Message from the Principal 

THANK YOU AGAIN TRIVIA NIGHT

Last week, I forgot to give a shout out to Sam Redman and Natalie Johnson for their awesome work hosting our recent Trivia Night. What a G.R.E.A.T. mix of questions, including a secret “Bluey” round, but my particular favourite was the music round. Thanks Sam and Nat for making the event such a success, so much fun and also keeping up with the pressure of scoring, Joker rounds, games and everything else that was going on. 

OVAL PROJECT UNDERWAY

Our project to regenerate the grass oval is really moving along. A large (30m) fence has been installed along one of the sides and some of the irrigation has been installed. This week, a concrete mowing strip and edging has been placed along the north side of the oval. This will help us to set up a dedicated space for adventure play and hut building. The area is being mulched and will run along the fence line between the school and our neighbours. We know this space will be very popular with some of our students.

OUR VERY OWN GREENHILLS ART GALLERY

One of the highlights this year has been walking through our admin building corridor and seeing all of the amazing artwork our students have done this year. It is our very own Greenhills Art Gallery. Thank you to Ebony Killmister and Sarah Leach for not only running an awesome art program but also taking the time to set up displays during the year.

WRITING EXTENSION PROGAM

Last week we had our Writing Extension Program “Young Minds, Big Dreams” book launch. It was a wonderful event where each of our authors shared a section of their story or some of the motivations and experiences they had in writing this year. Thank you to Steph Burns for organising this opportunity for our students this year. Copies of “Young Minds, Big Dreams” are available for sale at the school office for $25.

THANK YOU PARENT ASSOCIATION

As the end of the school year is fast approaching I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all members of our Parent Association this year.

Having enough parent and carer involvement in committees is a growing challenge for schools. Fortunately, our school has a strong culture of volunteering and our Parent Association is a GREAT example of this in action. 

You only have to look at the results of our community building and fundraising activities such as our recent Trivia Night, School Disco, Mothers & Special Persons Day Stall and Father & Special Persons Breakfast to see the impact this group of dedicated parents has had on our school. They have been instrumental in providing valuable funds and most importantly continuing to build and strengthen our connections and what it means to be a member of the Greenhills community. 

Funds raised this year have enabled our school to purchase new interactive screens, sports equipment, reading materials and of course as mentioned, refurbishment of our School Council portable.

Special thanks to Mel Lucas for leading our PA and I think we are all set for a sensational 2025.

EXCITEMENT AROUND OUR TRANSITION PROGRAM

One of my favourite days of the school year is when our students attend the first transition session, so just like our students, I am very excited about next week.

Our team is really looking forward to these transition sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. They provide our students with a great opportunity to feel more confident with what next year will look like for them. We can then all have a relaxing holiday with less worry about what school will be like next year.

At this stage, we do not usually make any more changes to the classes as much time and effort has been already spent on developing the best grade structure and student placement as possible. Part of this process did provide all parents with the opportunity to make requests based on educational grounds. These are just requests and whilst they are considered they are not always granted as there are several other factors that have a higher priority for us. 

It is important to become literate and numerate but just as important are the life skills of resilience and the ability to deal with situations when we do not get our own way. A big part of this is teaching our students to accept the umpire’s decision and focus back on being the best we can in the game. The best way to teach this is through modelling this behaviour ourselves. 

A really important part of this process is for our students to be supported by their parents so that the transition into a new class and year level can be positive. There might always be some hesitation, nervousness and apprehension, but our teachers will work very hard so that each and every child can achieve success. 

James Penson,

Principal.