Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

I cannot believe how quickly this term is flying past.  Staff have been busy finalising reports, which will be sent out at the end of term. Parent teacher interviews will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, next term, and Friday, July 24th, will be a pupil free day.

This week, we welcomed staff from Drouin PS and Wendy Taylor, one of the creators of the Explicit Maths Program. All visitors observed maths lessons across the school and were very impressed by the teaching, the learning routines,  and the children’s engagement and behaviour. Well done, Tarneit Rise.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of  Professor Richard Scolyer this week. Diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma (a grade 4 brain cancer), he famously volunteered to be 'patient zero' in a world-first experimental immunotherapy trial he helped develop.

Prior to his passing, Professor Scolyer penned a posthumous “final goodbye” letter to farewell Australians and people around the world—a poignant and deeply personal reflection on his life, legacy, and hopes for the future. The letter, which was released following his death, conveyed several key messages:

• The Desire to Help Others: He wrote that he hoped the scientific data and awareness generated from his experimental treatment would build a platform to ultimately find a cure for future cancer patients.
• A Proud Legacy: He noted he would be delighted to be remembered as a "proud everyday Aussie who 'gave it a crack,'" using his own tragic diagnosis to advance medical research.
• Life's True Meaning: He reflected that cancer does not define us, but that a terminal diagnosis gives great clarity on what truly matters: "the importance of relationships, on true friendship and on selflessness."

Professor Scolyer believed that we all have a responsibility to leave the world a better place for future generations. Through his remarkable work, leadership, and generosity, he has undoubtedly done just that. His legacy challenges each of us to reflect on our own contribution and consider how we, too, can make a positive difference for those who follow.

Have a great fortnight

Nadia

Principal