From the  Assistant Principal

Hopkins on Tour

We've recently returned from 5 weeks (It's ok, I'll forgive you if you are thinking 'I didn't notice you were gone?') in Central Australia ticking off some long awaited bucket list items including driving the Oodnadatta Track and visiting some incredible culturally significant sites. It was great to attend our latest RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) team meeting yesterday with a fresh view of the vast impact that the First Nations people make on our land, community and nation.

Like all adventures, there was lots to discover about our wonderful country but also about ourselves. I didn't know I was brave enough to hold a snake, fit enough to climb mountains (well...small ones) or patient enough to live literally on top of my family in a caravan for 5 weeks. I didn't know that I could switch (almost) off from work if I really tried (that was a tough one), I didn't know that I could reverse a caravan into a tight spot or that when I came back to work I would miss my family (even the noise and mess). Some of these learnings are good for me and I have to be mindful about keeping them relevant. What have you learned about yourself lately? A little exercise in self discovery is always therapeutic!

Thank you Mrs. Steele

A huge thank you to Mrs. Steele who was the Acting Assistant Principal in my absence. She has left me very big shoes to fill and I have learned a lot from hearing about her time in the role.

One of Mrs. Steeles' foci during this time has been working with staff on revising our Instructional Models. Instructional models refer to the structure and delivery method of a lesson and at Kalinda we follow an "I do, we do, you do" gradual release of responsibility in the classroom. Whilst we don't need the models as a 'how to teach', they are a good way of maintaining a consistent approach across our school even if visiting teachers step into a class. Mrs. Steele worked with staff to collaboratively summarise and articulate our philosophy around how lessons are taught at Kalinda and they are great visual reminder of the amazing work that our teachers and students do every day.

Bon Voyage Annie and welcome Meagan!

The magnificent Annie is off on a truly wonderful holiday for the rest of the term, visiting lands distant and exciting. We all wish her a really wonderful time! For the rest of August, Megan Tustin will be manning our front desk, she's already a trusted member of Team Kalinda as she has been working in our sick bay, pop in and say hello if you get the chance! 

My name is Meagan Tustin, I’m lucky enough to be working in First Aid and the Office at Kalinda PS.  I love travelling, which includes a holiday in September this year.  Some of my favourite foods include chocolate and raspberries.

I love watching all sports but my favourite is Collingwood FC, go pies !

Pyjama Day 31st August

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