Principal's Report
Staffing News
Congratulations to Mr Greer and his wife Kiandra on the safe arrival of their second child, Hadley. We have passed on our congratulations to Corey and Kiandra and wished them well as Hadley settles into their family.
As mentioned in our last newsletter, Mrs Hamilton commences maternity leave next week as she and her husband Daniel prepare for the birth of their first child. We wish them all the very best!
Radio Interview
Our School Captains, Frankie and Cai, as well as Mr Lidgett, spoke wonderfully well when they visited Phoenix FM last Friday. In fact, John, one of the presenters, said that he had never enjoyed a session as much as this one.
Frankie and Cai spoke with great empathy, insight, joy and honesty. We will attempt to put a copy of the interview on our website so that those who missed it can enjoy it at their leisure.
National Ride to School Day
What amazing support we received for National Ride to School Day last Friday. We were thrilled to have almost 85% of our students involved in actively travelling to school on this day. Please see Mr Smith article in the 'Specialist News' for further details.
Thanks to Bicycle Network Victoria for continuing to promote the importance of Active Travel and developing lifelong healthy habits.
Additional RAT Packs
The Victorian Government recently announced it is extending the rapid antigen test (RAT) screening program for the first 4 weeks of Term 2. New packs were sent home yesterday. I would encourage all families to test their children on the evening prior to the first day of Term 2.
The screening recommendations will remain the same next term for students and staff.
Meet Our 1/2 Team!
ANZAC Commemorative Service
On Monday April 4th we were privileged to have Joel Anderson, Darby’s dad, join us for an ANZAC Day commemoration service. Given that ANZAC Day falls on the first day back of Term 2, we were able to hold a condensed version of our usual service to mark this special day.
Thank you to our School Captains, Cai L and Frankie S, Vice House Captain Nathan K, House Captains Maya D, Elsie P, Lexi O, Leni H, Ellie S, Emme H for speaking and Tiahna E, born on Jaara Country, for an Acknowledgement of Country. A very special part of the assembly was Russell Bovaird who played The Last Post as the flags were raised and the wreath was taken to the flag poles. You could hear a pin drop as we gave a minute silence to remember our fallen soldiers so I thank all staff and students for showing their deepest respect.
Following the assembly Joel was able to speak with our Year 1/2 classes and he provided a very interesting insight into what his uniform and medals meant. We also learned how to salute. Joel also gave time to visit the Prep and 1/2 classrooms for some ANZAC questions and activities. We sincerely thank Russell and Joel for their time and preparation and appreciate that their effort allowed all students and staff at Spring Gully Primary School to learn more about the spirit of the ANZAC and what ANZAC Day means.
On Wednesday Cai and Frankie also travelled to Melbourne with Mr Lidgett to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance on behalf of our school (please see the wonderful photo above).
Emma Orr (Coordinator)
SunSmart Policy Term 2
A reminder that we have implemented the Cancer Council SunSmart recommendation – hats are to be worn until the end of April. It is therefore mandatory that students wear an ‘approved’ SunSmart hat outside for play and sporting activities from the commencement of next term until the end of April.
Early School Finish - End of Term 1
Term 1 concludes tomorrow, 8th April. Students will be dismissed at 2:15pm. An assembly is scheduled for 2:00pm and students will be dismissed from The Hub area. Term 2 commences on Tuesday, 26th April.
Bus travellers will be picked up one hour earlier than usual.