Principals' Page
Celebrating Reconciliation Week
On Thursday, we came together to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history and to reflect on how we can strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.
Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and marks two important milestones in Australia's journey towards reconciliation: the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision.
To mark the week, our students and staff wore a touch of yellow to show our support and respect. Yellow represents connection, healing, and hope, a simple yet powerful way for our school to stand together in the spirit of reconciliation.
We are looking forward to some of our students taking part in the Annual Long Walk next Monday. The Long Walk began with AFL great Michael Long, who walked from Melbourne to Canberra in 2004 to raise awareness about the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our walk, organised by Aquinas College and supported by nearby schools, is a chance for our students to be part of this powerful message, walking together in recognition, respect, and hope for a better future.
Annual Report
On Thursday evening we presented our 2024 Annual Report to the school community. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in rich and thoughtful discussion. The report provides a clear overview of our school’s achievements and progress and will soon be available for everyone to read on our school website.
Thank You for Joining Us for Open Afternoon
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Open Afternoon during Education Week.
It was wonderful to see so many of you exploring classrooms, joining in some active games, and most importantly, celebrating the learning your children are so proud of.
The open classrooms gave students a chance to share their favourite work and talk about what they've been learning. Events like this help build a strong connection between school and home, and we value your support.
Celebrating Our Rockstar ES Staff
Last Friday we had the pleasure of celebrating our amazing Education Support (ES) staff, who do so much to support our students and teachers every day.
At assembly, they were officially declared the rockstars of GRPS, and the celebration continued with a morning tea filled with disco balls and glitter. Students shared handmade cards, poems, and a special video created by our Science and Technology captains, all showing their gratitude for the care and support our ES staff provide.
Persuasive Writing Stars
Well done to Pippa and Juliet, who shared their persuasive texts about why children should be allowed to stay up late.
Their arguments were clever and convincing, but after a big week, Mrs Rouda and Miss Roberts decided they’d still prefer an early night!
Don’t Miss This Week’s Specialist Highlights
If you haven’t already, make sure you take a few minutes to read the full newsletter this week. Our wonderful specialist teachers have put together a snapshot of the amazing learning happening across LEAP, EAL, Sport, Art, Indonesian, Performing Arts, and Science & Technology. There are fantastic photos, student work samples, and updates that give a real sense of what your child is experiencing in these areas.
You really are missing out if you don’t take a look. It’s a great way to stay connected with what’s happening at school beyond the classroom.
Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends
The Principal Team
Karen Rouda & Melissa Roberts