End of the term already... anyone else baffled with how fast time is going?! I thought I would do another 'Top 10 moments' from the term to reflect on the fun-filled experiences we have had.

10. Thing About Oliver projects

This term, Room 1 read the text 'The Thing About Oliver' which tells the story of Tilly, a young girl navigating life with her younger brother, Oliver, who is autistic. Through Tilly’s eyes, readers experience the challenges and emotional ups and downs that come with having a sibling with additional needs. The Thing About Oliver explores important themes such as family dynamics, resilience, empathy, and learning to understand and accept others. The students thoroughly enjoyed the novel and shows excitement to read it every day. We decided to celebrate this learning by creating displays using our knowledge about the book. I am so impressed with the time, effort and creativity we put into these!

9. Reconciliation Assembly

As I've spoken about previously, this topic is something I value deeply and so it would made sense for this to be in the Top 10. The students and I had such a wonderful time in Bairnsdale, even though donuts and McDonalds may have been their highlight, for me it was about developing our knowledge about GunaiKurnai people, regardless of how often we see or interact with them in our Cowwarr community.

8. GRIP Leadership

Going to Sale with Atti and April for the GRIP Conference was another memorable event. I had heard great things about this company and they definitely did not disappoint! The students did so well engaging with the content and even spoke to other students from other schools, despite this being very nerve-wracking! I even saw Atti and April translate some of this learning into the classroom throughout the term, taking it upon themselves to encourage others to be better.

7. Athletics Day

My first Athletics Day in the cluster! It was so lovely to see everyone giving the events a go and I am super proud that we placed 3rd among the other (larger) schools. When I looked out for navy blue shirts in the sea of kids, I always found a Cowwarr student smiling or laughing. Sport may not be for everyone's favourite, but fun is.... and I could definitely see lots of that on the day!

6. Maffra Secondary Transition

Last week, I was Brylie's plus one (probably to her dismay....) for one of her transition days at Maffra Secondary. It's been 10 years since I went to high school so I was just as apprehensive as Brylie, initially. In saying that, Brylie cruised through this day! I was blown away by how well she engaged with the activities, she carried herself with confidence which definitely isn't easy to do in a new environment- well done!

5. New Students

I had to pause and think about this one because I had originally thought that all our new students came at the end of last term! That goes to show that Angie, Ebby and Julian have all eased into our TEAM amazingly well! It has been great to see them form friendships quickly and I am getting to know more and more about them each day.

4. Movie Day and my birthday!

On Wednesday it was my birthday and Room 1 had also earnt their class reward of a Movie Day (very convenient....) We spent the day watching movies, munching on popcorn and celebrating my birthday with cake. As well as having all this fun, Chanae held an Italian feast in the staff room! We gorged in pasta, bread and tiramisu; all my favourite things! Thanks to everyone who made my day feel special!

3. Kicking goals in our learning

I am so so so so incredibly proud of every student in Room 1 this term! Especially in our Reading as every student has progressed reading levels. The students have been working incredibly hard during reading sessions, showing real dedication and focus. It’s been great to see them engaging with a wide range of books, discussing stories with their peers, and building confidence in their reading skills. Their positive attitude and consistent effort are making a real difference.

2. Social and Emotional Learning

This term, Room 1 has been learning about Respectful Relationships. The students have explored topics like recognising emotions, understanding personal strengths, showing empathy, and building positive friendships.

They have talked about how people can feel differently and how to manage their own emotions in a calm way. It has been lovely to see them using these skills in the classroom. Room 1 is becoming a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and included. Great work, everyone!

Being a TEAM!

The longer I am here, the more I feel a part of the TEAM. My relationships with both the students and staff are getting stronger. It’s been a joy to see the way everyone supports one another, celebrates successes, and works together through challenges. There’s a real sense of care, respect, and collaboration in our school community, and I’m so proud to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to all the learning, laughter, and teamwork still to come this year!

Although, sometimes when I put the heater on in the staffroom and everyone else is hot, this is how I feel....

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