"Life Listens To The Energy We Bring" - Julie Cross 

Hello NPS Families 

Last Thursday and Friday, Mr. McKinnis and I attended the Statewide VPA (Victorian Principal's Association) Conference held in Melbourne. This was an event that neither of us had attended previously and following those two quite intense days, we left inspired (and exhausted) by those who we heard from as conference speakers and keynotes. 

Two standout highlights for me personally were first hearing from James Castrission, a record-breaking adventurer who with his mate 'Jonesy' - kayaked from Australia to New Zealand, as well as trekking from the edge of Antarctica to the south pole and back, completely unaided. 'Cas' story of perseverance, grit, and determination was inspiring and highlighted just how powerful the human brain can be when we are faced with adversity and challenge. You can read more about Cas' adventures here:  https://www.myadventuregroup.com.au/about/

The second, was a lady by the name of Julie Cross. Julie shared her story of living, loss and how to get the most out of life by focusing on giving, laughing, and humour, 3 things quite remarkable in knowing through what she shared, the deep loss and challenges that she has faced in her life. Julie's humour and messages were the perfect way to end what was a mammoth two days! Julie has appeared on a number of television shows and has also authored several texts - most notably: Welcome to our journey of living and loving with Autism. A text I am currently reading! 

The theme of the conference was '"Leadership, Our Schools, Our Communities". To hear from other Primary School Principals from across the state highlighted to the both of us that the work our staff are doing, the learning that is being undertaken by our students, and the involvement of you all as families who are invested in your children's education, has our school in a very healthy place (knowing also that we always will have work to do to improve, grow and strengthen!). 

As we head into the final weeks of term 3, we still have a mountain of events taking place and many boxes to tick. Thankfully, our staff, students, and school community are a well-organized machine! We have our Jump Rope for Heart Jump Off Day coming up, including our annual Indonesian Day and of course our School Concert! Tickets are still available for the Concert so if you have not yet obtained yours, please do so! 

Finally, this morning's father's/special person's breakfast saw a wonderful turnout so thank you to everyone who attended! Thank you also to all staff who supported the running of the event! 

For Sunday, I wish all of our Dads, Granddads, Father Figures, and Special People in our children's lives a magnificent Father's Day for 2024! This is arguably the most significant event on the yearly calendar... apparently just behind Mother's Day  ;) 

I hope all of our NPS Families have a great weekend and a great Day on Sunday! 

Thank you. 

Principal

Newtown Primary School