PRINCIPAL UPDATE
As we draw to the close of another term it is great to reflect on the busyness of what has been Term 3. Students have participated in multiple sporting events, debating competitions, Maths Olympiad, incursions, and excursions. In addition to this, Inquiry learning around Earth and Space, which saw some great presentations of learning last week in our open classrooms. It was lovely to see so many families in attendance last week, from Prep engaging in Specialist subjects, Maths games in Grade 1/2, Harry Potter fun in Grade 3/4 and the Expo presentation in Grade 5/6.
As we look forward to next week and the concert, we will well and truly deserve some down time over the September break. A reminder that we end the term at 2:30pm on Friday September 18th.
It was so lovely to see such a large turnout at the Father’s / Special Person's Day breakfast last Friday. Such a fabulous vibe amongst out community and we thank the Friends of Chilwell Group for organising and running such a successful event.
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Victorian Principals Association conference. This is a conference that I prioritise each year, due to the speakers that present and this year did not disappoint. We heard from Gill Hicks who was significantly injured in the London bombings 20 years ago. Waking up in hospital with a burst ear drum, significant burns to her body, inability to speak and having lost her legs, this woman’s story was an inspiration. She was only identified in the hospital as ‘One Unknown’ and she talked about the importance of connection. Reflecting upon travellers on the tube, commuting to work each day with eyes down and striding with purpose, rather than eyes up, acknowledging one another, even saying good morning, and connecting. Since losing her legs, she stated she now knew what life was about, giving it purpose and meaning. Even though she is in pain each day, she said it is about ‘posture of mind’ and always reverts back to, I’m alive!
Further insights gained listening to Paul Watkins who talked about ‘Life as a noun (title)’ or ‘life as a verb (do)’, stating we should want the verb! A statement that captured me was ‘we suffer more in imagination that reality’ with a fear of failure, regret or judgment. He talked about unlearning a behaviour, relearning or reinventing and owning the moment.
Dr Justin Coulson spoke about the ‘Motivation Continuum’ and what drives individuals.
Whilst there were multiple other speakers, our final presenter was local born Jess Gallagher who upon learning at the age of 17 that she had a degenerative eye condition that would see her become blind. Jess has gone on to win multiple medals in the Para Olympics in rowing, cycling and skiing.
I walked away from this conference motivated, with some valuable learning and reminder of having a growth mindset and appreciation of what I have each and every day.
Don’t forget to visit the Book Fair this week before or after school in the Amphitheatre. Thank you to our Junior School Council members and staff for running this.
Also a reminder to complete the annual Parent/Carer Opinion Survey by Friday 18th September.
Look forward to seeing everyone at the School Concert next Wednesday evening at Geelong Arena. Please arrive at 6:30pm so students and guests can be seated ready for the show to commence promptly at 7pm. If you haven't purchased tickets yet, there are still several available https://www.intix.com.au/event/chilwell-primary-school-presents-rain-hail/information. Annie, along with every student has been working really hard in preparation and no doubt everyone will be wowed on the night!
Have a great week all.
Kind regards,
Meg