Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Families, 

2021 has been another eventful year. We are very appreciative of the continued support of our families. We are well aware that many of you had to juggle work commitments and supervising remote learning, not an easy task. I am incredibly appreciative of your patience, belief in the school and commitment to keeping your child's learning journey on track despite the speed humps we encountered in 2021. 

Throughout the year we have had two main focuses, learning and wellbeing. These priorities enabled us to be remain focused and reflective. Our staff continued to be  adaptive, caring and professional despite the many switches from onsite to remote learning, often at a moments' notice.

I'm confident that all parents would join me in commending and thanking them for the outstanding efforts and for the very many ways in which they go "above and beyond" what is expected. 

Finally to our students, they have been fantastic. Like the teachers, students were expected to adapt to the ever changing circumstances. They did this with increasing confidence and a positive mind set. 

KKs

Our school was filled with Christmas Spirit on Tuesday. I loved being at the crossing and seeing all the excited faces. It was wonderful to see so many students dressed for the festive occasion and eagerly unwrapping their KKS. 

GRADUATION

It was wonderful to get the opportunity to farewell our Grade 6 students with their families present. Students had the opportunity to share their reflections on their time at Toolamba and their hopes for the future. Their speeches were certainly very impressive. The night culminated in a wonderful presentation prepared by Mrs Kimmorley. It depicted the journey the students had had at Toolamba. Thank you to Mrs Lardner for her organisation  and eye for detail and Mrs Serra who spent many hours working with the children on their graduation bears.   

SLEEPOVER/EXCURSION

Last week the Foundation, Grade One and Two children had an exciting trip to Bendigo. There were many hands on activities to capture their interest. Following the excursion the Grade One and Two students enjoyed a meal together. After the meal the Grade One students went home and the Grade Two children stayed for a sleepover. Some had more sleep than others!!

WET DAY FUN

On Wednesday the Grade five boys keep themselves occupied during the wet weather.

FAREWELL

On Tuesday night we had the opportunity to formally farewell our Grade 6 students. They have been a fantastic group whom we have grown very extremely fond of. We are certainly going to miss them.

Sadly, we are also farewelling some of our students, Sophie Crawford, Charlee Corbett, Sam & Victoria Davie and Hugo Turnbull. We wish you all the best as you settle into your new schools in 2022

• We are also very sad to be farewelling the following families Kathy & Josh Atkinson, Paige Ewart, Suz-ann & Matthew Johnson, Sarah & Stephen Kirby, Monique & Jamie Noles, Amy & Mark Turner, Mel & John Calleja, Jacqui & Michael Evans, Melanie & Luke Farrall, Meaghan South & David Gaffy, Leah & Andrew McDonald, Lindy and Mark McIntosh, Kylie & Simon Vella, Megan & Toby Corbett and Diane Lee Davie.

Many families have had a long association with our school. We thank you for your tireless efforts and your commitment to our school. It certainly has been greatly appreciated. These positive home school partnerships play such a vital role in your children’s education. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Bree Giles who has been appointed to a 12-month position as Business Manager. We are extremely fortunate to have Bree come onboard. Both Jenny Davey and Maria Serra are taking Long Service Leave in 2022. Gabby Uhlendorf will be replacing Maria next year; we are excited to have her join our staff. 

HOLIDAY SECURITY

As you have done in the past, I encourage you to keep an eye on our school over the holidays. Please notify the police if you see anything suspicious.

END YEAR ASSEMBLY

START TIME 12.30PM

Assembly will be held in the Amphitheatre, adults are requested to wear masks, as social distancing will be a challenge. 

Our assembly is an opportunity to:

• Present Awards & Scholarships
• Farewell students, families and staff
• School Captain Speeches
• Announcement of Leadership positions
• Santa

SCHOOL 2022

Teachers return to school on Thursday 27th January and all students on Friday 28th January. Foundation students do not attend school on a Wednesday till after the long weekend in March.

Finally, on behalf of the Staff of Toolamba PS, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. For those of you that are travelling I hope that you arrive and return safely. 

Happy Christmas and take care over the holiday season! 

Regards Heather