From The Principal

Dear Families,

It is with a mixture of joy and nostalgia that I write this final newsletter as I embark on a new chapter of my life. This is my 42nd year in education and 25 years as a principal here at St Anne’s and St Catherine's, West Melton. 

Reflecting on my time in education as a teacher and principal, I am filled with gratitude for all the experiences I have been able to share with children, staff and families. At St Anne’s, I have been welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. We have celebrated many highs, shared the fun times, found ways through the difficult times and been there to support one another when needed. 

I would like to thank our amazing children. They have given back to me more than they will ever know. When I was a classroom teacher, I wanted my children to be inquisitive, enthusiastic and engaged learners, develop a social conscience and be respectful to those around them. This did not change when I began leading schools and I am proud that with the support of our staff our children are meeting these expectations. One of the greatest pleasures throughout the years have been watching the faces of our children and parents when their names are called out when we announce our Student of the Week. Watching our children read their certificates and our proud parents giving them big hugs will be a memory that I will always hold dear to my heart. I have cherished the moments when children come into my office showing their work or giving me letters or pictures, or when I visit classrooms and see the great work they are doing. These are moments why we all became educators!

To our supportive parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting me and our school with your children's education. Your partnership has been essential in creating a nurturing and thriving environment for our children. Your involvement and encouragement have made a significant impact, and I urge you to continue to be active participants in your children's learning journeys. Sincere thanks to you all for your messages and well wishes, your participation in school events, helping in classrooms, excursions and canteen. I will miss our interactions and I sincerely wish you all the best for the future.

To our dedicated teachers and staff, I offer my profound thanks. Your unwavering commitment to our students' growth and success has been nothing short of inspirational. You have high expectations but this was always done with a caring heart and support to help the children reach their full potential. You have been the heart and soul of St Anne’s, and your passion for education will continue to light the way for generations to come. It has been a pleasure to work with each one of you on your own professional and personal journeys and I thank you for what you have contributed to mine. 

I would like to thank all the leaders who have worked with me. They have been dynamic, energetic, visionary and fun to work with. I would especially like to thank Stephen Arthurson who has been our Deputy for the past 11 years. He has been supportive, caring and dedicated.  Without his vision, energy and knowledge, I don't believe our school would be as good as it is. I thank him for always putting our children and their needs first and for his unwavering support and commitment to continually improve the outcomes for our children, staff and families.

While I am excited about the adventures that await me in retirement, I will deeply miss the daily interactions, the laughter, and the shared moments that have made my time here so special. I leave with a heart full of blessings for our school community and may the spirit of cooperation and respect that we have cultivated together endure and flourish. 

Thank you for the wonderful years and the precious memories. I will always treasure my time here and carry each of you in my heart. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your principal. It has been an honour and a joy. 

I wish each of you continued success, happiness, and fulfilment in all your endeavours

Take Care and Thank You.

Parent Teacher Child Interviews

Our children have worked hard this half of the year as you have hopefully realised reading your child’s report. Our Parent Child and Teacher Interviews are scheduled for the next two days. The following hints may help you to get the most out of your time meeting your child’s teacher

• Think about any questions you may have regarding your child’s progress, strengths and challenges
• Give your child’s teacher the opportunity to share their assessment of your child’s progress. At times interviews never get off the ground as enthusiastic parents can take over
•  Make sure you clarify anything you do not understand
• Be prepared to give an assessment of how you think your child is performing
• Ask how you can help your child in the areas that need to be strengthened 
• If there are any unresolved issues or you wish to discuss your child’s difficulties in greater detail, consider asking for another interview

After the interview, discuss with your child areas that need to be improved in positive terms. Discuss your child’s strengths first before discussing areas needing more work. Try and involve your child in making plans for improvement. By involving your child, and taking notice of their ideas the plans are likely to be more successful.

May God bless you and take care,

Ms Noelene Hussey