Principal Team Updates

Turning Setbacks into Strength

A recent professional conversation with a colleague reminded me of an important truth: helping kids cope with disappointment is one of the greatest lessons we can give them.

Whether it’s missing out on a team, a role, or a privilege, children quickly discover that life doesn’t always go their way. In these moments, what makes the biggest difference is how the adults around them respond.

When parents calmly back school decisions, even if they feel tough or unfair, children see a powerful example of resilience and respect. They learn that setbacks are not the end of the world, but a chance to grow stronger. On the other hand, when frustrations are voiced in front of children, it can unintentionally teach them that every disappointment is someone else’s fault.

What can you do at home?

• Acknowledge your child’s feelings: “I can see you’re upset. That’s normal.”
• Reframe the moment: “This is tough, but it’s also a chance to practise resilience.”
• Share your own experiences of missing out and how you bounced back.

• Encourage healthy next steps: “What could you try next time?”

   

By supporting school decisions and focusing on growth, parents help their children build adaptability and confidence — skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

Wakakirri 2025 – Spirit of Wakakirri Award

Our Wakakirri journey just keeps getting better! Along with winning four State Awards, Croydon Hills Primary School was honoured to receive the prestigious Spirit of Wakakirri Award.

This award recognises schools that embody “Great Stories Inspire Change” — using Story-Dance to inspire positive change while building engagement, teamwork, and creativity.

The judges shared some wonderful feedback about our performance Mission of the Mind:

• An outstanding display of this year’s theme “Mind over Matter”
• Clear themes of grit and perseverance
• Blizzard dancers who performed their choreography beautifully

• A hunger dream scene that was engaging and funny

   

We are incredibly proud of our students, producer Ros, teachers Mrs Watterson, Mrs Smith, Mrs Jonga, and parent helpers for their hard work, creativity and preparations. This recognition is a true reflection of the talent, teamwork, and spirit of our Croydon Hills community.

Camp Helpers – Our Thriving Community

We’ve had an amazing response from our community for the upcoming Year 3, 4 and 5 camps — with 18 parents putting their hand up for Year 3 camp alone! It’s fantastic to see so many people willing to be involved and support our students.

Whilst we would love to take everyone, to make sure we provide fair opportunities for our families, we follow a clear process. Applications are first reviewed at school level before being taken to School Council for final approval. As part of this process, we look at families who contribute to the life of the school, along with ensuring we have capable and skilled helpers to create a safe and positive camp experience.

We know some parents will miss out this time, but we encourage you to keep putting your hand up for future camps and other school events — your support is always valued and makes a huge difference to our community.

Christian Holdsworth, Bree Jennings & Jordan Tate