We began this week on a high with our special assembly to celebrate our success with the ‘Saluting Their Service Grant.’ The Australian Governments Department of Veteran Affairs offers a number of Community Grants including the ‘Saluting Their Service Grant.’ Since our original flag poles were damaged during the demolition process when preparing for the new building it was decided to apply for this grant.

Fortunately, we were successful allowing for the purchase and installation of one of the flag poles, the school then only had to purchase the other two flagpoles.

Installing the flagpoles at our school to display the Australian, the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flags serves as a visual reminder of patriotism and respect for those who have and continue to serve our country, and it will also promote inclusivity, cultural awareness and respect among students, staff and the wider community. Our wonderful school captains welcomed our special guests; Fil Di Bianco the Welfare Officer at the Waverley RSL and Retired Chief Petty Officer Trevor Huf from the Royal Australian Navy. Both spoke of the significance of the flags and in particular Trevor spoke about the Australian flag and its significance during wartime. After the assembly Trevor and Fil spent some time with the Year 5 and 6 students, answering any questions they had.

Green Team

The next exciting moment was when we heard from Celina, the Sustainability and Recycling Educator from Monash Council, congratulating us on taking part in the first Actions for Earth - School Sustainability Challenge. She spoke about the actions that the ‘Green Team’ have completed and how this makes a big difference in creating a healthier environment, empowering students to be involved in sustainability and increasing awareness for sustainability initiatives in schools.

Here is the list of actions that have been completed:

Earth Hour

Nude Food
Water saving posters
New habitat-friendly planting around our new building
New recycling bins in each building
Community working bees
Re-joining Resource Smart Schools
Participating in the Container Deposit Program
Nature Scavenger Hunt (coming soon)

She said the council have calculated the results from the Actions for Earth challenge and our school was able to complete an incredible number of actions this year, ranking in the top 5! This is an achievement worth celebrating, she said so we would love to give you an award and a participation prize, Celina then presented the Environment Captains with a Waste and Litter Audit Kit plus a certificate.

Science Talent Search

Congratulations to the Science Talent Search Bursary entrants who received their medals, monetary prizes and certificates at assembly.

There were several different sections that the students could enter. The overarching theme for this year was ‘Innovations: Powering Future Industries’. All the students worked extremely hard over several months to prepare their projects. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Evans for encouraging and supporting students with the Science Talent Search, she has done an amazing job. I am looking forward to more students participating in this opportunity next year.

Minor Bursary: Alex and Nam

Minor Bursary: Nivedhita

Minor Bursary: Athulya

Minor Bursary: Siddarth

Minor Bursary: Nayanka

Minor Bursary: Ved

Distinction: Ayaan and Uyoung

Distinction: Hermione and Evelyne

Distinction: Celine

Distinction: Taviru

Merit: Anvika and Thea

Merit: Enzo

Merit: Aiden and Ryan

Merit: Eleanore and Daniella

Merit: Ameyaa

Merit: Daniel

Merit: Harris and Lewis

John Monash Science School Little Scientist, Big Science Program

This Monday night we have a team of students presenting at the Australian Science Fair Exhibition at John Monash Science School. Lewis, Harris, Nayanka and Vaishnavi have been working together over many weeks to answer a scientific question and on Monday night they will present their findings. We wish them all the very best.

Swimming

It has been a treat to witness this week all our students in Foundation to Year 2 heading off to their swimming lessons at Huntingtower each afternoon. A huge thanks to all our parent helpers who assist with the program, without this support we would find it difficult to run the program. As we are all aware, being safe around the water is incredibly important in Australia. The program gives the students the opportunity to become water confident and to improve their swimming skills and it also gives the younger students an opportunity to strengthen their independence in self-care.

Disco

Next Friday we will see the return of ‘Disco Fever’ to Syndal South. The students in Foundation to Year 3 will be hitting the dance floor at 9.55 am to 10.40 am and the Year 4 to Year 6 students from 11.10 am to 12.10 pm. Flyers will be coming home today.

Finally, I would like to wish our Year 3 and 4 campers all the best as they head off to their Yarra Junction camp on Monday. We look forward to seeing lots of photos capturing the exciting adventures and experiences that await them.

Have a great fortnight.

Helen

SWPBS