From the Leadership Team
Julia Padgett, Deputy Principal
It has been wonderful to spend the last few weekends catching up with family and friends after not being able to see them in person. I’ve been struck by how much my two daughters have relished the opportunities to reconnect and spend time with others.
They have missed being able to sit down and share what they have been doing with their grandparents. They have enjoyed playing with their younger cousins, being able to attend birthday celebrations and mixing with people other than myself and my husband.
Beyond parents, there are many people that play a key role in the development of young people. During lockdown, many community and sporting groups were affected. Some of these groups stopped and others attempted to maintain connections online.
Even if it was possible to continue to some degree, the incidental conversations and interactions from meeting in person was missing. Our coaches, group leaders and tutors teach young people so much more. They are the positive role models children need in their life.
Similarly, teachers play an integral role beyond the classroom. Some of my favourite moments are when I chat to students on yard duty, camps and other settings where you’re not seen as their ‘teacher’, but as another adult who cares for them and is interested in what they’re doing. Teachers are there to support parents too, as we all want the best for every young person.
Social researcher Mark McCrindle, co-author of Generation Alpha, highlighted the fact that young people have been missing out on important rites of passage and other school celebrations. Now that the state is back open, schools can once again schedule events to commemorate achievements and milestones.
As we return to welcoming parents back at events, we need to take steps to ensure we keep our community safe. In line with the current school operational guidelines, parents and visitors attending school events onsite need to:
- Adhere to physical distancing, density limits and face mask requirements.
- Check in using the Victorian Government QR Code Service.
- Show evidence of vaccination.
If you hold a medical exemption, can we please ask that you contact the School prior to the event so we can support any additional requirements you may have.
I look forward to seeing you all back onsite soon.
Staff news
It is with sadness that we farewell Sally Robinson at the end of the year. Sally has been a key contributor to our learning support team and program, and has provided wonderful support to students over the last four years. We will miss her positive, kind and caring nature, and wish her the very best for the future.
Upcoming events
- Valedictory Church Service, Thursday 18 November, 1.30 to 2.30pm in the Sport Centre.
- Year 7 2022 Parent Information Evening, Monday 22 November, 7.30pm in the Sport Centre (this was previously an online event).
- Celebration Night (virtual), Monday 29 November from 7.30pm.
- PFA AGM, Tuesday 7 December, 7.00pm, MSC3/4.
- Volunteer Thank You event, Tuesday 7 December, 7.30 to 8.30pm, The Green.