Principal

Dear Solway Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of Term 2. Reflecting on the past fortnight, it has been fantastic to see our students embracing so many opportunities to truly thrive in our inclusive community, as outlined in our school vision.

This week alone, our Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented Solway at the Hoop Time basketball tournament, while members of our Chess Club competed in an interschool tournament at Sandringham Primary School. It is always so pleasing to see our students taking up these opportunities, representing the school with pride and consistently demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience out in the wider community.

Students were also rewarded this week with a whole school disco for their ongoing efforts in upholding our school-wide expectations. It was a great celebration of the positive choices our students make every day. I’m already looking forward to seeing how our students continue to uphold these expectations in Term 3 — and what reward they’ll choose next!

We have also seen great displays of curiosity through the culmination of this term’s Inquiry learning. Our Year 1 and 2 students creatively showcased how everyday household items can be recycled and repurposed, reinforcing their learning around sustainability. Meanwhile, our Year 5 and 6 students formed political parties, campaigned passionately, and debated key issues affecting their peers at Solway. I can’t wait to hear the results of their student-led election!

Earlier this year, we welcomed new members to our School Council, and recently appointed our 2024 office bearers and subcommittee leads.

Congratulations to:

Office Bearers:

Jess Symmons – President
Mathew Kerr – Vice President
Andrew Merryweather – Treasurer
Tom Ellicott – Secretary

Subcommittee Leads:

Tim McLennan – Education
Kim James – Fundraising
Tom Chapman – Buildings & Environment
Brooke Danaher – Sustainability

Thank you to all our council members for your ongoing commitment to our school.

A quick reminder that Semester 1 reports will be available on Compass this Friday, July 4, and Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 5 August, from 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Interview bookings open via Compass at 3:00pm on Friday 4 July.

You may have noticed – or heard – a new outdoor sound system installed on our stage and amphitheatre. This exciting addition will enhance community events like assemblies, concerts and graduation. It was made possible thanks to the funds raised at our Community Fair in March. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Solway community and look forward to enjoying clearer sound at our Christmas concert and many events to come!

As we approach the end of term, we also welcome new staff members joining us in Term 3:

Miss Annie Bell will be teaching 1L, replacing Ms Lanyon.
Mrs Emily Dunbar (Monday–Wednesday) and Mr Danny Catalano (Thursday–Friday) will share the role in 6B, replacing Miss Balassis.

To Ms Lanyon and Miss Balassis, thank you for your care, dedication and contribution to our students and our school community this year. We wish you all the very best while on leave.

Finally, I hope everyone enjoys a restful and relaxing holiday break. Whether you're travelling or enjoying time closer to home, I hope you find time for the things that make you happy. We look forward to welcoming all students back, refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 3, beginning at 8:50am on Monday 21 July.

Thank you for your continued support and lets all strive to be “our best always”.

David Rosser

Principal