Cumberland

                Ms Karen McArdle

Cumberland Concert

What a night! There were rock bands, superheroes, fairy tale characters, ballerinas, underwater ballet-fellas, and then there was Mr Keegan, who cameoed in his first stage performance as an underwater ballet-fella. You had to see it to believe it! It was a superb night of talent-showcasing and entertainment. The students had a great time working on their performances and it all came together so well.

Thanks go to the Performing Arts staff, the sound and lighting technicians, the Homeroom teachers, the Masters of Ceremony and the wonderful students of Cumberland.

Year 6 Celebration

The Year 6 Celebration held last Thursday 6 December was a night of fond memories, as the students celebrated the completion of their Primary years of schooling and reflected on:

• how much they have grown, matured as a person, advanced in their learning and skill development; and
• in the way they have developed social skills and a better understanding of themselves as people and members of society.

I congratulate all Year 6 students on their presentations and for the many successes they have achieved in their Primary years, often through perseverance, diligence and hard work.

Step Up Day

Yesterday was Step Up Day. On this day, students move into the next year of schooling and into their new classes. The day was full of excitement, as students settle into their new class with their new teacher/s. I ask that parents support the school’s placement of their child in their new class and focus their child’s attention on the positives of a new year, new friends, new learning and new achievements.

The classes have been created following a number of set criteria and much time and effort has gone into their formation. Every child’s list of classmates they would like to be in a class with has been double-checked to ensure at least one of them is in their class. Every class in Cumberland is now full and further moves are not anticipated.

A Long Term

This has been a long year for the children and, as we near its end, many students (parents and staff too) are tired. This can present itself in tears, anger and grumpiness (hopefully not from the staff!). This will be further exasperated with the spell of hot weather we are currently experiencing, adding ‘hot and bothered’ to the list. Please take this into account in the remaining few days and limit physical activity and late nights to a minimum – together we will get through it!

2019 Leaders

The 2019 Cumberland leaders have now been selected and will be announced at the Final Assembly on Wednesday 12 December. For positions where many students nominated, staff were asked to help create a short list, as we were unable to conduct over 40 interviews. Many students applied for leadership positions, and I commend them all for their willingness and self-belief in applying – they are well on their way to developing leadership skills. Cumberland has 18 main leadership positions and so not all students will be successful. I have admired the comments the students made when asked what they would say to students who were not selected. The comment most made is for them to hold their head up, that they should be proud they tried and that there are many more opportunities as they make their way through the school. These are such mature responses – a testament to the quality of students we have in Cumberland.

Year 6 is a big year, being the highest year level in Cumberland. I remind the Year 6 students often that they are all leaders and all capable to leading by example, through their words and actions and in the way they role model expected behaviour, apply themselves to their school-work and wear their uniform. The younger children do not look for the badge- they look for the example.

Farewell and Thanks

I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to the staff, parents and especially the students of Cumberland. I have loved every moment of my time at Aitken.

I have found the students absolutely delightful, which is a credit to their parents and teachers. I will miss their happy hellos, their endless curiosity and their friendly nature. I wish them all success and a lifelong desire to grow through learning and to become the best version of themselves.

The staff have been incredibly supportive and have given me so much encouragement and guidance – they have become my second family and I will miss seeing them on a daily basis. They are such dedicated teachers, and they give so much of themselves to their profession and classes. I thank my lucky stars each day that I have gotten to know them and count them as friends and colleagues.

I have also received great support and encouragement from the Cumberland parents. Having a community which is positive, supportive of its teachers and demonstrates a willingness to partner with the school in the education of their child and in making Aitken College the best it can be for their children is so helpful when leading a school. I thank you all!

On a lighter note:

• I still do not have a footy team, but I now understand the game.
• I have weathered two Melbourne winters and have become more acclimatised; I will probably have issues with the heat at Christmas time in Queensland!
• I have become an expert at ‘hook turns’
• I have a new definition for ‘traffic’
• I love saying my home is in Melbourne!

I will always treasure my time at Aitken College and wish the school every success as it continues to grow and develop in its quest to educate the young people of our future.