Principal's Report
Scholarship Update
A few weeks ago we started providing an update on the progress of our 2026 scholarship programs. We started with the STEM scholarship program, which is led by Jordon Smith and heard about some of the impressive challenges they have been tackling. This week we are featuring Photography, which is led by Celeste Vermeend.
Our Photography Scholarship Group has had a fantastic start to the year, developing their skills as creative photographers. Students have explored a range of photography techniques including portrait photography, landscape photography, macro photography, movement photography, composition, rule of thirds, black and white photography, photo editing and still life photography. They have learned how photographers make intentional choices about lighting, angles, framing, mood and storytelling to create impactful images.
One highlight this semester was the students creating and presenting a "What Is It?" slideshow for our upper-level classes, challenging students to identify everyday objects from extreme close-up macro photographs. The activity sparked lots of discussion and showcased the group's growing understanding of detail, texture and perspective.
In Term 3, students will continue to extend the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the first semester as they begin exploring photography as a storytelling medium. Through themed photography challenges and photo narratives, students will learn how a series of images can communicate ideas, emotions and stories.
We are also excited about the possibility of students photographing aspects of our school concert, providing an authentic opportunity to apply their skills in composition, movement, lighting and storytelling. Below you can see a number of photos showing the students at work and some of the images they have taken. We look forward to seeing what they produce across terms 3 and 4.
School Concert Update
Next term we have the school concert coming to look forward to, which will be a fantastic event for our entire school community. The theme for this year’s concert is ‘A Journey Through Worlds’ and staff are already coming up with ideas related to that theme.
For the benefit of families that were not here for previous concerts, each class will prepare an act or join with another class to present an act. All students come together for the final act of each concert, which is always a highlight. The concert performances are held at Founders Hall (also known as the Caro Convention Centre) at Federation University. There is a full day of rehearsal and then then 3 performances (see dates below) in front of large crowds made up of parents, siblings and extended family members. Here are some photos from our 2024 concert that will help give you a sense of the event.
Early next term, students will begin rehearsing and working on costumes, sets and props. If this is something that you would be interested in helping with, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to let them know.
In the lead up to the concert next term, there will be lots of communication to parents and carers via the newsletter and Compass, so it will be important to monitor this communication so that you don’t end up missing important messages.
A reminder that the concert dates are as follows:
- August 26th- dress rehearsal
- August 27th- matinee and evening performance
- August 28th- evening performance
Lunch Time Live
Each term Mr Skilbeck runs a Lunch Time Live event which is always entertaining and attracts a large crowd. Last week’s event was fantastic as per usual and was another reminder of how our kids are willing to put themselves out there and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
The quality of the acts was outstanding and all performers received enthusiastic acknowledgement from the crowd. You’ll see this coming through in the photos below.
Chess Club
Students are enjoying learning skills and socialising over a chess board. It is fantastic to see them enjoying the game.
Year 4 Camp
Last Tuesday and Wednesday (9th and 10th June), our Grade 4 students travelled to Anglesea Discovery Camp for an exciting two-day camp filled with adventure, challenge and fun.
Students arrived eager to take on a range of activities, including the Giant Swing, Vertical Challenge, Archery, Mountain Bike Riding, Bush Cooking and Radio Rogaine. Throughout each activity, students demonstrated perseverance, resilience and excellent communication skills as they challenged themselves, worked together and supported one another.
One of the highlights of the camp was the night walk led by Mr Conlan, where students enjoyed exploring the outdoors after dark!
The students were treated to fantastic meals throughout their stay and were fortunate to work with enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors who helped make every activity engaging and enjoyable.
A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who gave their time and energy to attend camp and help create such a memorable experience for our students. Their support ensured that Grade 4 Camp was an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved.
