Music News

This is my final newsletter

This is my final newsletter before I retire at the end of this term and whilst I still love teaching music and accompanying the strings program, the physical work is quite an effort. It’s time to slow down and follow a different path.

I have so many happy memories of the past 31 years at IPS. I am so proud of the students and what they have achieved through the years. Everyday at school is different and only last week I discovered two students who had great drumming skills. I’m so pleased with the enthusiasm and love for music I see in our students. 

Apart from the 100 or so students involved in the strings program, we also have healthy numbers of students learning piano, guitar, and drums four afternoons a week in the Music Room through Creative Music. We also have students learning a musical instrument privately. 

The benefits of learning music are widely known – but if you’re interested, you can follow this link to find out more about the benefits of learning music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng&t=25s

A Big Thank You!

If at any time you have supported the music program, helped at concerts, rehearsals, or on the stage at the fair – I sincerely thank you. 

If you have been on a committee with me – I thank you for the camaraderie and wonderful ideas. To all staff members I sincerely thank you for being so supportive and caring.

Thank you, Liz!

One person I was so fortunate to connect with in the early days was Liz Bonetti. I could see that the strings program was very special and quite unique amongst state primary schools. Liz’s influence extends well beyond school, and I have learned many great pedagogical skills watching Liz take the strings groups. It was an honour to be invited as a guest to Government House on Tuesday to see Liz receive her Order of Australia medal. Well done Liz!

To Margaret Butcher – thank you for continuing the legacy of the strings program and providing a nurturing environment where students can enjoy the positive benefits of playing in orchestral ensembles. I know the program is in good hands thanks to Margaret and our strings teachers.

Monday was my final assembly, and it was such a joyful and positive atmosphere. Thank you to the students and staff who decorated me with all kinds of medals and awards. So much fun! I will miss all those dress-up, special days.

Good luck with all your future endeavours.

Mrs Marie Morrow

A wonderful series of memories follow.