Assistant Principal's Report

Community

As I reflect on the year gone by I find myself coming back to the word Community. One of our school values, community has meant so much more this year than ever before. I feel the sense of community when I see the students run through the school gates with big smiles on their faces every morning. I feel it when I see the families mingling in the playground at the start and end of the day. I feel it when I watch the students share their work with their classmates and when those classmates cheer and applaud afterward. 

These are not big, meaningful interactions but given the year we have had, we no longer take these interactions for granted. To have students learning onsite rather than remotely, to have families able to come in and share our beautiful outdoor spaces at drop-off and pick-up, and for students to collaborate and celebrate their learning face to face – these are magical moments I have learnt to appreciate more and will no longer take for granted!

Last week I was able to watch the Year 5 students present their speeches for FPS 2021 Community Leader and Specialist Leader roles. We had so many students interested in these roles and each and every one of them took the process very seriously. It was evident that all students presenting had spent a long time working on their speeches and although nervous, they spoke clearly and confidently into the microphone on the stage in the Old Hall in front of the Year 4 and 5 students and staff. To listen to their speeches and hear the pride they have for Fairfield Primary School was very special. It reminded me again of how close our community is at FPS and although we were separated for a lot of it, we still remained connected. 

I know you are all looking forward to a more stable year next year – as are we. I am particularly keen to start up the Student Voice Team once again. I will keep you updated on the work of this group throughout the year. 

Please enjoy your time together these holidays, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2021!

~ Sarah Abbott, Assistant Principal