Principal Address

Dear families,

Camp Fun

It was such a blessing to travel to camp with our Year 4 to 6 students. We took 84 amazing children who carried themselves with dignity, supported one another, and made us very proud. Their behaviour and the way they conducted themselves stood out to us as teachers. Normally at camp we might expect a little bit of bickering and generally getting on each other’s nerves, which is understandable in an environment where you are in close quarters with others and might be more tired. However, what really shone through this camp was the strong sense of unity and encouragement and support for one another. Additionally, we also noticed that this year, students were very willing to give all the activities a go, the instructors at Wedderburn don’t force students to participate in the activities, however, I was so impressed with the growth mindset amongst our students and willingness to try new things and challenge themselves!

We enjoyed plenty of exciting activities like archery, abseiling, giant swing, rock climbing, orienteering, swimming and many others. Alongside the fun, we also made space for spiritual reflection and devotion. One of my highlights was making three stranded bracelets as a keepsake from camp this morning, which Miss Thomas led us through so beautifully. It took me and the other boys a little while to master the plaiting (the girls got it very quickly), but it was a special reminder of three wonderful days together and our theme from the camp which was to walk with God and with others, and the three strands on our bracelets a reminder of that (God, others, us). 

I am also thankful that, in a time when schools are becoming increasingly risk averse, we can still offer safe, challenging, and memorable experiences for our children. A big thank you as well to our parents for trusting us with your children for these few days and for all the support in getting them ready and packed for camp. These experiences are also only possible with willing staff, who serve in these three days, well outside their job descriptions; my sincere thanks to Miss Thomas, Mr Coronado, Mrs Warda, Mrs Silva, Mrs Morton and Pastor Ethan for  accompanying me and for all they poured into the students over the three days. 

Please find all the photos in the School News and Events tab.

Sustainability Day – Next Thursday 

Next Thursday we will hold our very first Sustainability Day, an idea sparked by three of our wonderful Year 4 students.

• Students are encouraged to wear green.
• Parents, please help by packing a waste free lunch. This might look like fresh fruit, veggie sticks, popcorn, cheese or crackers packed in a small reusable container instead of packets. Sandwiches or wraps in a container or beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap. A refillable water bottle instead of juice boxes. Yoghurt or dips spooned into a small tub from a larger container. Even little treats like muffins, slices or bliss balls packed in a container rather than store bought packets. The goal is simple, to bring food without wrappers or throw away packaging.
• We are also asking students to bring a gold coin donation (or $5 if you are feeling extra generous).

Funds raised will go towards purchasing new bins and recycling bins for every classroom. Our Year 4 leaders have calculated we will need around $500 to make this happen.

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton