Notes from the Principal
We are already up to Week 4, Term 4. We have had a lot of fun in the first 4 weeks, and we have a lot to look forward too.
Hoop Time Basketball – Regional Finals
On Monday 26th October our team of Year 4&5 Future Stars Girls played in the Hooptime Region finals. There was only one other team in the division from Horsham. We beat them in the first game 20-6. While we were waiting to play them again in the final, the fire alarms went off at HILAC and we had to evacuate! The Horsham team agreed that, given the first score, we would probably have won the grand final. So – we are off to Wantirna South State Basketball Centre to compete in the Hooptime State Finals on Friday 4th December!
Readers Cup
Our team of Maddie, Sienna, Ivy and Edith spent most of last term reading a series of books in preparation for the Reader’s Cup. This competition is held each year between the small schools who use the Mobile Art Resource Centre. The girls created a response that reflected their understanding of the book “Kind” by Jess McGeachin (who was the visiting author on the day). Based on our RED GUM Values, the girls came up with 20 ways to be “Kind” in different “Kinds” of places e.g. in the environment, in the community, at home, and to yourself. They also took part in a quiz. Although we did not win, the girls had a great time and returned with plans in preparation for 2027. Thanks Mrs Bell for being our representative teacher and driving the students to and from Branxholme.
Bike Riding
Thanks to Variety - The Children's Charity, the Schools Mental Health Fund and our wonderful volunteer bike builders we have started riding our bikes every day. In Week 1 we had a quick rundown on the rules and riding safely on the playground, then a short practice. I am looking forward to spending more time with everyone riding the bikes. Next steps are to renovate the fitness track so it can double as a bike track.
No School on Monday and Tuesday
Just a reminder that there is no school Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd November. Students will return to school on Wednesday 4th November.
World Shine a Light on Teacher’s Day
We are so lucky to have our wonderful teachers on staff. Every day they welcome our students with warmth and unconditional positive regard. They seek opportunities to keep learning engaging and go above and beyond to support us all.
Thank you, Miss Lowndes, Miss Sartain, Mrs Bell and Mrs Huf, for all that you do. We all appreciate it very much.
Thank you to all families who provided a yummy morning tea for our Teachers. A video of some of our students answering some questions about their teachers has been put on the school Facebook page. Be sure to have a look!
Wellbeing Education Term 4 - Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Curriculum
Please take the time to read the important information I have provided about up and coming mandated wellbeing curriculum for Term 4. We will be teaching the topics "Gender Norms and Stereotypes" and "Positive Gender Relations". I strongly encourage you to read this information and approach your child's teacher or myself if you have any questions or queries.
Fleece & Flower Show
Coming up…
Monday 2nd November - Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 3rd November - MELBOURNE CUP DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Tuesday 10th November - Asanti Dance Theatre Incursion at school
Wednesday 11th November - Remembrance Day School Service 11am
Friday 13th November - Fleece & Flower Show
Wednesday 18th November - Kinder Transition 8:50am-12pm & Foundation 2027 Information Session 6:30pm
Friday 20th November - Wheels Day 12-2pm
Wednesday 25th November - Kinder Transition 8:50am-12pm
Wednesday 2nd December - Kinder Transition 8:50am-3:30pm
Thursday 3rd December - 6pm Final School Council Meeting
7th-16th December - SWIMMING
Tuesday 8th December - Statewide Transition Day – Kinder Transition 8:50am-12pm.
Tuesday 15th December - PRESENTATION NIGHT AT CAVENDISH SM HALL
Thursday 17th December - Pupil Free Day
Friday 18th December - Final Day 2026 Early finish 1pm
Music and Performing Arts
The amazing Mrs Huf, in collaboration with the students, led a wonderful performance “Mysterious Mayhem” on Wednesday 21st October. Many thanks to her wonderful assistants, particularly James Huf, for hanging the stage curtains, paint stage blocks and helping build props etc. Our students are so lucky to have such a passionate music and drama educator. She is always seeking opportunities for our students to perform.
The students worked alongside AI technology to conceptualise, develop and create their own original play. They performed to a packed Wannon Stadium, telling the story of a ghost named Boo who wanted to make a friend. Set on a farm, we were entertained by a full crew of farm workers, sheep, bees, chickens, a pig and a busy working dog. We even had a visit from the Ghost Busters!
This lively show was a taster for our fan base as we plan to be back, bigger than ever, in 2027! Plans are afoot….
Enjoy the long weekend everyone!
Warm regards,
Kate Steele
PRINCIPAL