Principal's Message

Year of the Dragon!

What a year it has been! I am so proud of our achievements and growth this year - living out the qualities of the Dragon: wonder, bravery and ambition. 

Wonder is a powerful force that ignites curiosity and inspires exploration. Throughout the year, we have encouraged our students to ask questions, seek new ideas, and dive into the unknown. 

One of the highlights of our journey has been our partnership with Sydney Metro and Western Sydney University. Through this collaboration, our students engaged in meaningful inquiry about the impact of the metro on our community. They explored real-world issues, asked insightful questions, and developed a deeper understanding of how infrastructure shapes our lives. It has been truly inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and commitment to learning.

We also opened our classrooms to parents through our "Come and Play" sessions. These events have been an incredible opportunity for families to join in the learning process, as students showcased their skills and creativity while exploring various topics together. We saw laughter, collaboration, and a shared love for learning that truly embodies the spirit of our school community.

We have also embraced a wide range of STEM opportunities this year. From programming robots to experimenting with the thrilling science of making ice cream using liquid nitrogen, our students have had the chance to engage in hands-on learning experiences that spark their imaginations. These activities not only foster curiosity but also lay the foundation for critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for their future.

The second quality of the Dragon that we have embraced throughout the year is — Bravery. Dragons are often seen as symbols of courage, and this year, we have demonstrated remarkable bravery by stepping outside our comfort zones and facing challenges head-on.

One of the most extraordinary moments of the year was when our choir and dance group performed at the iconic Sydney Opera House. This performance was not just a showcase of talent; it was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and courage of our students. They took the stage with confidence, sharing their passion and creativity with a wider audience. I am incredibly proud of each student who participated, as they truly embodied the spirit of bravery.

We held two successful parent learning walks, where families had the opportunity to engage with our learning environment and see first-hand the incredible work our students are doing. This initiative not only strengthened the connection between home and school but also encouraged students to take ownership of their learning and share their achievements with their families.

Our students from Press Gang have also showcased their bravery through the production of a student newspaper each term. They have stepped into the roles of journalists, editors, and creative writers, bravely sharing their perspectives and insights with our school community. Their voices matter, and it has been wonderful to see them express themselves so boldly.

Ambition—the third quality we have celebrated this year. Together, we have dreamt big and set ambitious goals for ourselves. 

One of our proudest achievements was winning a NSW Education Secretary's award for our Inquiry projects. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work, creativity, and dedication that our students and staff have poured into their learning experiences.

We have also welcomed many visiting schools to observe our programs, and it has been heartening to see the interest and admiration for the innovative work we are doing. Just recently, we had the honour of hosting the Minister for Education, who was thoroughly impressed by the focus and learning taking place within our school. Her visit affirmed that we are on the right path, and it motivates us to continue striving for excellence.

Every day, we challenge our students to develop deep thinking skills in literacy and numeracy. We are committed to stretching and supporting them as they pursue their goals, encouraging them to push themselves further. It is this combination of bravery and ambition that empowers our students to achieve greatness and fosters a culture of excellence within our school.

As we celebrate these achievements, let us remember that wonder, bravery, and ambition go hand in hand. Together, we can encourage our students to dream big, take risks, and embrace challenges with courage. Let us nurture their curiosity and inspire them to reach for the stars.

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I want to thank our teachers - for their hard work, dedication to the highest professional standards and deep connection with students and families. I hope they all have a restful and rejuvenating break - they deserve it!

I would like to officially thank Mrs Costantini - who is moving to a new school, just for 2025. She will be 3 minutes from home, rather than travelling over 2 hours a day to get to and from GEPS! She been here for 20 years and had such a tremendous impact on students, families and staff. We thank her deeply for her service and wish her all the very best!

Thank you also to our parents and families - you have supported us this year and engaged in many offerings in the name of  building our connections around learning. Thank you for your interest, energy and perseverance.

Finally, to our students... I hope our Year 6 students step boldly into their future. Know that you have our whole community cheering you on. We are proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations, and may your paths be filled with the spirit of The Dragon! 

To all students - have a great break - sleep in, spend time with family, have fun - try not to spend too much time on screens (!) and enjoy the summer holidays.

School is open for enquiries and to get uniforms, from Monday 3rd Feb - but all students return on Thursday 6th February 2025.

Regards

Louise Reynolds

Principal