Principal Update

We have been really busy finalising staffing for next year, working on class formations and working on the Annual Implementation Plan. 

There are so many things to achieve in the next few weeks we will need optimism and determination as well as a dose of pacing ourselves to reach our goals. The students have kept up their pace of learning and keep making us proud with their efforts and personal qualities that they demonstrate each day.

We have completed the leadership speeches for the Year 5’s and will announce the final 10 next week. They will then be presented with their badge at assembly on 8 Dec. I held the final Student Leadership meeting this week and asked the students to reflect on what they had learned about leading this year. They showed great insight with comments such as: “It is much harder than I thought.”, “There is a lot of behind the scenes work that I wasn’t aware of.”, “It’s been really fun having others look up to us but having to work for that to happen.” I would like to publicly thank them for their work this year and for progressing the things they wanted to and meeting their goals set at the start of the year. It has been a pleasure working with them and supporting them to grow and achieve as a team.

The Comedy Night was a huge success and using the gym as the venue for the first time was also very successful. Thanks to all the parents who volunteered their time to support this event. Todd, the Community Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator, has shown great commitment to the school and especially the fundraising and community events. As it is his last year at APS I would like to thank him for his efforts over the years. He has led a group of dedicated parents who support events and I’m sure they will continue on in 2024.

We had a parent who plays the French Horn and some of her students perform for the Preps, Year 1’s and some of the instrumental students. It is so inspiring to hear them play and learn more about reading music and playing the horn. Thanks Carla for sharing your talents with us. 

You may have noticed the year 6 positive mark taking shape on the blank side of the concrete blades as you enter the school. The students were involved with the design and worked with the artist David Meggs to install the mural. It has been fantastic seeing their ideas taking shape and adding some striking colour to the school. All four Houses are represented in the art work along with some of David’s signature touches. See Shane's section for a progress photo.

We had our final School Council meeting for the year last night, where we approved the Draft Indicative Budget for 2024. We heard from two of the Year 6 Leaders about their achievements and finished by sharing a meal together. The project list, created by the Environment Subcommittee, which we put fundraising money towards, was presented and will be further developed and shared with the community early next year. The major plan which funds will go towards will be the replacement of the Year 3/4 play equipment and the resurfacing of the basketball court. 

As previously mentioned we will be offering 17 classes in 2024 as below:

We want everyone to enjoy the end of year activities and the last few weeks in their classes. This is why we maintain the focus on all the great things that happen in current classes’ right up until 'Step Up Day' in the second last week. As discussions about 2024 become more frequent teachers will be holding extra circle times allowing students to discuss their feelings and any worries they may have about change. 

Please support us by also focussing on the current class events. 

Have a lovely week

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal