UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES ICAS MEDAL

Last week I was honoured to attend the 2013 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Medal Presentation Ceremony. The ceremony acknowledges those students who have achieved the highest scores in their year’s level in each ICAS subject. The ICAS tests are conducted throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific regions and some 20 countries globally. Our year 5 and 6 students participate in the ICAS tests in English, Mathematics and Science. Our students perform well in these tests, and frequently receive credits, distinctions and high distinctions. This year, one of our students, Tim Keep achieved the highest score in English in Year 6 and was presented with a medal at the awards ceremony to acknowledge this achievement. Tim is the first Murrumbeena Primary School student to win a medal. He showed his medal at school assembly yesterday. Congratulations Tim!

STAFF CHANGES 2014

Four of our teaching staff will be retiring at the end of the year.

Debby Wall (Physical Education) will be retiring after 35 years of teaching and 25 years at Murrumbeena as the PE teacher. Debby has ensured a high profile for physical education and sport during this time, and has affected the lives of many, many students and their families. Debby’s enthusiasm, passion, encouragement for all and professionalism will be acknowledged by all at her forthcoming retirement celebration.

Kerry Morgan will retire after 23 years at this school, and 30 years of teaching. Kerry has been a classroom teacher in the junior grades and has endeared herself to many students and their families. Kerry will be ‘taking it easy’ while taking up a role as a nanny for a family with twin daughters. Kerry’s expertise, friendliness and dedication will be sadly missed at the school.

Glenda Morrison has been at Murrumbeena Primary School for 20 years and has served for 27 years with the DEECD. Glenda is highly regarded for her kindness, patience and caring when undertaking her roles as classroom teacher, reading recovery teacher and support teacher. Glenda also has a talent for music and was the junior school music teacher for many years. She has continued this talent with the prep classes, through coordinating the musical aspects of grandparents’ days, concert items and junior assemblies. Glenda’s commitment, dedication, and professionalism will be missed by all when she retires at the end of the year.

Gayle Arden will also retire at the end of the year, after 16 years at Murrumbeena. Gayle has taught from Prep to Year 4 at our school, and has shown professionalism and dedication in everything she does. Currently in Level 2, Gayle has shared a wealth of knowledge with her team, and her expertise will be missed at the school. Best wishes are extended to Gayle for the future.

We also have two teachers taking leave at the end of the year:

Melanie Short will commence maternity leave from February 2014. Best wishes are extended to Mel and Darren on their forthcoming happy occasion!

Gina Van Veen will be taking leave at the end of the year to teach in the Kimberley region (WA) for two years. Best wishes are extended to Gina on her new adventure. We look forward to hearing about her experiences on her return.

2014 STAFFING

Seven new teachers have been appointed for 2014. They are Gabrielle Grant (currently at St Augustine’s Primary School), Tracey Nelson (currently teaching PE at Noble Park Secondary College, Casey Crompton (currently a relief teacher in 5/6D), Cassandra Dixon (currently at Ringwood Heights Primary School), Damien Shelly (currently a relief teacher and formerly teaching in Ireland), Shane Long (currently at Hughesdale Primary School), Kathryn Fortune and Samantha Pyatigorsky.

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