Principal's Message

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Portland/Warrnambool/Hamilton Division Athletics

Last Friday we had a team of 14 athletes travel to Warrnambool for the Division Athletics Championships -a terrific achievement just to even qualify for this higher level of competition.  Thank you to the parents for taking students down to compete in the event and also to Mrs Clark for attending to undertake marshalling duties and support our athletes. A more details report outlining results on the day can be found further in this newsletter – well done though to all of our champion athletes.

HDSA Cross Country 

The Hamilton and District Sports Association Cross Country took place yesterday afternoon at Lake Hamilton with our students giving their all in what is a rather challenging event.  Fortunately the weather yesterday was ideal for this type of competition, not too warm and overcast, and minimal wind whipping off the lake!  Congratulations to all of our runners and we now have a team of 10 athletes qualified to represent the district at the Division Cross Country in Warrnambool next Friday, with results for this event also included further in this newsletter.

Prep Swimming

Our Prep students today completed the first of their two week swimming program, travelling to HILAC each day by bus for their 30 minute sessions with qualified swimming instructors.  Although quite tired when they return, I’m told our students have been participating well and making some great gains in their development of essential water safety and swimming skills.  We look forward to the second week of swimming taking place next week to conclude our Prep Swimming Program for 2024.

2025 Prep School Tours and Information Night

It was great to be able to “open our doors” and welcome prospective parents into school this week for our School Tours on Tuesday and Parent Information Evening last night. We were able to offer four ‘walk and talk’ sessions at our Open Day and it was great to have our School Captains and Student Voice Leaders join us and share some of their experiences too.  On Thursday night we were then able to go into a bit more detail about some of the programs and curriculum we offer at school, with a more focused approach towards Prep and the first year of school. I’d like to thank all staff for their input and support for these activities, in particular our amazing Prep team of Mrs Hawthorne, Mrs Murray and Mrs Riddle and Miss Ballinger. Information packs for current families who have a Prep child to commence next year have been sent home for those who were not able to make it to any of these sessions.  Please contact the office if you have not received one of these packs and require one.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

It was great this afternoon to host a Mather’s Day Afternoon Tea, a new initiative this year that we hope was enjoyed by all who were able to attend.  Thank you to Leesa for leading the organisation of this event, along with the assistance of Mrs Brabham and Miss Paton. Thank you also to one of our parents, Chloe Wendelborn and Mrs McCulloch, for organising the gifts - Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mums in our school community!  Special thank you to The Lady Bug nursery for all the donations.

School Beanies

With the cooler months now upon us, students are no longer required to wear their broad-brimmed hat when outside, but may instead wear one of our school design beanies.  These beanies may be purchased from the school office and are available for $20.00 As per our Student Dress Code Policy, students may only wear a school design, or a plain navy beanie (not available from school) when outside during terms 2 and 3.

Have a great weekend!

Ben Kelson

Principal