Principal Chat
Dear Families,
Gee Whizz - just so we are clear, this photo above was the photo where we were to pull a funny face. It's awkward in its ordinariness!!!
Pie Drive
Just a couple of things - big thank you to Mrs Wall for coordinating the Pie Drive for the Niangala P&C. I believe she was dreaming about pies for a few nights there when it was time for collating all the information! Thank you too to the Balmains for bringing the coolroom to Niangala from Dungowan, to Tabitha Ham, Beth Higgins, Maree Balmain and Debbie Wall for sorting the pies (there was a mountain of them!) Thank you of course to everyone who ordered pies and encouraged and promoted others to support our terrific school. Without the orders we have no pie drive!! I must confess, the cold weather has meant that we have a fastly dwindling supply in our household.
Celebrating Mrs Makeham
We are delighted to recognise the outstanding work of Mrs Makeham, who recently taught and organised our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) bird project within Science and Technology. Her expertise, diligence, and patience with the students have brought about a truly inspiring educational experience.
Students collaborated with Yarrowitch Public School, presenting their proposals to attract more birds to our schools before a panel of experts. The impressive projects demonstrated innovation, scientific thinking, and a real passion for environmental stewardship.
Mrs Makeham’s careful planning and unwavering dedication ensured a high level of engagement and student interest throughout the entire project. Her encouragement and support allowed students to develop their ideas fully and confidently share their work.
Importantly, the journey doesn’t end here. Students will use valuable feedback from the expert panel to refine their prototypes and turn their ideas into actual objects, continuing their learning and growth. I personally can't wait to see the projects come to fuition.
A huge thank you and congratulations to Mrs Makeham for her commitment to excellence and for providing our students with such a rich and meaningful educational opportunity.
Student/teacher/parent conferences
Student/teacher/parent conferences have given me pause to reflect on the messages students take home about school and their learning. Often, children see learning as something confined to the classroom, rather than an ongoing experience that happens everywhere.
Consider this familiar scenario: At the end of a busy day, a parent asks, “How was school today?” If the child replies, “Not so great,” we tend to stop, listen, and ask questions. But when the answer is a simple “Good,” we often move on without much further discussion. Quickly, children learn that a way to get our attention is by mentioning the negatives, and saying something was “good” means less to talk about.
While it’s important to be there for children during challenges, it’s equally important to celebrate the positives and encourage deeper reflection. Encouraging children to share more about their day helps them develop a growth mindset and connects their learning at school to their everyday experiences.
By shifting our questions, we help students see learning as a journey full of successes, challenges, and growth. Let’s foster positive conversations at home that nurture curiosity and resilience both in and beyond the classroom.
Enjoy the trip towards to Winter Solstice. Only a month away!
Hannah Crawford
Principal
Niangala Public School