Fairview

                            Ms Kerrie Neophytou

Reflection

A journey of reflection begins with one’s ability to own their path.

Where will we go?

Why will we go?

How will we go?

As our Lord holds our hand we take the next step, we pray, adventure and smile!

By Kerrie Neophytou

Final Report as Head of School

The time has arrived to complete my final report as Head of School - Fairview. I share one of my quotes, as many times before I have included quotes in my publications. I also have included my speech which I presented at Presentation Night on Monday 9 December. It is with excitement, I take on a new College role in 2020 as the Director of Community Engagement and will continue to oversee the Primary Religion and Values Education Program.

Presentation Night Speech:

“Good Evening!

I have been extremely blessed and fortunate, to have held the position as the Head of Fairview - Preparatory School from 2000 to 2019, a twenty-year journey!

As a new chapter unfolds for the Primary School in 2020, I share my reflection and celebrate of an amazing community. Fairview has a strong philosophy and program framework, in which it introduces families and their children to school-life.

The Fairview teachers and support staff, are highly skilled professionals, who put the foremost needs of the children first. My joy and honour has been to work with the College staff, parents, children and local community.

The Fairview family is based on the virtues of our Christian beliefs. Focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit, we all model our school values and reinforce The Golden Rule - Treat others, the way you would like to be treated.

In Fairview, we have developed a strong engagement model, in which it promotes limitless capacity of growth. As we journey through a continuous era of change, we focus on capabilities and essential skills, that will prepare the children for today and tomorrow. The world will continue to evolve and our children are the 21st century travellers.

We are fortunate to be able to experience diversity within our school environment. The uniqueness of an inclusive school community provides an opportunity for individuals to grow and develop in many ways.

A strong focus, which Fairview advocates, is a commitment to accept, care, embrace, understand and celebrate the difference, in which we all bring to our community.

I regularly convey to our community, that with courage and vision, we become our own drivers. The door will always open with love, faith and kindness. We therefore, have the ability to engage in a limitless capacity and our children model this.

This is the journey; we all undertake in our everyday lives, we are learners. The opportunity to explore is essential to maintain a healthy mind and productive life. To continue the learning journey, is the path we all aim to achieve!

Wishing all many blessings during the Christmas period and a happy New Year.

Thank you and God Bless!”

Good Times!

I am hoping that at this spiritual time of the year, we are encouraged to stop and reflect. Today, I had the opportunity to share many of my favourite images of 2019; in the reflection of celebrating the Year 2 students’ achievements in Fairview. There were many images of the children sharing moments together; representing their joy and excitement of their friendship and community. We want children to learn and achieve, however most importantly to feel loved, have faith in their hearts, be safe and happy! Young children have a beautiful ability to see good in all and to enjoy the moment. They do not immediately stop and reflect; they live the moment and share their blessings. It then becomes our responsibility to stop, share and celebrate the treasures the children bring to our lives.

Time

Time, is a treasured asset! As a child, I could not wait for the year to end and Christmas to arrive. I would complain the year would take too long to end. My mother would remind me, that as I aged, the years would travel faster, events and time would be missed. She was very right! I believe we need to reflect and cherish our greatest achievements and assets - our children and family.

My final parenting advice is that you continue to allocate ‘family time’, being scheduled outings, shared mealtimes, reading or game times. Also ensure the time to talk and listen, this is rewarding; as this seed will grow into a fruitful relationship. Small chat with your child is the foundation for discussing the bigger issues and incidents. Taking the time to support, react and respond is also crucial as it develops trust and security.

Make memories, take photos, and print and display them. Your children will grow up very quickly and in a blink they are adults. Time is the greatest source of enriching a relationship - to share, laugh, cry and celebrate together forms permanent and sustainable engagement! 

I have included one of my favourite clips, reflecting family time. It is beautiful, please take the time to view the clip (4 minutes).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8cePYP2GM0

Annual Eye Check

A reminder to have your children’s annual health eye check during the Christmas break and ensure minimal gadget time. Playing games and exploring the outdoors helps the body and mind engage, and develop resilience and conversation language.

Thank You

We also take this opportunity to thank Miss Millane for her wonderful work and commitment and wish her all the best at her new school.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I thank all the Fairview parents, staff and children for their hard work and commitment. The Fairview family is extremely supportive and is always available to support each other. The parent community is an integral part of the school. I will always be proud and blessed to have guided its growth and experience, its strength of love and commitment.

The Fariview team are a beautiful and highly professional group of talented individuals. They are extremely supportive and have made everyday a pleasure! I thank them dearly for their dedication, loyalty and support.

Wishing our wonderful community, a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. May the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ bring you all love, peace, hope and joy. God Bless you all and thank you!