Primary News

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. 

Sydney J. Harris

The American journalist Sydney J Harris once said, "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows," suggesting that a goal of education is to broaden one's perspective and understanding of the world. Mirrors reflect our existing knowledge and experiences, while windows allow us to see beyond ourselves and gain new insights. Throughout the year as Primary teachers and teacher assistants we have loved how much our students have looked beyond the mirror and out through the window, breathing in and acting upon new experiences.  However, as the year progresses and we race to the finish of another year, sometimes the window is forgotten and the mirror becomes dusty; our vision narrows somewhat.  We begin to not see the importance of being part of other adventures on offer, as the juggle and the balancing becomes all too real.  

Although we are only at the start of November, already it seems like the ‘silly season’ is almost upon us.  The stores have the decorations hanging, edible treats are aplenty in supermarkets and Christmas carols are being pumped through the speakers - yes even the once a year roll out of Mariah Carey’s “All I want for…’ is alive and well.  What is essential at this time when the invites are coming, and the clash of school commitments is real, that there is a balance for both one's physical and mental wellbeing. Alongside this, there is also a hope and desire to see beyond the mirror and out the window, celebrating the extra adventures on offer at school.  

We know that an increase in stress leads to various health issues and with that comes an increase in anxiety, worry and poor overall health. An increase in stress also sees the joy in this time of year wane and with it, relationships and patience stretched.  Managing this sense of feeling overwhelmed can be tricky, but sometimes to compartmentalise things will allow you to be more present and engaged in the expectations and commitments at work, with family or within the school context. 

As a College it is a busy time as we start to see the end in sight.  In this issue of The View I have tried to highlight a number of key events coming up that are part of our fabric.  This will allow you as parents/guardians to continue to look beyond the mirror and out the window keeping in mind that opportunities such as Step Up Day, Welcome BBQ and The Nativity, assemblies or just popping to the classroom for a visit provides another insight into what your child does outside of their main schooling.  

Welcome BBQ - Thursday 23 November

Our current Year 6 students and all those who are new to the College in 2024 are invited to attend the Welcome BBQ.  This will be an opportunity for our Year 6 students to meet those heading into Year 7 as well as see what academic, sporting and cultural pursuits are on offer.  Information about the evening has been sent home to all Year 6 families and I encourage you to make this an opportunity to glance out that window and embrace all that will be new.

Step Up Day - Monday 27 November

This is often one of the most exciting days for our students, old and new.  This day deepens that sense of belonging through being able to familiarise themselves with new surroundings, ask questions and build on the anticipation of 2024.  On this day our student body will head to their new class for the day, meet their 2024 teacher and those students joining us. 

Kinder Transition Days

Transitioning into a new grade is not just for our 2024 Prep - Year 6 cohort but also for our new Kindergarten students.  These days are an opportunity to recognise that they belong, start to establish relationships and celebrate the change that will be Kindergarten.  

The Nativity - Monday 11 December

The jewel in the crown for our Kinder - Year 3 students is the Nativity and Family BBQ.  This evening is a compulsory event for all our students in Kinder to Year 3 and sees them retell the story of Christmas using Luke’s Gospel as their guide.  At the conclusion of The Nativity we celebrate as a community with our annual family BBQ prepared lovingly by our Years 4 - 6 staff.  This is an example of how our students use their existing knowledge to look beyond the mirror, choosing a window of opportunity, prayer and family. 

Year 5 Just Leadership Day

Today ten Year 5 students were selected to attend the Just Leadership Day at St Cuthbert’s  School.  This day provides our students with the opportunity to meet those from other schools and see what journey they have been on in relation to being JUST leaders. 

Year 5 Camp 

We wish our Year 5 staff and students all the very best as they head to Spring Beach at Orford next Thursday and Friday.  The itinerary is jam packed and full of fun activities and time to reflect on their Year 5 experience. A huge thank you to the staff (Damien Lowe, Sharon Himson, Branna Magill and Emily Coleman) who will accompany the students, and to the parents for your work ensuring bags are packed and the kitchen sink is not making an appearance!  We look forward to seeing the photos and hearing all the stories on their return.  Travel safely Year 5. 

Excursions 

As the year rolls by there are a number of excursions coming up for our students.  From our previously mentioned Year 5 Camp, to visits to the Botanical Gardens, Peacock and Playhouse Theatres, as well as visits to Lady Gowrie Child Care Centre and a long day excursion for Year 4.  Please ensure that you are abreast of the information coming to you and if concerned please contact your son or daughter's classroom teacher. 

Early Learning Centre

You may or may not know but at the start of Term 4 we opened up our Early Learning Centre and as the term has progressed we have seen numbers grow and this is down to our dedicated staff running the centre.  If you are aware of anyone struggling to get a place for their son or daughter who are 3 or 4 years of age please do not hesitate to contact us.  

Thank you for Grandparents Day

To our Grandparents and Special Visitors out there this is just a simple THANK YOU for your support for our special day held recently.  The joy in the Hall and classrooms was palpable and it was lovely to see an old friend catching up over a coffee and a scone.