Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
Father’s Day
On Sunday week, 7th September, we say happy Father’s Day to all our dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures in our lives. It is also a day to remember and treasure the memories of the fathers who are no longer with us.
God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, the depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities.
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew his masterpiece was complete,
And so, he called it ... Dad
Hats
In line with our Sun Smart policy, it is that time of the year where children are to start wearing hats. I ask that all children bring their hats to school clearly named from this coming Monday, 1st September.
Condolences to Miriam
Our condolences go out to our Literacy leader, Miriam Collins and her family. Miriam’s beautiful mum, Theresa, passed away 3 weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Miriam’s family during this difficult time.
School Review
On Monday the 8th and Tuesday 9th September, our school will be involved in an external review process. This is part of the 5-year school improvement cycle whereby we look at our achievements over the past 5 years and set goals and priorities for the next 5 years. Over the 2 days the reviewers will meet with staff, students and parents to help us reflect, and guide us in our future direction.
Toys for Our Sandpit
The toys in our sandpit are getting very worn out and tired due to the popularity of our beautiful big sandpit. If you have any toys at home such as trucks, cars, buckets, spades etc. that are no longer being used, donations would be greatly appreciated.
The Good Man Project
In a recent survey, young boys were asked what it means to be a man, and surprisingly the overwhelming response was more about what men can’t do; “Never show weakness, never cry, never be vulnerable.”
A few years ago, SunnyKids, an organisation that looks after the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable young children, released a book to all primary schools called “The Good Man Project”. It is a story about a 12 year old boy whose teacher sets the class a project on finding out what it really means to be a ‘good man’. Throughout the story it becomes clearer to the main character what it really does mean.
On Tuesday, Andre and I worked with the Grade 6 boys and we have read the story and had some great discussion around this topic. We have asked them to do their own “Good Man Project” based on role models in their own lives and their individual characteristics and behaviours. They will be presenting this to their peers in Week 9 on the 16th September. I would appreciate your input and discussion with your child on this important topic. Encourage them to not only think about close family members, but characteristics of influential others such as coaches, teachers, neighbours etc.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Michael Mahoney
(Principal)