From the  Assistant Principal

Welcome back friends

Welcome back to school, I just know this is going to be the best year at Kalinda yet. There is a certain spring in our steps as we move forward with lots of exciting projects and plans and I can't wait to share this journey with you. 

My office is in the foyer of the main school building and I'd love to hear from you when you have questions, concerns, celebrations or just stories to tell. You will usually see me with my trusty sidekick Roxie. Roxie is our school dog, she is at school most days and is always in the company of an adult. Roxie stays on her lead when she is out and about and has already enjoyed getting to know many of our new students and families. Roxie's skills include helping students feel safe and comfortable at school, lending a listening ear to little worries and listening to students read their work. She is also quite adept at stealing Lego, socks and underwear...but don't worry, that's a skillset she keeps for home! Roxie loves a pat or tummy scratch - she also loves the simplicity of a wave or kind word.

Blasting Off into 2023

Our amazing teachers and support staff have started our year with a bang, working long and hard to ensure that our beginning was a really positive and exciting one. Our first few weeks all classes take part in 'Blast Off': a program designed to get us settled into school with high expectations, great problem solving skills, and a positive attitude. All classes have spent time learning 'how to learn' in their new year level and it has been so fantastic hearing students as young as Foundation chatting about what makes a good learner and a great friend. In all classrooms you can see examples of our brainstorming as well as activities designed to help us to get to know each other and celebrate our individual strengths.

New and returning staff

New years bring new beginnings and for Kalinda that means welcoming some new and returning faces to our staff. It is such a pleasure to introduce Mrs Giulia Bulled (5B) and Simone Flanagan (Japanese) to you. In the next newsletter, I look forward to introducing you to some of our returning staff.

Hi, my name is Giulia Bulled and I am teaching 5B this year. This will be my first year teaching at Kalinda (although you may have seen me around last Semester when I was working as a CRT at the school). I have previously taught at Mount Waverley Primary where I was for over 10 years. 

I have two daughters who keep my husband and I very busy! I enjoy going out for dinner, going to the footy (Go Pies!) and pretty much any musical.

I am really looked forward to being part of the Kalinda community and already feel so welcomed by the wonderful students, staff and parents. 

Minnasan Konnichiwa / Hello Everyone

I’m Simone Flanagan (Flanagan Sensei) and I’m so excited to be joining Kalinda Primary School and the Japanese teaching team as a Japanese Teacher. I’m married with a six year old son who has just started grade one this year. I lived in Japan for almost three years and I loved learning about Japanese language and culture. One of my favourite moments in Japan was climbing to the top of Mt Fuji! I love photography, shopping and catching up with family and friends in my spare time. I’m looking forward to meeting you all soon.

Play and Gathering Places Strategy

Have your say in this important Maroondah City Council survey for a chance to win an Eastland voucher. 

Take care Kalinda, you mean a lot to me. 

Lauren Hopkins

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.