From the Principal

This year has been a year to celebrate our school community's achievements, growth, and spirit. It’s a special time for me to reflect on the past year and recognise the hard work and dedication of everyone who makes Anson Street School such an extraordinary place.

Anson Street School is where every individual matters, and this year has been no exception. We have witnessed remarkable accomplishments in learning, personal development, and teamwork. Whether through academic success, participation in extracurricular activities, or the simple act of showing kindness to others, each of you has contributed to making our school the inclusive, inspiring place it is.

 

At the heart of our school are the values that guide us every day: our character pillars of curiosity, kindness, hope, and gratitude, and our Positive Behaviour for Learning expectations to be respectful, responsible, and safe. These values are not just words on a page but principles we see in action every day, shaping our school culture and helping us grow together.

 

This year, our students have shown curiosity in their learning, eagerly engaging in a range of subjects and activities. Whether exploring science experiments, asking questions in the classroom, or diving into creative arts, your curiosity has been a driving force for discovery and growth.

 

We’ve enjoyed excursions to local landmarks and attractions, which brought classroom learning to life and gave students the chance to explore the world around them. Our creative arts programs have allowed students to express themselves through music, drama, and visual arts, with some amazing performances and projects shared throughout the year.

 

In addition, our school has taken part in community initiatives, giving students the opportunity to contribute and connect beyond the school gates. Of most significance is our Intergenerational project where our students have made grandfriends with residents at Orange Grove aged care facility. 

 

Our students have demonstrated kindness, not only through their friendships but also in the way they support and encourage one another. Whether during our sports carnivals, where teamwork was on full display, or during community events where the students represented our school with pride, their kindness has made a difference. We have also seen hope shine in the determination of students to overcome challenges and strive for goals. Whether it was in mastering new skills in the Skills House, participating in exciting excursions like the one to Canberra, or simply giving their best effort each day, their hope has inspired us all to aim higher.

 

And let’s not forget gratitude—the way you’ve shown appreciation for your teachers, your classmates, and the opportunities you’ve been given. Your gratitude reminds us all of the importance of valuing what we have and those around us. Throughout this year, our Positive Behaviour for Learning expectations have been the foundation of everything we do. By being respectful, students have listened, collaborated, and celebrated each other’s differences. By being responsible, students have taken ownership of their learning, their actions, and their contributions to the school community.

 

To our students, your enthusiasm and dedication to living out our values are what make Anson Street School so special. To our staff, your tireless efforts to model and instill these principles have made an immeasurable impact. And to our families and caregivers, your partnership and support are why we have such success.

 

Congratulations to our new student leadership team. You are shining examples of our school values in action and I look forward to working with you all in 2025.  

 

Thank you to staff who will be leaving us at the end of the year: Mrs Billie-Jo Rutten to a permanent Assistant Principal position at Calare PS, Catherine Thompson to a permanent teacher position at Orange High School, Chris Wood to a teaching position at CRTHS, Xanthe Keegan to pursue study, Caylor Howarth and Dan Stein. Your contribution to our school has been immense and we wish you all the very best in 2025. 

 

Thank you, everyone, for making this year one to remember. Let’s continue to live out our values as we move forward together.

 

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a restful holiday. 

 

Melanie Meers

Principal

#proudtobepublic

 

 

 

 

 

Board Member, Wangarang Industries

Leader, SPC Inclusion and Wellbeing

President, Zonta Orange

DipArts (Music), GradDip (Education), GradCertEd (Pedagogy), MEd (Leadership & Management), GradCertEd (Learning Support), ProfCert (Positive Education)

 

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