Principal  Message

Reflecting on last week and as I talk to students across this week, there is still a strong sense of school pride and joy coming from the whole school postproduction. There are times when being a leader in a community can be very challenging as there are so many moving parts, competing priorities and limited resources.  Everyone being happy seems like an impossible task. Fortunately, there are many occasions when a school leader witness’ the perfect mix of passion, talent and hard work turn a school into such a well-oiled machine that all those moving parts are in sync and operating as one to achieve success. One of those occasions is when a community such as Warrandyte Primary School comes together for their whole school musical production. 

The student's performance of Disney's, 'The Little Mermaid Jnr' on August 29 was brilliant. Being able to see the students come together on the night and turn all their hard work into a brilliant performance that is both entertaining and filled with joyful energy brings immense pride to my role as Principal. 

The teamwork that takes place is not simply everyone doing their role or job properly and goes beyond learning your lines. It is a student helping their friend manage a costume issue backstage, making sure you can support your cast know your cue to enter stage right or left, helping younger students on stage or moving and coordinating props. It is the Grade 6 cast showing up on weekends and after school to rehearse. It is the teachers being willing to work through a dress rehearsal and attend the evening show and then pack up long after the crowd has gone. And it is absolutely a display of the strong relationships built between a school’s students and staff throughout the whole process. It goes beyond the classroom to include our office staff, education support staff and even past staff members and students pitching in on the night to help the show operate smoothly. It is the Performing Arts teacher, Kirsty Wolters, lovely family being there on the night to help backstage and support their mum. And behind all the hard work and dedication there is one end goal in mind… to give our students every opportunity to experience The Arts and feel the thrill that stage performance and teamwork can bring.

This year’s performance, held at Yarra Valley Grammar’s George Wood Performing Arts Centre, had a packed audience of nearly 700.  The excitement attached to the evening as the parents, grandparents and siblings came through the theatre doors is always a lovely experience. There is nothing but positive energy in that theatre and every single person in the audience and backstage is cheering on the students as each child shines under the bright lights.  

I would like to thank the students and staff for their continued support throughout the production process, which spans over 3 terms to come together. And I know that because Kirsty is so dedicated to her role as Performing Arts teacher, she will already be thinking about next year and planning for another spectacular show in 2025. We all look forward to experiencing the same joy again.

We are having a special postproduction assembly on Monday and to hear some students thoughts and reflections on the experience as well as look at the photos that were taken on the evening of the performance. The Grade 6 cast had a special after party lunch this week and it was really lovely to see them all interacting and celebrating each others success. They have developed that team spirit that performance creates and breaks down the boundaries between friendship groups and gender. 

Sensory Garden open for business!

Before...

We have completed Stage 2 of the new sensory playground and bush tucker garden, thanks to the help of some very keen students who worked hard to transform the space from this...

To this...

It was a team effort, and I would like to thank 2/3R, 3/4J and 4/5D who worked together to get the garden ready so it can be used. 

What's next?..

We are engaging the services of an indigenous artist to design and paint the mural wall. 

Bayley Mifsud is a Peek Whurrong woman of the Maar nation, from south West Victoria (Warrnambool). Her Aboriginal name is Merindah-Gunya which means ‘Beautiful Spirit’ in Peek Whurrong language, chosen by her parents and Elders. You can see some of her beautiful creations on her website.

We are also nearly ready to begin planting out of indigenous garden and bush tucker garden. But for now, some students have found a way to enjoy the raised garden beds!

Have a great weekend.

Take care,

Nieta