Principal
Sustainability Fundraiser
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between Solway School and Farmer's Pick. This partnership is part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. Farmer's Pick specialises in utilising "not quite right" produce, which would otherwise go to waste, to create these wonderful boxes.
This initiative is aimed at reducing food waste whilst also supporting our school community and farmers. Families are able to order boxes of fruit and vegetables that have been rejected by the supermarkets as they are not visually appealing. The first pickup is scheduled for the first week of term, on July 16th, during school pickup time (from 3pm). This is a perfect opportunity to start off the term with fresh, locally sourced produce and support our school's initiatives in sustainability. Additionally, with every order, our school will receive a $5 donation with a sustainability cause to be discussed with the Green Team in the coming weeks! For more detailed information about how this initiative works and how to sign up, please visit the sustainability page in this newsletter.
Personal Mobile Devices Policy
A big thank you to Tim Chapman and the Education Committee for their work revising the Personal Mobile Devices Policy. This has now been updated and ratified at School Council last week. The policy can be found on the website and in the DT section of the newsletter, where you will also find a summary of the policy.
Final Newsletter Report
It is with very mixed emotions that I write this final Principal Newsletter. It has been a privilege to be the Principal at Solway PS since 2019. Over the time I have seen many changes to our school, with the pandemic being a major driver towards forced change. Throughout my five years in the role and seven years at the school, the community has been a constant highlight. At the School Council meeting on Wednesday evening, I was reminded of the beauty of this from our new council member who noticed that one of the biggest differences between their previous school and Solway, was the active parent community. This is not a given and is a privilege to be a part of. The social aspect – seeing parents support one another in times of need, fundraising, organising meals, supporting with school pick up and drop up, sharing uniforms, the list goes on.
I will look back on my time at Solway as the best years in my 25 years of education. The support between parents in our community extends also to the staff who, much like the parents, support one another with unlimited kindness. I will never forget the first lockdown, (I was out of my depth) trying very hard to navigate the Department guidelines and lead the school through this time of uncertainty. After a very overwhelming day, where I had to address the staff about the first lockdown and mention the words ‘remote learning’ for the very first time, I know I was overwhelmed and worried about what lay ahead. The next morning, I received a lovely bunch of flowers that was not named, but simply said – We are with you, from the Staff. It grounded me and made me realise that while I was leading the school, I wasn’t doing it alone, I had the full support of the staff behind me to guide the students and parents into the brand-new way of educating the students! The staff have supported one another while making sure the students are at the heart of all decisions. This is what makes a school great– not the student results or how many students are in each class, but this strong community, who support one another through everything. Knowing this will continue, gives me confidence in the future of Solway!
To the wonderful students a very big thank you. From the time you have all started in Prep, I have loved working with you. You make my job fun and I hope you all look back on your time at Solway with fondness, like I do. My favourite memories are the Prep Teddy Bear sleepover/PJ day, Footy Day, first week of the school year, announcing the student leaders, and meeting with the School leadership team weekly for assemblies, SRC feedback, and my general everyday interactions with the students. Those who know me well, often find me in the Prep classrooms, getting to know the students who are new to our community. Each year I spend a lesson in term one reading my favourite book and sharing the Solway values with our Preps. I wish you all the very best for your time at Solway and look forward to seeing you later in the year! I have enjoyed being your Principal and want to thank you for making it so enjoyable.
I look forward to visiting the school later in the year for the production and graduation! Thank you for supporting me to be your Principal for the past five years, for allowing me to lead this community and supporting me on the journey.
Lyn Rodda
Principal