictable signs of Spring have taken on a special significance, representing the certain passage of the seasons and heralding the many signs of hope, new life and good times to come. From the blossoms, delicate new leaves and the heady perfume of the lowly pittosporum trees lining the drive - Arlington is buzzing with regrowth and promise.
Rather than delay decisions and focus on areas and events where we cannot be sure exactly how the path out of COVID-19 restrictions may impact on our plans, Cressida has clarified the traditions that can certainly take place next term.
The painting of the Hall curtain is a remarkable and treasured tradition where messiness and idealism combine to produce a truly collaborative artwork. If this is to be achieved in some version of online learning then so be it – and I am sure that Cressida and our brilliant teachers will find a way.
Emerging from a similarly messy building site is the stairway over the Kindergarten Link. As each new aspect of this modest building project is completed the more we are coming to realise what an amazing architectural gem has been created. In keeping with the significant heritage site we are so lucky to have at Arlington, architect Michael Markham has designed a dazzling solution to the constraints and problems of the site, always keeping in mind the delight and wonder it will create for the Arlington children. The prospect of having the children claim it as theirs, and another opportunity for adventure and play, is really something to look forward to.
Planning is underway for 2021 and once again, at the forefront of our thinking, is the best interest of our children, taking into account all they have experienced, missed and had to adapt to in this most challenging of years. Preshil is not a school that blindly follows what has been done in the past and we have had to learn many new strategies and solutions as situations have changed. Much thought is going into grouping classes and teachers and using our spaces thoughtfully. Be assured that many different views are canvassed and options considered. Our hope is that 2021 will stand out as a year of joyful serenity, rewarding the courage and patience of our community and watching the children flourish as learners.
Cressida has mentioned some of the plans as well as additional staff returning and coming on board next term. I know how hard the teachers are working to identify any gaps that have emerged in the curriculum and skills development inevitable in the online program. Term 4 will hopefully provide an opportunity to begin addressing any such gaps, while continuing to offer rich and exciting units of inquiry.
Our special group of Arlington graduates will be enthusiastically supported by teachers at both campuses as they work together to prepare them for an exciting and confident transition to secondary school.
I hope there will be many opportunities to meet and to genuinely be together in Term 4 and to remind each other of all we have to celebrate and treasure as we prepare to put this year of plague behind us.
Marilyn Smith
Principal