Assistant Principal's Report

Leasyl Richards - Curriculum

9th May 2025

Year 4 Camp

A very big thank you to all the Year 4 students and teachers for making last week’s camp such an enriching experience. It was truly wonderful to see students learning and growing outside the classroom, embracing new challenges, and immersing themselves in all that camp had to offer.

Camp plays a vital role in school life, providing opportunities for students to develop resilience, independence, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. It was inspiring to watch students persevere through challenges—whether it was taking on the flying fox, tackling the giant swing, or pushing past initial fears to achieve something new. One of the highlights was witnessing a few students master bike riding for the very first time, their faces lighting up with confidence and pride.

Student behaviour throughout the week was exceptional which contributed to a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and respectful attitude made the camp environment welcoming and safe for all.

We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated Year 4 teaching team—Mrs Peraic, Mr Okita, Mrs Modin, Miss Arzuman, and Mrs Baker—for the enormous amount of effort and care they put into making the camp a success. A special thank you also to the additional staff who gave their time and energy to support the camp: Miss Newbold, Miss Peters, Miss Gallagher, Miss Boydell, and Samreen. Your presence, encouragement, and commitment made a big difference.

Thank you all for a wonderful few days at camp—one filled with growth, laughter, and lasting memories.

Nude Food

A reminder to our families that as a Five Star Sustainable School we are leaders which means we need to show others our commitment to looking after the environment.  We are a Nude Food School – we encourage all families to help us with bringing lunches in without any packaging. 

School Pride

Thank you 6SC for heading outside this week to participate in School Pride.

and 3JN

Premiers Reading Challenge

We have had students read 13931 books and currently have 296 students completed the 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge. A huge congratulations to these classes who have had all their students complete the Victorian Premiers Reading Challenge - P LP, P EB , PKW, PLL, 1HQ, 1SQ and 2CL who have all completed the Challenge. 

The last day to enter books is Friday 22nd August so there is still lots of time for students to add books. 

To enter books and view the booklists visit: https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/home

If you have any questions about the challenge please contact Miss Mason or Lamia.

Briony.Mason@education.vic.gov.au

Lamia.Bouazza@education.vic.gov.au

Literature Slueths

The Year 6 Literacy Enrichment group has been diving into the classic novel The Hobbit. As part of their work, they were challenged to write a journal entry from the perspective of Bilbo Baggins. I was incredibly proud and thoroughly impressed when Mr. Okita shared with me this outstanding piece by Arundi in 6TJ. It’s a fantastic example of creativity, understanding, and expressive writing—truly a standout piece! 

Dear Reader, 

As I sit down to pen this entry in my beloved book “There and Back Again,” I find myself reflecting on the profound changes I have undergone since that fateful adventure began. I can still vividly remember the day Gandalf looked at me with those piercing eyes and declared, “Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were.” At the time, his words struck me as puzzling, perhaps even a bit harsh. After all, I was still Bilbo Baggins; the quiet, unassuming hobbit of the Shire, wasn’t I? However, as I delve deeper into my thoughts, I realize just how right he was.

 Looking back on my remarkable journey with the dwarves—led by the indomitable Thorin Oakenshield—I can see the gradual metamorphosis that has taken place within me. My life, once filled with the simple pleasures of gardening, uninterrupted pipe smoking and baking beautiful, round seed cakes, has been reshaped by the trials, tribulations, and triumphs I encountered. It is as though a spark was ignited, one that not only illuminated the path forward, but also revealed the hidden depths of my character that I never knew existed. 

I recall the first significant turning point—the moment I faced the trolls. It was the first time I truly realized that adventure does not come without peril. Lucky for us, Gandalf had a plan, a clever trick that saved our skins. My instincts kicked in that night, and I felt a flicker of courage. I understood then that I was not as timid as I thought; there is bravery beneath the surface of a hobbit’s heart, waiting for the right moment to shine. 

Then came the goblins of the Misty Mountains—a daunting encounter that would forever alter my perspective. It was in the depths of that dark and cavernous realm that I first wielded a blade—Sting, as I would name it. I fought tooth and nail to escape, and as I did so, I uncovered a sense of resourcefulness and resilience that I never thought I possessed before. I no longer merely basked in the comforts of home - I had tasted the wild air of adventure, and it was intoxicating.

 One of the most harrowing encounters occurred within the confines of Gollum’s lair. The riddle game remains forever etched in my memory—a test of wit and cunning[SO1]  that eradicated any doubts I had about my cleverness. I could have easily been lost to the dark depths of despair, but it was in that moment of high tension that I reclaimed my wits. The ring - oh - that curious little trinket! It serves as both a reminder of my journey, and a symbol of the pitfalls that accompany unexamined power. This discovery - though it provided me with a means of escape - also introduced a shadow into my heart. 

Each encounter along the way moulded me, refining my spirit like a blacksmith shaping steel. The battles with the wolves and the fateful encounter with Smaug taught me not only about valour, but the importance of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. The dwarves, in their rough and tumble ways, instilled in me a sense of camaraderie that transformed my once solitary existence into one filled with shared laughter, courage, and sacrifice.

As we reached the Lonely Mountain, I found myself at the precipice of destiny. I was no longer merely a cautious hobbit nudging the boundaries of his comfort zone; I had transformed into a resourceful burglar who could navigate treacherous terrain, haggle with merchants, and confront fire-breathing dragons. That journey forged bonds that would last a lifetime, and I can now see the beauty in stepping beyond one’s comfort zone. 

However,[SO2]  the most poignant realization that anchors me today is rooted in the essence of what it means to actually live. Once, I had regarded life as a sequence of predictable days, but now, I comprehend the thrill of uncertainty and the depth of connection. I am no longer content with simply being Bilbo Baggins of the Shire; I am a witness to much larger tales, connecting my story with that of great heroes. 

Gandalf’s words echo in my mind — “You are not the hobbit that you were.” Indeed, with each passing day, I have shed my old self. I find joy in riches and treasure, not for greed, but for the stories they tell and the adventures they represent. I’ve made friends and allies among dwarves, elves, and even a wizard! I[SO3]  now understand that the world is filled with wonders and dangers alike. I[SO4]  long for home, yet feel an insatiable thirst for exploration—the thrill of the unknown!

Gandalf’s remark rings true. I am no longer just Bilbo Baggins, the unassuming hobbit of the Shire. I am a survivor, a seeker of adventure, and a bearer of newfound wisdom. This journey has enriched my life immeasurably, and while I may return to my beloved Shire, a piece of my heart will forever roam the wild lands filled with endless possibility. 

 As I conclude this entry, I am filled with gratitude. Each experience, each trial, and each moment of joy has woven a tapestry of resilience, courage, and wisdom. May I always remember - as I venture forth into whatever lies ahead - that the true measure of a hobbit lies not merely in comforts of home, but in the courage to let life unfold in all its unpredictable glory. 

Until next time, 

Bilbo Baggins

Leasyl Richards

Leasyl.Richards@education.vic.gov.au