The Principal's Desk

Dear parents, families and friends,

Half way through the year. At the end of Term 2 we have completed Semester 1(two terms). At this point we look at the growth and development that has been made so far. We celebrate the successes and achievements, of which there have been many. We look ahead to the second half of the year, identifying where to next in the learning journey. For the students this is a great opportunity to develop a growth mindset by being proud of their strengths and preparing themselves to work on the challenges. There is always room for improvement and to ask yourself, 'What can I do better?' 'What can I do differently?' The students have earned a two week rest. Term 3 is going to be a BIG term. We begin the term with the Year 5/6 Snow Camp. In August we have the Book Week Character Parade, First Holy Communion and St. Augustine's Feast Day. September will bring us to the long awaited and highly anticipated School Concert. The advertisement below gives a hint to the theme of the concert. The script is ready and pre-production has already begun. Rehearsals will begin next term, along with auditions for the main roles.

We had a busy half day here last Saturday 19th June with a mini working bee to complete some pressing tasks. New soft fall mulch was added to the Senior Adventure Playground. The large pieces of concrete from the old planter boxes were removed. The old wooden planter with the tree stump near the outside stairs was emptied and disassembled and we begun to empty the sand from the sandbox. Hard and tiring work, however much was achieved and we are ready for the next working bee sometime during Term 3. A big, big thank you to Damian Thaus, Julian McCluskey, Adam Emmerton and Ryan O'Donnell who joined Frank and myself for five and a half hours of solid work.  

New additions have been made to both the Junior and Senior passive play spaces ....... pianos. During lunch and recess times the students can play, learn to play or pretend to play the piano. They can play individually, in pairs or in trios. Hopefully we may even get some sing-alongs started!

Last Friday the staff completed their First Aid Training. It was a full day and the staff applied themselves enthusiastically. It is important for all staff in schools to be prepared to deal with and manage a variety of medical emergencies including, anaphylaxis, asthma, cuts, breaks, sprains, insect bites and cardiac arrest to name a few.

The Pie drive was a huge success. We estimate about $1400 was raised. I hope you all enjoy the pies and savouries during the holidays - a quick, hot tasty meal!! Thank you to everyone on the Parent Committee who helped to organise a the pie drive and distribute the orders on the day of delivery.

Quotes of the Week:

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold."

- Aristotle 

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: It is the time for home.” 

—Edith Sitwell, poet

Have a happy and safe holidays.

Stay warm and dry and see you all back here on Tuesday 13th July!!

Kind regards,

Matthew Stead

Principal