Principal's Message

Dear Tarrawanna Public School Community,

As we come to the end of another vibrant school year, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I reflect on our journey together in 2024. Our recent Tarrawanna Spectacular beautifully showcased the incredible spirit of our school and was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff.

This year, we have seen remarkable efforts from all corners of our community. Our students have shown resilience and enthusiasm, culminating in captivating dance performances and deserving awards.

A heartfelt congratulations to our graduating Year 6 students, whom we bid farewell to on the last day of term. It was a beautiful moment as they passed through the student arch and left the gates for the final time as Tarrawanna Public School students. I know they are excited to begin their new journey in high school, and I have no doubt they will continue to shine and achieve great things.

As my first year as principal draws to a close, I want to express my sincere appreciation to each member of our community—students, staff, parents, and families—for the warm welcome I received at Tarrawanna Public School. Your support and commitment have added to the joy and energy I have experienced in my role at this incredible small school.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Tarrawanna Public School for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student feels supported and valued. Their hard work has led to significant progress in our focus areas of literacy and numeracy. The successful implementation of the new English and Mathematics syllabuses for Years 3 to 6, alongside the consolidation of K-2 syllabuses, has been a monumental achievement. We’ve seen strong growth through targeted teaching and initiatives like speech therapy support and the InitiaLit literacy intervention program, ensuring that no student is left behind. I am deeply grateful to lead a team with such passion and expertise.

I offer a special thank you to our parents and carers for your partnership this year. Your involvement and communication have been vital in supporting our students’ success. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our P&C Association. Their dedication to our school has made a significant difference, and I encourage more community members to get involved in this important aspect of school life.

One of the highlights of this year has been our commitment to reconciliation. Working alongside local elders, including Uncle Kevin Butler, and with support from the NIAECG, we have strengthened our ties with the Aboriginal community. Initiatives like the Deadly in Generation STEM program, created by the CSIRO, have combined the celebration of Aboriginal culture with creative learning opportunities. As we move forward, developing our Reconciliation Action Plan will be a community effort, and I invite all of you to join us in this vital work.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to welcome 22 new kindergarten students to our Tarrawanna family, with an expected enrolment of 162 students. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation we have established and ensure that our school remains a culturally safe and positive space for all students.

As we close this chapter and look forward to the new year, I want to thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our wonderful school. Watching our students grow, learn, and shine has been the highlight of my year, and I am incredibly proud to be your principal.

Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone back in 2025 for another remarkable year at Tarrawanna Public School!

Warm regards,

Chris Hopkins

Principal