From the Principal

Last week, we enjoyed several different activities to help celebrate Science Week. With robotics workshops, lunchtime challenges and pop quizzes each day, it was a chance to show how varied and fascinating Science is. A special thank you to Dr. Klaver who arranged the special activities throughout the week. This week, our focus in Primary was on Book Week. On Tuesday, we welcomed princesses and pirates, giraffes and lions, Gruffalos and Hungry Caterpillars. It was a day to celebrate the joy of literature.

Over the past few weeks during library lessons, students have been introduced to some of the Children’s Book Council shortlisted books for this year. These include both fiction and non-fiction texts, picture books and graphic fiction for children and teens. Many of the books delight and engage not just children but adults as well. As primary students continue the home reading challenge this year, I hope parents and carers are also able to enjoy some of the books their children bring home from the library.

Last week, I was reading an interview with the author of the book, The Hidden Life of Trees: What they feel, how they communicate. In the book, Peter Wohlleben explores the interconnection between trees. He describes how older trees support the survival of younger trees through complex root systems and fungal networks. He explained how established trees within a dark forest community provide nutrients to those who are still too small to access the sunlight needed for photosynthesis. They also use their deep roots to draw up water for smaller trees to access and provide a wind break for their spindly offspring.

The interviewer emphasised that the language used in the book is emotive, encouraging the reader to imagine the communication among a forest community. As I was reading the article, it prompted me to consider the amazing complexity of creation and to remember that there are so many more questions for science to explore. It also gave me pause to remember the Creator. As Nehemiah 9:6 reminds us:

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

It also prompted me to reflect on the way we as a community, as a collective, support the development of our young people. Parenting can feel overwhelming and isolating but, as a school community, we want to encourage families to connect with each other, to find sources of support and encouragement. Our children benefit from a complex web of relationships. Parents of other children, those within our churches, our social circle, sporting or scouting groups can all be part of the support network for us as parents and for our children. Never has the old saying, it takes a village to raise a child, been more true.

Jodie Bennett

Principal