David's Message
Dear Sunshine Heights Parents and Carers,
What's that you say? It's been a bit hot? You betcha, in fact we've had to spend an occasional lunchtime inside as the mercury started rising to make sure you kids are safe from too much sun. It's been amazing to see so many students sporting the new school hats, and we thank parents for that extra effort in helping your child to remember theirs each day. Water bottles are also incredibly important at the moment, and encouraging your child to drink regularly in this weather will keep their brains hydrated and ready for learning.
The beginning of the year is always a special time for us. We welcome so many new members of our community as our preps join us, and with them comes a new set of amazing families. We were happy to read, sing and dance with them all during our Prep picnic on Thursday 15th February. As well as a visit from the Very Cranky Bear, Mr Anthony sang whilst the prep team put on their dance shoes, and the super talented Miss Jasmine and Miss Francine put their face painting skills on show. I know my own children had an incredible time, and it was heart-warming to see the connections forming between our families.
Talking of Miss Francine, you might have read in last week's Wellbeing Zone that Miss Francine is on long service leave in Japan! She has let us know what an amazing time she has been having, and her joy at travelling is matched only by how much we are missing her! If you do have any wellbeing concerns whilst she is away, please contact the office and either myself, Anthony and our amazing leadership team will be able to help out.
Last week I went to a farewell for our Area Executive Director, Bronwen Heathfield. Those of you who were with us for the Mental Health Festive and Block Party in March 2022 may remember her for helping us open the event on the main stage. I have been fortunate enough to work with Bronwen since 2018, and she had been in the role for 14 years. She was an incredibly passionate advocate for our Koorie students, and known for progressing the opportunities for girls and young women in leadership; she was also a great friend to our school and had visited a number of our Art Shows and Festive Concerts. I know Bronwen is excited about retirement and new horizons, but I will miss her candour, her humour and especially her incredible sense of style. Her replacement is well known to our school - Charles Branciforte has stepped into the role having previously worked as our Senior Education Improvement Leader, supporting our school during our School Review (in 2021) and with my appointment as Principal.
Finally, a little update on the Colour Fun Run... at the time of writing this (but recognising it keeps changing so quickly) our students have already raised a massive amount.The Fun Run is a great way for us to fundraise outside of our community, and so if you have work colleagues or customers that you can share your child's profile with, we can hopefully boost those funds sky high. As we speak, our teachers are getting a little nervous about being slimed by our students, and we will be conducting our first dousing of our staff on Friday 1st March, (weather permitting) at an outdoor Assembly. I'm also a little nervous myself, as I have proudly volunteered to be slimed at the $10 000 mark! If you are able to help out at the Fun Run on Thursday March 21st in the afternoon, or are interested in finding out more, please chat to our Fundraising Committee or email sunshineheightsfundraising@gmail.com
Best wishes,
David and the Sunny Heights Team