The Golden Vine

From the School Leadership Team

A Week of Cultural Connection: Reflecting on Our Eisugakkan Visit

What an absolutely wonderful week to begin the term we've enjoyed with our dear friends from Eisugakkan! As we reflect on this special cultural exchange, our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible memories created and the meaningful connections forged between our students and our international visitors.

 

The visit showcased one of our school's most treasured partnerships, providing our students with invaluable opportunities to learn about different cultures and build friendships that transcend borders. Watching our children engage with their Japanese guests, sharing stories, laughter, and learning together, reminded us once again why these exchanges are so precious to our school community.

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly our special camp experience at AFL Max on Friday, where our students and visitors came together for activities celebrating friendship, teamwork, and cultural understanding. The joy and excitement were palpable as children from two different cultures united through sport and play, creating memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. These shared experiences have broadened our children's perspectives in the most wonderful ways, opening their minds and hearts to the beauty of cultural diversity.

 

We cannot express enough gratitude to our generous homestay families who opened their homes and hearts to host our international visitors over the weekend. Your warmth, hospitality, and willingness to embrace this cultural exchange exemplified the true spirit of community that makes our school so special. The bonds formed between families during these homestay experiences create lasting connections that extend far beyond the visit itself.

This rich cultural experience has been a true blessing for our entire school community. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated families and enthusiastic students who help make these meaningful connections possible. The Eisugakkan partnership continues to enrich our school's culture and provide our children with global perspectives that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Important Upcoming Events

 

School Photos - Tuesday 5 August

Please remember that school photos are scheduled for this Tuesday. Please ensure your child is dressed in full school uniform and ready to smile!

 

P & F Bingo Night - Saturday 9 August Join us for a fun evening at our Parents & Friends Bingo Night! This promises to be a fantastic community event filled with prizes, laughter, and great company. Please remember to book your table to secure your spot for what promises to be an entertaining evening.

 

Volunteering in the School 

We appreciate many families giving of their time and expertise to volunteer in the school, whether it be with our school canteen, P & F Events, school camps, GLOW Week or classroom assistance. A reminder to please ensure that your WWCC details are up to date, along with RAHN and VSC training. Further information on our volunteering requirements is available from our website. 

 

A few reminders

Please be reminded of some of our key events coming up: 

 

Term 3

  • Tuesday 5 August – School Photos
  • Saturday 9 August – P&F Bingo Night 
  • Wednesday 13 August – Principal Tour 9.15am
  • Thursday 14 August – Year 5/6 SACSA Netball
  • Friday 15 August – Year 3/4 SACSA Netball
  • Friday 15 August – Pong A Thon
  • Tuesday 19 August – Book Week Parade
  • Tuesday 19 August – Middle of Term (MOT) Breakfast
  • Friday 29 August – Date Night
  • Monday 1 September – Father’s Day Stall
  • Thursday 4 September – Mark Le Messuirer – managing anxiety and big emotions in children 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the Worship Centre
  • Friday 5 September – Pupil Free Day – show day
  • Wednesday 10 September – Year 3/4 SACSA AFL
  • Wednesday 10 September – Principal Tour 9.15am
  • Wednesday 10 September – Exhibition viewing for Parents
  • Thursday 11 September – Year 5/6 SACSA AFL
  • Friday 12 September – SAPSASA Tennis
  • Friday 12 September – Messy Church
  • Friday 19 September – Special Person’s Afternoon

Our full school calendar can also be viewed on the school website. 

 

Will Wallace 

Principal 

EVALUATION

Our evaluation of the PYP is nigh! Michael, our onsite evaluator, will be at GGLPS from Wednesday to Friday next week. Brendan will be online during these times too. The Evaluation Team will be meeting with teachers, our school board, parents and students. Michael will also be spending time in classes, viewing teaching and learning and chatting with students and teachers over the three days.  

The evaluation is conducted every 5 years by International Baccalaureate and our evaluators are experts in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). They will be looking at many aspects of our school as set out in the IB PYP Standards and Practices. These are a set of guidelines for best practice in school operation and teaching and learning.  

We have the opportunity to have a group of parents meet with the evaluators to discuss their thinking about GGLPS. This will take place from 2pm – 3pm on Thursday, August 7th. If you are interested in sharing your views, please let me know asap. 

Please say hello if you see Michael around the school next week! We look forward to all we will learn from the evaluation process as we aim to continually improve as a school.  

 

Jayne Zadow

Director of PYP, Teaching and Learning