Principal's Report

Just a short newsletter today given my involvement in the School Camp this week.

Year 3 & 4 Camp to Arrabri Lodge

After a lovely trip through outer suburbia we soon reached the rolling hills of Warburton on Monday morning and the attractive camp at Arrabri Lodge. After a scrumptious BBQ lunch on the Monday our students enjoyed four rotational activities that day. After dividing up into five groups being Kookaburras, Rosellas, Magpies, Corellas and Cockatoos, our students enjoyed orienteering, initiatives and challenges, a ropes course, flying fox and the giant swing. On Monday night after a tasty meal of schnitzels and roast vegetables, chocolate pudding and ice-cream, we immersed ourselves in a bush dance, learning dances from many cultures. This was followed by a night walk and camp fire with marshmallows. All children eventually settled to a night of sleep and then rose early with unbridled enthusiasm.

On Tuesday, our students were involved in some six rotational activities, which again was followed by a hearty and healthy meal for dinner. These further rotational activities included mini-golf, archery, lawn bowls, damper cooking, a sensory trail and the climbing wall and other activities including access to the games room. This was followed by a concert in the evening where students demonstrated some creative expressions. On Wednesday morning we headed off to an engaging and informative reptile show, followed by a visit to some huge Californian Redwoods and then lunch at Lilydale Lake. The whole experience was fully engaging and active.

Again, I convey the leadership and organisation of Mr Tim Clarke and the extraordinary added commitment of those volunteering considerable additional time to make it possible: Ms Georgina Kirwan, Ms Heather Ritter, Ms Cheryl Chang and Mr Peter Manning. Above all our students thoroughly enjoyed and were inspired by the experience.

District Athletics Practices – Monday 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Mr Walter Boulton continues to inspire and lead us with his fabulous work in the area of Physical Education in our school. Mr Boulton will be conducting additional practices for a number of students on Monday 25th August who are involved in the District Athletices. Such happenings of course were common some years ago and we know the enormous impact such commitment and opportunities have for our students. The District Athletics Carnival will be held at Bill Sewart Reserve on Monday 8th September. Again, we encourage parents to join us and cheer our students on.

As always there is an enormous amount occurring in our school. I look forward to informing you more in the next edition scheduled for Friday 5th September.

Christopher Cotching

Principal