Principal

Thank you to the parents in years 5 and 6 who came along to morning tea last week. It was great to meet with you and hear you speak about the great things that happen at Solway, and your ideas for how we can make it even better.  My apologies for having to reschedule the morning tea with families in years 3 and 4 this week.  I will communicate a new date as soon as possible.  I look forward to meeting with the parents of years 1 and 2 and Prep later this week.  

At assembly last week, I spoke to the students about upholding our school value, Respect. I believe that is important to not only talk about our values, but we must live our values each day.  Showing respect for ourselves, others and the environment, both at school and at home is important in the development of the well-rounded individuals we aim to foster at Solway.  I encourage you to regularly speak to your children around respect and how they may be able to show it both at school and at home. 

Our swimming program is in full swing, and it has been great to see the resilience of our youngest learners as they got themselves up and about for swimming each day.  I know we had some very tired young people at the end of last week. The Prep – 2 grades have also demonstrated tremendous respect for all of those involved in delivering their program, from the bus drivers through to the staff at the aquatic centre.  This week sees our year 3 and 4 students start their swimming program, and I am sure they will demonstrate the same amount of respect and resilience as our Prep – 2 students. 

Congratulations to Ollie in 3H who correctly guessed that the footy team I support is the Sydney Swans.  Last week, 3H cashed in on their prize by playing games of “Wacko” and “Brick Wall” with me out on the basketball courts.  I wanted to thank Kate for coordinating the guessing competition prior to my arrival.  It was hard to not give away the secret when I was bombarded by students asking me who I supported.  

It was a great way to build an early connection with the community and I thought that I would take this opportunity to share a little more about myself.  I am a born and bred Sydneysider, having moved to Melbourne in 2013, with my wife Melissa (who grew up here).  We have two daughters, Penelope who is 4 and Matilda who recently turned 2, and a Cavoodle named Harvey, who was very put out with the arrival of the girls, but he loves them very much.  My parents are still in Sydney, and I like to get back there to visit them as often as possible, though having young children, doesn’t always make it easy to get there. However, you will always find me in Sydney the first week of January, as I always go home for the New Year’s Test Match, having been a member at the SCG since I was a child. I love getting out and spending the day at the cricket with friends and family. I am a huge sport fanatic. I will watch the anything and everything, but cricket and hockey are the two sports that are all consuming.  I still play competitive hockey during the winter months. Prior to my arrival at Solway, I have had a 20-year career in education, albeit in various forms, as a secondary Physical and Health teacher, an outdoor educator in the USA and a CRT in the UK.  I have been in primary education since 2013 as a Classroom Teacher, Leading Teacher and Assistant Principal.  My leadership work has revolved around building collaborative cultures that support teachers to be the best they can be, so that students are able to thrive.  I am very much looking forward to bringing my varied experiences to Solway to positively impact on our students, teachers and the community. 

HATS

A reminder about hats for Term 4.  All students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities.  Baseball or peaked caps and sun visors are not a suitable alternative.  Can you please ensure that your children have an appropriate hat, that has their name on it, so that they are able to enjoy outdoor activities.

2025 Enrolments and Students Not Returning

We are in the middle of our workforce planning for 2025. It is critical that we have accurate student numbers for 2025, so that we can best forecast our workforce plan:

1. If you have a child who is starting Prep and is not enrolled as yet, please contact our school office immediately either in person, via email (link here), or by phone 9885 2421. 
2. If you know of a family who is moving into the area and / or would like to join our school from a neighbouring school, please encourage them to contact our office as soon as possible. 

If your child / children are not returning to our school in 2025, please contact our office via email (link here).

2025 Class Placements

In the following section of this newsletter, I have outlined the 2025 class placement process at our school. Please ensure you read this carefully. In advance, your understanding of the process and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support and lets all strive to be “our best always”. 

David 

Principal