Alternate Programs

Welcome to the second last newsletter article for 2024. A reminder about the final date for specific classes:

• Senior classes - Friday 29 November
• Junior classes - Friday 6 December

McKenzie Creek students are able to attend final week activities on main campus from Wednesday 11 December to Friday 13th December. If you would like to take up this opportunity, please speak to Ben or Dan to receive the required details and ensure your child is appropriately supported.

School staff will be available to be contacted up until Wednesday 18 December. Some students will be required to attend school with their parents for an exit interview over the next two weeks. We will reach out and contact you if this is the case for your child.

We understand that the holiday period can be challenging for some families, especially when the usual supports that school provides are unavailable. Please remember that there are a number of fantastic community organisations in Horsham that can support you during this time. Please make sure to reach out if you need support over the holiday period. 

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout 2024. 

Farewell Ronnie 

In the last fortnight the Creekers have been very busy, doing their everyday amazing things and continually living the school values. They have learnt how to do CPR in Health, expanded their knowledge of rock n’ roll with Mr Shireffs and to commemorate Remembrance Day they had made their own red poppy as well as visiting the Horsham War Memorial & Cenotaph at Sawyer Park to pay their tributes. 

But today’s edition of the newsletter is all about our teacher Ronnie! The Creekers had farewelled Ronnie as she finished her last day on Wednesday 20 December before going on maternity leave. The Creekers were spoiled with one last treat from Ronnie by going for a walk down to May Park and having a delicious ice cream at Una Sosta. 

Students were able to gauge an idea of what morning sickness was like for Ronnie as they spun around the carousel as fast as they could until they felt their insides come up (sorry if that was too much information for you!)

I have been able to receive plenty of praise from colleagues and families of how well run the Creek has been this year and that the students are settled and engaged in their learning. Whilst we have an exceptional group of young people and an amazing Education Support staff member Pascal, who spends every day with the Creekers, a lot of the success can be attributed to Ronnie. Her work ethic and level of care for students is absolutely amazing. 

Personally, I have learnt plenty from Ronnie the past 12 months, especially as this was my first year teaching Math in a classroom setting. We all can’t wait to see Ronnie become a first-time Mum and her visiting the staff and students at Alternate Programs. 

We wish you all the best and know that you’re never too far away! 

McKenzie Creek Family Gathering 

Families and staff are invited to attend a Family Gathering at the Horsham Angling Club next Tuesday 3 December to cap off what has been an excellent year at McKenzie Creek. 

Families should have received a SMS from Ben with the details of the event. 

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Once dismissed at 1:45pm students can go home early with their family or stay for their afternoon class. 

Key Dates 

• Tuesday 3 December - Creek Family Gathering (Horsham Angling Club)
• Friday 6 December - Last Day of McKenzie Creek classes 
• Monday 9 December - ALT Awards Night (The Capital Bistro)
• Tuesday 10 December - Statewide Orientation Day (student-free day)
• Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 December - Activities on Main Campus