From the  Assistant Principal

Winding down

It's hard to know from the inclement weather we have been having but we have just 3 school weeks to go until we farewell 2022. We are looking forward to many wonderful celebrations including Carols, concerts, graduation and other end of year traditions. 

It is more common than ever that students are extremely tired and emotional at this end of the year. As an 11.5 week term, Term 4 2022 is the longest time we have been onsite at school in more than 3 years. There always is a buzz of great excitement mixed with a little anxiety as we head towards the end of the year and this year is no different! As adults, it is our job to model healthy behaviours like getting adequate rest, and to aim for resilience and optimism with the everyday challenges that end of year can present to our students. If your student needs a rest day between now and the end of term we know that sometimes this can be a really healthy choice so please don't avoid making this choice if you think it is necessary. 

ICAS Assessments

Earlier this year we offered students in Grades 2-6 the option to participate in the ICAS Assessments. We were very proud of the students who participated as they all tried their very best and their results were outstanding. ICAS testing is rigorous and challenging and we want to congratulate students who received the following awards. Thank you to Mrs Crossland for co-ordinating our entrants this year.

Writing: 18 Participation awards, 4 Merit awards, 7 Credit awards, and 3 Distinctions. 

Maths: 27 Participation awards, 6 Merit awards, 14 Credit awards, and 5 Distinctions. 

Kalinda Giving Tree and Stocking drive

We invite students and families, where possible, to consider contributing to our charity collections in the lead-up to Christmas. We know that Christmas can be a busy and financially complex time for many families however if you are in a position to assist please consider these options. 

Kalinda Giving Tree

This year we are making a collection of new or unused toys, games and books to be donated to the Uniting Gifts for Families drive. The collection will cease on Tuesday 12th December so that Uniting have time to collect, sort and distribute donations to families in need. Please do not wrap presents. All presents can be left under the Kalinda Giving Tree in the school foyer. A flyer including gift suggestions is attached to this newsfeed item.

Christmas Stocking Drive

Kalinda parent Melynda and her daughter Charlye (5L) have once again taken on the task of collecting prepackaged Christmas Stockings (the type with chocolate or confectionary in them) to assist the Statewide Children's Resource Program in providing special treats for children experiencing homelessness or vulnerability. Last year they collected a whopping 211 stockings and we would love to help them beat their record! Please consider popping one in the trolley next time you are doing your shopping and bringing to the collection box in the school foyer. Thank you Melynda and Charlye for inspiring us to think of others less fortunate.

Thank you for taking time to consider these worthy causes. 

Welcome Mel

Over the last couple of years Emily Bieber has done an amazing job nurturing the role of Counsellor and what that means at Kalinda. We are incredibly excited to welcome Mel Jeffery as a second Counsellor. Mel will be at Kalinda on Fridays for the rest of this term. Their skills and passion for student and family wellbeing run deep and I can't wait to work together!

Hi Kalinda families!

I’m Mel (they/them) and have just started in the role of School Counsellor, sharing with the wonderful Emily Bieber. I’m all about supporting people from all walks of life to feel valued and seen, and harness their unique strengths to help them be the best version of themselves. 

I’ll be here at Kalinda on a Friday, and available to chat to students, parents and staff when they need a bit of extra support. I love drawing, Animal Crossing and sports of all kinds. I also love challenging myself to do hard things - there’s nothing like the accomplishment of ticking a goal off the list! Can’t wait to get to know the Kalinda community.

Mel

Take care, you mean a lot to me.

Lauren Hopkins

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