Principal  Message

Last night we had our Warrandyte Primary School's Got Talent Show and with 64 families

 and teachers logging into the event, it was a huge success.  I must admit that I was worried we wouldn't get enough entries being the last week of term. But across the week the videos kept coming in and I was so thrilled that so many families joined, even if their children had not entered a video.  There were over 35 acts and the comments in the chat throughout the show was a tribute to our community that even in times like these we can be kind, supportive and proud of each others achievements. There were some definite highlights but we decided not to make it a quest with winners and losers but rather enjoy the night together as a school community after a very difficult term. There really was a community spirit online and great to see so many of the children's faces smiling. We also got to see some of the talent in our school.  There's definitely enough there for us to consider a school band in the future.  Once again, I thank the parents for supporting their children when making the videos.  

As we enter the school holidays none of us have any real idea about what the beginning of Term 4 will look like. Are we going to still be in lockdown, will students be allowed back into primary schools or will we have to continue delivering a remote learning program? I am hopeful we will get some answers throughout the holiday, but please know that the teachers have planned to be able to deliver a remote program from the first day of Term 4. If remote learning continues the teachers have planned a great online whole school camp for the first week back with some really amazing online excursions and activities.  Should we be returning to onsite learning, the teachers are equally prepared and very keen to get back into the classroom with their students. 

Over the holidays we will have some works being undertaken on our Bampi building. This is money allocated to the school to repair and maintain our shelter in place building. The Victorian Schools Building Authority is in charge of these works and have sub contracted out to a commercial builder to conduct and oversee the project.   Most of the work is being done to the exterior of the building and there are some repairs to the stone building and the main administration building also.  These works will continue after the holidays but it is not anticipated to interfere with any classes should we be back onsite.

We have had a big week filled with celebrations and events. One of these being the official announcement of Rick Griffiths being named a finalist in the Victorian Education Excellence Award for Primary Teachers.  We all know that Rick is an outstanding teacher and member of our community, but it is fantastic to have this acknowledged. He is the only teacher in our Network of schools to become a finalists this year and we wish him luck.

Finally, I would like to thank all our families for the support they have shown for our teachers and staff throughout this term.  You have been kind, patient and dedicated to working in partnership with the school throughout the term. We all keep our fingers crossed for a more 'normal' Term 4 but if we are to continue in lockdown, I have no doubt our community can pull it off together.  I also want to thank our teachers and support staff for the amazing effort they have gone to in trying to deliver an engaging online program and also support whole school initiatives such as The Talent Show and today's Footy Day. The energy and passion they demonstrate for their classes is amazing. Have a great break from the pressures of remote learning despite being in lockdown I hope you get a chance to have some downtime with your family and enjoy the outdoors in Warrandyte. 

Take care,

Nieta