Editorial

As we reflect on this term, I am reminded of an important lesson we have been exploring with our Primary students — how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Through His examples of love, grace, and forgiveness, we too can make a difference in the lives of those around us, no matter how big or small the action may seem.

Recently, I shared with our Early Years students the story of the young boy who found countless jellyfish washed up on the shore. Though the task seemed overwhelming, he began to throw them back into the ocean one by one, understanding that each small act made a difference, even just to the one. This simple yet profound story has beautifully illustrated for our students how every act of kindness counts.

Throughout this term, I have witnessed our students embracing this truth in remarkable ways. From small gestures to significant efforts, they have demonstrated the outworking of our school values by showing kindness and compassion within our community. I especially enjoy hearing the thoughtful responses from our Primary students as they consider how they can positively impact those around them.

A wonderful example comes from our Year 3 students, who were moved to act after learning about children in Vanuatu who play soccer with scrunched-up paper balls. As avid soccer players themselves, they organised a fundraiser through a “Silly Sock Day” and raised enough money to purchase 10 soccer balls and sent these with the year 10s on the mission trip. One Year 3 student even donated two of his own soccer balls, recognising that he had more than he needed and could share with others to bring them joy and opportunity.

Similarly, our Year 1 students took the initiative to support our environment by raising funds through a Jelly Store, with proceeds going towards the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef. These acts of generosity and care demonstrate the incredible ways our young learners are growing in empathy and responsibility.

Furthermore, this term has been filled with countless enriching learning experiences across our Primary school. Our End of Term Assembly showcased the breadth of activities our students have enjoyed — from Year 4 and Year 6 camps, to Prep visits with community helpers including police officers, ambulance personnel, and even Border Force puppies! Our Year 1s experienced walking to the local wetlands, and the Year 2s engaged deeply with the story of Wandi, a dingo’s remarkable journey. The Year 2s further enriched their learning through a live Zoom call with a dingo sanctuary, where they interacted with keepers and observed dingoes in their enclosures. Not to be missed were the Year 3 and 4 music performances, the Year 5 excursion to Werribee Zoo, as they have studied animals and creation in their Inquiry lessons and the Year 6 educational extravaganza, our very own ‘Living Museum’ — all wonderful highlights that contribute to a vibrant and memorable term.

I believe it’s fair to say that this has been a truly wonderful term for our Primary school community. I want to thank our students, families, and staff for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm. As we approach the holiday break, I pray all our families have a restful and rejuvenating time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting term of growth and learning in Term 3.

Rebekah Kearney

Primary Principal