dear parents/carers,

So 2020 is nearly over, and like many of you, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief! I also feel hopeful that no matter what is thrown at us as a school system, as Victorians or Australians, we have the necessary resilience, fortitude and systems to continue maintaining strong relationships, learning opportunities and our wonderful BNW community. While we have clearly had significant challenges, I’d also like to acknowledge many achievements. Firstly to our students, you have been simply inspiring. The way you have adapted to the many changes including different learning spaces and curriculum delivery while missing your friends, has inspired me, reiterating my gratitude and sincere love of children. You are awesome!

Secondly, families: thank you to everyone for your kind words about my leadership this year and my contributions when supporting your children. I have dedicated my career to support children! Congratulations to you for similarly managing the highly complex and difficult task of homeschooling your children while facing the complexities of juggling work, possibly pre-school age children, secondary children and the stressors of not being able to reach out to your usual support systems. This has been unfathomably difficult and needs to be recognised.

Thirdly to our staff…they know how I feel about them…I’ve said it many times, but they are simply the BEST staff I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. This year they have tirelessly adapted to frequently changing circumstances, at each stage having your children’s needs at the core. They are excited about 2021 and are prepared for continuing the learning journey with you all. As a community you are truly lucky to have such dedicated, skillful and capable group of educators, continually batting for your children.

Fourthly, Hannah, while like you, I’ve missed her terribly, she has achieved so much! While, we’ve all faced adversity this year, Hannah has had to overcome a massive hurdle! She has faced this with determination and inner strength. To me she is my pin-up for resilience and positive mindset, concepts that we value and are essential when faced with adversity. I feel honored that I’ve had the opportunity of working with her and providing a level of support to her this year. Her intellect, compassion and educational leadership is second to none!

There are always mixed emotions at the end of the year: we are tired, excited and sad all rolled up into one. Each year brings us joys, challenges and surprises and this year is certainly no exception! Over this holiday break, please look after yourselves, be kind to each other, try something new, be brave and strive to achieve your goals.

While I won’t be at BNWPS next year, the staff are excited about seeing you all, and hearing about your adventures over the summer break. But we will not see everyone again - we must also prepare to say goodbye… goodbye to students who are graduating and the families who are moving on from our school community to the next big stage in their lives, as well as goodbye to a few of our very special staff members.

Before we say goodbye, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the hours upon hours volunteered at WMM, Sprout, School council & sub committees, working bees, sausage sizzles, excursions and more. Thank you for the input you have had to make this school better each and every day. Thank you for the way you have supported each other and our community and for trusting us with your children and sharing your lives with us over the past years.

At last week’s graduation we said goodbye to our graduating families whose youngest children are leaving our school tomorrow, but we also have some families moving interstate or on to other new adventures. Following are these families:

Kozarcanin
Reddy
Vuga
Astobroto
Bowyer
Kuila-Miles
Johnson
Russell Mynster
Taylor
Niamh
Farrugia
Graham
Simmie
Poropat

Please don’t be a stranger and remember that this school and community would not be the same without you.

A final and sad farewell, while I’m excited about 2021 and what it holds for you all, I share a level of anxiety, similar to that of many of our students going into a new grade with new students and a teacher, or our graduating grade 6 students. Like them, I know that I’ll make adjustments and remind myself of my strengths and the exciting things in the future. I wish you all the best of luck, and best wishes.

Thank you as always to Nici and Unit NF for being so positive and practicing gratitude. We all did it!!!

The Nor'Wester

Issue 38 · 18 Dec 2020

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