From the Director of Primary

Last week we gathered as a Primary School to acknowledge all that might lie ahead as we explore the term, and aim to achieve our potential in whatever area that may be. 

Students listened as the book ‘Maybe’ by Kobi Yamada was read.  This book unpacked the idea of believing in oneself and celebrating what makes us, us.  We learnt the important lessons in being all we can be by realising the magical and unbounded potential we have.  

You are the only you there ever has been or ever will be.  You have so much to offer.

Recognising, celebrating and maximising our capabilities is a crucial part of our personal growth and development, regardless of age or aspiration.  As we strive to fulfil our goals, we tap into our talents, skills, and abilities. This inevitably leads to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction as those identified goals are met. 

Nonetheless, we aim to continuously strive for new opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. Sometimes we can choose the direction, and other times we cannot. Whatever direction emerges, we have the chance to respond. Our response may be to turn away, to adapt, to react, or to seize a new direction. 

Through pushing our boundaries and achieving what we may once have thought was well beyond our reach, we can only but see confidence grow. This newfound self-assurance can positively impact various areas of our life, especially those around us who are often inspired to pursue their true potential.  

Mr Eddie Jager, a Year 6 parent and father of Ruby and Hannah Jager is a true example of what it means to be an inspiration and someone who has navigated barriers to reach potential.  His life turned on a dime when he had a stroke in 2020 and the direction that was mapped out required him to change, adapting to new experiences and navigating so many things that would never have been on his radar. But with time, support, encouragement and a sense of reaching a new potential, Eddie has shown what life can be like when a ‘curve ball’ hits you for six and you must look at other avenues and ways to reach your potential. Eddie has shown us that through grit, determination, and self belief that it is possible to reach our potential regardless of the plan.

The journey to maximising our potential is unique for each individual. It's important to set realistic goals, stay patient, and recognise that progress might not always be one dimensional. Whether you're young or old, aiming high and putting in the effort to reach our full potential can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life.

One thing is for sure, you are here.  And because you are here…anything is possible.

National Science Week

Next week many of our Primary students will head to the secondary side of our campus and participate in a myriad of activities as we participate in National Science Week.  Thank you to the Secondary Science teachers especially Mr Murray Herbert and Mr Wayne Clark who have joined forces to make our time in the ‘labs’ fun.  Thank you also to Mr Damien Lowe for facilitating this. 

Book Week 

On Thursday 24 August all Kinder to Year 6 students are invited to wear a costume to school celebrating Book Week.  Information has already been sent home inviting parents/carers to attend our Book Week Parade and it would be lovely to see many of you join us to celebrate what is a special day in our calendar.  You are asked to be seated on the mezzanine floor by 11:00am with some standing room available at the rear of the hall.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your son or daughter’s class teacher. 

Arts Festival

Not only are our Primary staff busily getting their Book Week costume ready for our parade, but they are also working feverishly to ensure art is completed and performances are polished in readiness for our Arts Festival which will take place on Friday 1 September.  Further information will be sent home soon via EdSmart.

TOM - Saturday 9 September

In a few week’s time four teams from Years 4 - 6 will head to Hobart City High School (Ogilvie Campus) to compete in the State Finals of Tournament of Minds.  We also have a number of Secondary teams that are joining us on our TOM journey. 

Tournament of Minds is a problem solving competition that is open to schools in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, China, South Africa and many more.  Teams are given a problem in one of 4 disciplines; Language and Literature, The Arts, STEM or Social Sciences and they have to work as a team to solve one of the problems in that category, as well as a spontaneous one that they are given on the day.  

One of the main focuses is how the group solves the problem, from working through all the different rules, to writing a script and making props to rehearsing their dramatic performance, all whilst showing how they can work as a team. 

Even though we are only a couple of weeks into a 6 week challenge before we present the responses to the challenges these girls have already been working exceptionally hard, along with their lead teachers.