David's Message
Dear Sunshine Heights Parents and Carers,
At Sunshine Heights it seems like we don't do things by halves, even in the first two weeks of term. This has been both an exciting and sad time as we welcome Vicki McMahon into the role of Wellbeing and Inclusion Assistant Principal, and say our farewells to Miss Francine.
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Some things you might not know about Francine... Francine has been at Sunshine Heights for almost 15 years, and in her time she has been the Art Specialist and Wellbeing Leader. She used to live in Sunshine West, just down the road from Sunshine Social, so it was fate when a position came up at our school. Francine's love of Art, creativity and doing things differently are infectious, and in the past she has convinced the entire staff team to produce raps and share these in meetings. She also loves supporting all students to be successful, and for many of our kids who have had tough moments in their lives, Francine has been a rock that kept them grounded, as well as being their number one Cheerleader! Francine starts next week at the River Nile School, and we can't wait for the inevitable partnerships that will be on our horizon. There will always be a special place for Francine in our hearts and we wish her every success crafting a future for the students at her new school.
We also need to welcome Vicki McMahon to the role of Assistant Principal. Vicki has been with our school for 24 years, and has taught from Prep all the way to grade 6. She is a passionate advocate for all students, and has significant knowledge in supporting students with learning difficulties to thrive. Previously she was our Learning Specialist for literacy, and she has spent the past two weeks with Miss Francine getting acquainted with the role. Things you might not know about Vicki - she hates wearing socks, loves her dog almost as much as she loves her two children (maybe even more!), loves going to the beach, and is often found travelling Australia with her husband and their caravan. I have been incredibly grateful for Vicki's leadership alongside myself, Francine and Anthony for the past four years, and I know she is going to be incredible in this role.
We also have some other faces to welcome, our Allied Health team. I have shared their photographs and bios below...
I’m Thao, the new speech therapist at Sunshine Heights PS. I’m super passionate about empowering students by supporting their speech, language, and literacy skills. I can’t wait to work alongside our dedicated teachers, education support staff, and families to help our students grow and be their best at school.
Outside of work, you might find me cooking up a storm for my friends and family or rummaging through the shelves of my favourite secondhand bookstore.
I’ll be at Sunny Heights every Thursday and Friday, so if you see me around, please come and say hi!
Hi my name is Vanessa and I’m an Occupational therapist, who has joined the sunshine heights primary team this term. On the weekends I like to spend my time socialising, spending time in the sun, chasing after my dog Arlo or reading a book.
Hello Everyone. My name is Olympia and I’m one of the new Art Therapists here at Sunny Heights! I LOVE painting and spend a lot of time making art in my studio, getting messy and creative. When I am not creating, I enjoy camping and hiking in nature and going on adventures in my van called Pipi. I’ll be at the school on Thursdays and Fridays. Please feel free to say hello or ask me any questions you have. I am so excited to be here and can’t wait to meet you all. 😊
Hi, my name is Kanling. I am an Art Therapist and a part of the new SHPS Allied Health Team. Some of you might remember me as the Art Therapy Student from 2021. I will be around every Tuesday and Friday. You might see me in your classrooms sometimes; and some of you might join me in art therapy sessions where we will make art and talk about feelings. In my spare time I love going for hikes, doing creative stuff like painting and pottery, cooking, and snuggling with my two cats on the couch. I look forward to getting to know you all.
Make sure you welcome our amazing new team members when you see them!
Best wishes,
David and the Sunny Heights Team