Well we made it through to the end and I have to say that as a community we have managed to dodge a few bullets this year... but probably shouldn't speak too soon.

This week has been a week of joy and celebration for our students and it has been a pleasure to be a part of that. The production on Monday night gave our students a chance to shine and experience what happens when you come together as a team and work hard towards a common goal. The teachers and the students put on one amazing show and I don't think anyone thought there was anything less than Kirsty's high standard show performed on Monday night.

I would again like to thank Kirsty for her hard work and the energy she puts into the school. I was amazed at how well the dress rehearsal went and how the staff all knew exactly what to do and just did it. From picking up props and costumes, to sorting, supervising, supporting and directing cast and crew, the staff worked like a well oiled machine. Not one sound or lighting error and no prompting needed from the curtains, the students were truly amazing.

As we reflect on the year we have had, I know no one thought the year would be as hard as it was. After 2020 there had been a feeling that life would return to normal. It was anything but that and I am sure you are looking forward to spending time with family and friends over Christmas. If you have booked a holiday I hope it goes ahead without a hitch and if you are just taking the time to relax at home, I hope you get to do just that.

I would like to thank the community again for your support throughout the year and for being so patient during a very difficult time for you and your family. We hope that 2022 brings less chaos and uncertainty but I am also confident that as a community, if you had to do it again, you would see it through together just as you have this year.

I would like to finish the year with a something that reminds us why we are all here. This year, amongst the lockdowns and remote learning our staff have been working very hard on the delivery of our new instructional model. Specifically our Writing program has been a huge focus. How to put the student at the centre of all writing programs and engage our reluctant writers by equipping them with the skills and an understanding of what good readers and writers do. Using the picture books and children's literature you helped fund this year, the students have made such great progress. Below is a beautiful poem that Nikki showed me from a student in her class (3/4N) that she was so proud of. I believe this piece highlights why we do what we do here and motivates us as educators to keep going.

Finally, at our special assembly on Wednesday we celebrated our school leaders, who passed the 'torch' onto our 2022 school leaders. We also celebrated and our 4 staff members, Cathie, Jenny, Cathy & Wendy that are retiring and 2 staff members, Tash & Lisa that are leaving. Thank you all again, you will all be greatly missed.

Have a safe and happy Christmas and we will see you back in 2022. Students first day of Term 1 is Tuesday, February 1st.

Take care,

Nieta

Performing Arts