Principal's Report

Dear Families,
Can you believe how quickly this term has gone? Next week will be our last week of school for 2021. The end of year will culminate in an assembly commencing at 12.30pm on Thursday 16th. Parents are welcome to attend. We do require those attending to follow COVIDSafe practices. (Checking in using QR Code, proof of vaccination and mask wearing)
Next week is action packed.
Tuesday Graduation
Class Parties, KKs
Wednesday Funfields for Grade 6
Thursday Final Assembly 12.30pm
ART WORK
Over the last few weeks Grade 4 students have been learning about the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. She was injured in an accident. Following this she would paint portraits. The students created their own portrait of Frida using oil pastels and collage. Evie and Sophie put the finishing touches to their artwork on Wednesday.
CHECKLIST
Grade 2 students wrote their own check list for the sleepover. Hopefully they have a fantastic night.
GEM CABINET
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a cabinet of gems, fossils, minerals and rocks from around Australia and to a lesser extent from other parts of the world. Where did it come from and why is at the school? It was given as a gift to William Richards who has decided to give it to the school. He and his family hope it will help engage and nurture the children’s current and long-standing passion in nature/geology.
Importantly, the gifts’ inspiration is the school’s beloved “Frog Bog” with its unique micro-world with trading crystals (quartz) child-built wooden huts and the children’s other wonderfully creative endeavours. Future spin-offs may include:
– Having a 6month trial of a monthly Earth Sciences lunchtime Club in 2022 and;
– Other STEAM (Science, Technology, the Arts, and Mathematics)
- Related activities/additional school clubs if the children and the school community wish. Do come and have a look. It is positioned at the school’s entry foyer near the reception (subject to Covid restrictions). Essentially, the cabinet is arranged on four levels. Each level is arranged to depict a picture world/diorama. William chose what to put in and how to set it it out by thinking of “what happened first and what kids would like most”.
Bottom level- focuses on the Prehistoric dinosaur and Volcanic period;
Level 2- is about native Indigenous Australia and its first human indigenous/ Aboriginal inhabitants.
Level 3 - on European settlement and precious gems etc.
Level 4- modern-day mining, showcasing useful minerals and rare earths now.
Our school is very appreciative of this very generous gesture. Not only was it donated to the school but Lucy and her father, but they spent several hours assembling the cabinet and then placing the items in.
BOARD GAME DAY
Grade One students had a blast during our Board Game Day! Many different games were brought to school and students worked cooperatively, taking turns and following rules to play together. It was a lot of fun and students experienced some new games. We even had some of the Grade Two students join us as it just looked too good to miss.
MODEL VOLCANOES
As part of their science unit on volcanoes Grade 3 students have spent several weeks making their own paper mache volcanoes. As you can see, they are very proud of them, they took many hours to construct. The volcanoes erupting was certainly the highlight.
SHADE SAILS
On Wednesday our new shade sails above the adventure playground were installed. We were fortunate enough to receive a grant which covered the cost of their replacement.
SCOOTER COMPETITION
Congratulations to Ben, Luke and Alex for your participation in a scooter competition in Wangaratta over the weekend. Luke was awarded 1st place, Ben and Alex finishing 2nd. Well done to you all.
2022 SCHOOL YEAR
28th January Teachers Commence
31st January All students commence school
Foundation children do not attend school on a Wednesday until after the Labour Day holiday on 14th March.
Have a lovely weekend,
Regards Heather