Principal's report
Mr Shaun McClare
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin nation; past, present and those who will walk with us into the future.
We acknowledge the rich and unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas, educational practices and the hopes of all First Nations Peoples. We do this in the spirit of reconciliation as we move to a place of justice and partnership - together we work, learn, play and care for one another and this land.
Farewell and Thank you to Pete Wirth, world's best crossing guard!
It is with great sadness that we announce that Pete Wirth will be retiring from his role as our Crossing Guard on Kalinda Road at the end of the term. Pete is a cultural icon here at Kalinda and his positive personality sets our kids up for a great day each morning.
Over the last week of Pete's time at Kalinda (noting he won't be on duty on Monday) we would love it if students and families could take the time to show their gratitude for everything he has done for us here at Kalinda. If that is a farewell card or a big thank you, I know that would mean so much to Pete.
On behalf of our community Pete, thank you so much.
Teaching Staff in 2024
The following teaching staff structure will be in place at Kalinda in 2024.
| FG | Jayde Gardiner |
| FW | Natasha Weekes |
| FH | Jo Henderson |
| 1B | Giulia Bulled |
| 1D | TBC & Carmel D'Amico |
| 2D | Bron Draffin |
| 2LS | Andrea Lowe and Kate Spillane |
| 2S | Bron Steele |
| 3B | Mandy Boulton |
| 3RB | Kate Brooks & Steffie Ruggeri (term 1)/Mel Tattersall (term 2-4) |
| 3/4RP | Helen Renehan & Steph Parton |
| 4D | Kylie Drummond |
| 4L | Chelsey Lloyd |
| 5/6A | Lochie Anderson |
| 5/6SB | Simone Bailey |
| 5/6C | Hayley Crossland |
| 5/6KB | Kyle Barnden |
| 5/6M | Grace Millar |
| 5/6WB | Ebony Woolcock & Kristie Bell |
| Art | Libby Shaw |
| PE | Jess Oakley and Bianca Davies |
| Japanese | Hiromi Hagihara and Jess White |
| Performing Arts | Sarah Butler |
| STEM | Paul Todd |
| Tutoring | Ashlee Kidner |
Farewell to Graduating Year 6 class of 2023.
I am looking forward to our Graduation Ceremony this Thursday night, but at the same time, we will miss so many of the wonderful Year 6 students. You are such a fun, caring and kind group of students, and the thing that has stood out to me over the years is how inclusive you are and the amazing support you show all of your peers.
I hope you all enjoy the Graduation, have a great last week of school and I wish you all every success in the future. Please come back and visit us!!
Farewell to Staff
I would like to wish farewell and good luck to those staff members who will not be here at Kalinda next year. You have all made a huge contribution to the school and hopefully, we see some of you back here again someday. I wish you all the best in the next chapter of your career.
Farewell to Christina Patane, Renee Barnden, Simone Flanagan, Tiahna Wild, Rachel Godwin, Susanne Formichi, Pam Cox, Alexa Telfer, Julia Robertson and Tamara Anderson.
Farewell to Minori - thank you to our host families
I would like to greatly thank our Japanese intern, Minori, for the incredible contribution you have made to our school this year. You brought so much knowledge, fun, and energy to your role and you will be greatly missed. お疲れ様でした。
Good luck going back to your teaching role in Osaka. We hope you can come and visit us again someday and you will always be part of our Kalinda community.
A huge thank you has to go out to the host families who supported Minori whilst she was here. It would not have been possible without you. Thank you to the Langley family, and the Witherow family, and a huge thank you to the Keeler family who hosted Minori for 6 months.
Shaun McClare,
Principal
Kalinda Primary School
We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.