From the Assistant Principal 

Student agency - student power!

The Kalinda Values of Kindness, Resilience and Respect have little impact if they are not nurtured and modelled in real-world contexts. This week we have been inspired and so very proud of examples of Kalinda students who strive to make their community a better place. 

On Saturday, the privilege to celebrate our right to a peaceful and democratic election was not lost on us as we enjoyed the chilly sunshine selling sausages and cakes at the polling booth. Our Grade 6 students held their first Graduation fundraiser with a chocolate throw and many visitors expressed how impressed they were at not just a professionally run operation but also the fact that our students are so willing to commit to such a task for the good of their classmates. Again on Tuesday evening we saw Grade 6s cooking and selling sausages at Open Night and we were very proud of them. 

Moving to goals further afield, on Tuesday evening two groups of students spent their time selling products for the purpose of raising money for charity. 

Hiromi Sensei and her team of keen Branch Out Ambassadors worked hard selling the now-famous Green Tea Ice Cream to enthusiastic crowds at Open Night. Making over $400 in sales, they are proud to be donating these much-needed profits to Tsunami and Ukrainian relief funds via the Red Cross. Arigato team, what a fantastic job! 

Grade 5 students Maddy, Isla, Samuel, Alex, and Tahlia came to Mr. McClare back in February with a plan to host a bake sale to raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital, and oh boy that is certainly what they did. Organizing the entire concept themselves, the bake sale was a very popular and delicious addition to Open Night and they were excited to raise $327. On the night Alex was sadly absent but Lachlan from Grade 2 stepped in as cashier. From carefully labeled ingredients, to table cloths and themed paper bags their stall was entirely student-led and we are so proud of them. 

Talking to children about tragedy

I've returned to the newsletter to add final touches to my page with a heavy heart today in light of the horrific news coming thick and fast from Texas where children and staff were the victims of another senseless shooting. This story has knocked the wind out of me as I'm sure it has for you too and I found drifted a bit today reflecting upon the day-to-day roles of a school leader and how vastly different (and incredibly lucky) that looks in Australia. The privilege of perspective and good fortune is something I am grateful for when navigating my day-to-day tasks. 

The news cycle is fraught at the best of times when it comes to our children's mental health and I would urge you to read the following tips for managing tragic news stories when speaking to your children. Limiting exposure to print, television, and radio news is a must when such a tragic and extraordinary news story breaks even if it isn't possible all of the time. 

Take care, you mean a lot to me.

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.