Principal's Message
From the Principal – Parent Support
As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to sincerely thank our families for the ongoing support you provide our school and your children. This partnership is highly valued and plays a significant role in your child’s engagement, success in learning and building our positive school community.
Throughout the term, this support has been evident in many ways. It was wonderful to see so many families attend and engage in our Athletics Day, contributing to the vibrant and encouraging atmosphere. We are also incredibly grateful for the generous donations towards our Easter raffle hampers, which enabled us to create an impressive 50 prizes. In addition, your efforts of selling raffle tickets will directly support fundraising initiatives that will broaden learning opportunities for our students and continue to enhance our school facilities.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank families for your understanding and cooperation during the recent industrial action across the state, particularly in supporting the school by keeping students at home where possible. Whilst there is strong advocacy in the media around teacher wages ultimately our staff just want schools to be well resourced to meet the needs of our students.
As I acknowledge and express gratitude for our parent community, it is with sadness that I share the loss of one of our parents last weekend. Sadly we learnt on Monday of the unexpected death of Specioze, Esperence’s mum. Specioze was a member of our school and a mother to six children, three of whom attended Gray Street PS over the last few years. We extend our thoughts and deepest sympathy to the family during this very difficult time, and to the Rwandan community as they grieve this loss together. The catholic church has organised a Go-Fund me page as a way of supporting the family. Further details about this are on our Community Page.
As Term 1 draws to a close, we wish all our families a safe and joyful Easter break. The current cost of fuel may make travel plans more challenging; however, we are fortunate in Hamilton to have many wonderful local places to enjoy time together as a family, including the lake, the gardens, the art gallery, and the pool. Sometimes, it is simply the opportunity to slow down and spend quality time together that is most valuable.
MARCH REFLECTIONS
SATURDAY NETBALL COMPLETED
Our Saturday morning netball competition comes to a close tomorrow after what has been a brief but fantastic season. It has been wonderful to see such strong participation and enthusiasm from our students. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitude, sportsmanship and commitment demonstrated by everyone on and off the court. We thank all the coaches, umpires, team managers and families for their contribution to a wonderful season.
GRAY STREET ATHS CARNIVAL
Our Athletics Days were a great success. It was fantastic to see so many students giving their best across the two days, including encouraging their peers. While ribbons were certainly a feature of the day the conversations we heard the most from students were about the pride they felt in themselves and in others for their effort and determination. A big thankyou to Mr Kelson for his organisation and providing further details, including age champions in his sports report.
DISTRICT ATHS
Our District Athletics last week was a terrific opportunity for students to then compete at a higher level alongside students from other schools in the Hamilton district. For the 55 students attending this was a valuable day of growth and experience that provided opportunities of challenge and confidence building in a broader competitive environment. Feedback from staff who attended the day was extremely positive regarding the way students represented themselves and our school.
REGIONAL SWIMMING HORSHAM – Wednesday March 25th
Following district Swimming earlier last month, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of Sophie Whale who was successful in progressing to the next level, held in Horsham. Sophie competed in the breaststroke and finished in 6th place in her event. A terrific effort and experience competing at this level.
INDIGENOUS LUNCH
Today our indigenous students attended a special Indigenous Lunch. This event was led by Winda- Mara and supported by Josh Franks, our Koorie Engagement Leader. The lunch provides a wonderful opportunity for our Indigenous students to connect with each other and celebrate their culture. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of Mrs Harms in ensuring our school continues to build an awareness of Indigenous culture among our staff and students.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK
THIS WEEKEND – Sunday March 29th
This weekend, our Year 6 students have the opportunity to celebrate the completion of their 6-week leadership program with their families. Parents are invited to bring their child to Palace Martial Arts on Sunday from 10:30 – 12:00. At this session, students will showcase their learning and growth throughout the program, followed by an official certificate presentation. We strongly encourage students and families to attend if they can.
OPEN NIGHT - Wednesday April 1st
This term, we have paused Art Night and plan to combine it with STEM Night in Term 3 to create a bigger and better STEAM Night. In the meantime, this change has created an opportunity to open our classrooms up to families on the evening of Wednesday April 1st from 6:00 – 7:30. This will be a valuable time for students to take their important family members on a tour of their classroom. This evening allows students to showcase some of their work in the lead up to Parent Teacher Interviews early next term. For parents this gives you a snapshot into your child’s learning prior to these interviews.
END OF TERM 1 – Thursday April 2nd.
A reminder that Term 1 concludes next Thursday, April 2nd, with an early finish at 2:30pm.
We congratulate staff and students on a terrific Term 1. It has been a busy and rewarding start to the year, including Athletics Day, House Lunches, the Year 6 Leadership Program, Division Swimming, Hot Shots Tennis, NAPLAN and our Prep Students completing their first term of school. We resume after the break on Monday April 20th.