From the Principal

GRADE SIX GRADUATION

Yesterday we celebrated the graduation of our Grade 6 students.  In the morning, a graduation assembly was held.  The Grade 6 students were introduced to the audience and presented with a school pennant to keep as a memento of Murrumbeena. The graduating group performed two farewell songs. 

In the evening, class teachers introduced each student and gave us an overview of each one’s achievements and aspirations for the future. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the attributes of each and every student and how they have grown in so many ways. They then received a certificate of graduation listing all their achievements, and a yearbook. Students and teachers then enjoyed a meal together, followed by a student disco, covering a range of dance styles.

When a year level leaves the school, it is always a time of mixed emotions; sadness at seeing students leave, yet happiness for celebrating what they have achieved and what the future holds for them.

We are very proud of our Grade 6 graduating students who have all been great ambassadors for the school.  I am sure we will hear of their many and varied achievements in the future.  For many of our families, this is the end of a long association with the school.  To them, we wish you well for the future and thank you for your support and involvement.

HIGGINS ELECTORATE AWARD

For the past five years, we have had an award, the Higgins Medal, donated on behalf of the Federal electorate of Higgins. It is presented to a highly motivated student who consistently displays excellence in attitude, caring, achievement and leadership.  This year’s recipient is School Captain, Toby N. His attitude and commitment embodies the values of our school and he has been a wonderful role model.  He has consistently showed awareness of others’ needs and offered assistance when needed.  Toby has achieved high standards in all areas of the curriculum and in the sporting field. Congratulations to Toby, a very worthy winner!

OAKLEIGH ELECTORATE AWARD

This award is offered to all state schools in the Victorian State electorate of Oakleigh. The award acknowledging excellence in mathematics and science was awarded to Mahalakshme T. Maha, an outstanding mathematics and science student, achieved distinctions for mathematics and science in the New South Wales ICAS competitions, being at the 92nd percentile of students in science and the 95th percentile of students in mathematics across Australia. She also gained a distinction in the University of Canberra’s Primary Mathematics Challenge.  Congratulations Maha!

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA MEDAL

I was also pleased to present School Sport Victoria Outstanding Achievement Medal, which recognizes excellence in both the academic achievement and the sporting field.  The winner, Jacob B. achieves an extremely high standard in academic and sporting fields and demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with others in a range of situations. Congratulations Jacob!

SCHOOL CAPTAINS AND VICE CAPTAINS

Our special assembly concluded yesterday with a reflection about the 2016 year from our School Captains, Toby N. and Kate D., and Vice Captains, Aaron H. and Maria M..  Their presentations showcased their fine leadership and public speaking skills.  I would like to thank them for their wonderful efforts this year.

I was then pleased to announce the 2017 School Captains and Vice Captains.  Congratulations to Isabel C. and Blake M. (Captains), and Daphne P. and Sam S. (Vice Captains). We look forward to your leadership contributions to the school next year!

TRANSITIONS TO NEW CLASSES

Next Tuesday morning, the children will move to their new 2017 classrooms, and will stay with their new class for an hour.  This is a good opportunity to meet new classmates and get accustomed to their new surroundings. Much thought and input has taken place to prepare the class lists, so the transition process is planned to ensure that each child feels comfortable in his/her new class.

HOUSE SPORTS

Today and tomorrow, the annual house sports add another enjoyable dimension to our end of year activities. They also form part of the school’s transition program, with students mixing with students from other grades and levels. Students engage in a range of activities to earn points for their houses.  At the end of the sports, the results from the whole school are tallied, with the successful house winning the house sports shield.

CLASS PARTIES

On Thursday, all classes will hold an end of year party celebration.  Each child is asked to bring a small contribution to the party. Students may dress in casual clothes for the party, at a cost of a gold coin donation.  This year, the gold coin donation will go towards the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

STAFF FAREWELLS

As mentioned in previous newsletters, at the end of the year, we farewell Mrs Gina Van Veen, Miss Bianca Bisset, Miss Deb Donoghue, Mrs Ann Dunstan and Mrs Michelle Crick.  Mrs Gabbi Menche commenced her maternity leave last week.    We thank them all and wish them well for their future endeavours.

FAREWELL MRS KRONGOLD

Mrs Shirley Krongold will be retiring from teaching at the end of the year.  Shirley has spent the vast majority of her teaching career at Murrumbeena Primary School.  She commenced here in 1988 and taught throughout the school as both a classroom teacher and teacher librarian until 2002, when she took up a promotion position at a neighbouring school.  Then, after a short stint as a network cluster educator, she returned to Murrumbeena in mid-2004 as the Assistant Principal.  Throughout her teaching career, as both teacher and Assistant Principal, Shirley has endeared herself to students, parents and colleagues, and is known for her care, professionalism and expertise in whatever she does. She will be sorely missed by us all, but we wish her a wonderful retirement!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

I would like to thank all our staff, students and parents for their wonderful contributions during 2016.  Best wishes for a lovely Christmas and a happy healthy 2017! 

Students will be dismissed at the earlier time of 1.30pm (no lunch break) on Tuesday 20 December.

School will resume for all students (except preps) on Tuesday 31 January 2017.

Heather Hill