Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

Our Remembrance Day commemoration led by our student leaders on Friday November 11 was a very moving tribute. Special thanks to Captain Chad Cole from the Salvation Army for coming to our ceremony and for giving a very special talk to our students. It was also very nice to see so many parents attend what is a very special date in our nation's calendar.

Well done to our student leaders. You proudly represented all that the men and women who served in our defence forces, and you displayed many of the values they served and died for; respect, tolerance, pride and leadership. Well done also to Mrs Wood who supported our students to lead this service, and to the whole Mackellar community for their sombre yet respectful approach to this day.

Remembrance Day marks the last of our 'Days of Significance' for this year, and what an outstanding job all of whom have been involved have done. From Harmony Day to ANZAC Day, from National Sorry Day to Reconciliation Week and from Day for Daniel to Remembrance Day our student leaders have gone from strength to strength and set a high bar for future student leaders.

In further planning news for 2023, we are pleased to announce a further expansion of our specialist program starting next year. Currently our students receive:

6 months of Performing Arts;
6 months of Visual Arts;
6 months of Languages (Italian);
6 months of Food Technology; and
12 months of Physical Education.

From next year our students will also receive Digital Technologies each week throughout the year from a specialist teacher. This program will be located in The Hive and will be taught by Mr Chris D'Alterio (affectionately known as Mr. D). This is an exciting addition to our program leveraging off of the work that has occurred in this space over the past several years.

Finally, yet quite importantly a request to all parents picking students up from school. Lately we have seen too many instances of students crossing the road without using the manned crossings. Often at the behest of their parents waiting on the other side. Whilst this may save a few seconds, the potential cost if things go wrong is too high. Please encourage, remind and model safe and appropriate practice on our roads for the sake of all children.

Regards,

Simon McGlade

Principal