From the Principal

During the last few weeks we have had a range of wonderful experiences to remind us how privileged we are to have Kindergarten to Year 12 students on the same campus and working together as one school.  We are unique in the area as a K-12 school and the reminders of the extra value our students gain from this arrangement was very powerful.

Last week we held both our Secondary and Primary Athletics carnivals.  At the Primary carnival on Friday I watched as a group of Year 10 and Year 12 students helped to run the events.  What was impressive to watch was the interaction and support between the older and younger students.  There were so many occasions when a Primary student was struggling, particularly to finish a race and the reaction from the senior students was to join the younger student on the track, run with them and encourage them along to finish.  I felt extremely proud of our students.

Again, on Wednesday we celebrated our Foundation Day, or as many staff and students refer to it as MAG’s Birthday! This year was particularly special as we had local Yorta Yorta man, Neil Morris, conduct a Smoking Ceremony prior to our Foundation Day Assembly. Students have been learning about the importance of a Smoking Ceremony and it's significance to Indigenous culture and indeed now to our culture.  

Foundation Day is one of the few whole school activities we hold each year.  It has become a challenge for us to celebrate as a whole school as we do not have an indoor space that is easily accessible. For our Foundation Day assembly, we use the Resource Centre and clear it of all tables, bookshelves and equipment to create a space for us to gather together.  We are hopeful that in the future we will have a space inside where we can gather together as a full school on a regular basis.

The activities in the afternoon after assembly were run by our Year 12 students which has become a tradition for Foundation Day.  Again, I watched as the Year 12 students helped run fun sporting activities and encouraged all the students to join in and celebrate together.  It was clear from the smiles and laughter that everyone was enjoying the opportunity to compete in a relaxed and fun way for the Foundation Day Cup.

The interaction between our students benefits everyone in the school.  Our younger students are supported by the older ones, they are given positive role models whom they admire and respect as well as aspire to emulate as they grow and learn.  Our senior students enjoy helping the younger students and feel a sense of accomplishment and joy.  For many, they also learn to appreciate the challenge of teaching and coaching as well as a sense of achievement watching a younger student complete a task or activity.

We are very fortunate to have these opportunities for our students, parents and staff.  It adds to our vision for all students to flourish in safe and caring environment and reach their potential.

Carmel Spry

Principal