From the Head of Primary

As we conclude our year of Seeing Life Clearly, God is so clear on what he says we should do, as we seek Him for the direction of our lives: Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting your God. Micah 6:8

It is without hesitation that I commend this verse to you, as an excellent way to live, whether you live by faith or not. If we treat others well, show kindness and live humbly, what a joyful environment for raising children and living life.

Our weeks continue to be jam-packed. We celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through NAIDOC Week and as part of this week our Great Book Swap raised $630 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. We smashed our $200 goal and loved it so much we look forward to supporting this wonderful cause again in the future. Thank you for your book and monetary donations. Many thanks go to Mr Phil Garland, Mrs Hanna Klasen, the Secondary Student helpers and our Primary School SRC.

Over the past fortnight each child has participated in our Swim and Survive Programme which helps to embed lifesaving principles into our children about water safety and survival. Our Secondary students were brilliant helpers, making connections with our youngest students and supporting them to grow, learn and refine skills in the water. Whilst this programme is valuable in the promotion of water safety it does not replace formal swimming lessons. If your child is not a confident swimmer, I would recommend seeking out swimming lessons for them over the Summer holidays.

Year Four and Stage One have continued to experience activities beyond their everyday classroom lessons. Year Four can tell you how rewarding ten-pin bowling is, even if a bit hard and Year 1 created delicious Christmas treats. When we go beyond the classroom, we show how learning continues and is part of every facet of our lives. Take time these holidays to continue learning. Visit a new park or take a hike, do you know the history of your favourite holiday destination? Cook, teach children to clean, spend time gardening and allow your children to be involved in the everyday tasks which fill our lives.

Staff News

We rejoice with these staff members and their exciting news:

During the October holidays we were delighted with the news of two engagements: Miss Isabella Clift and also Miss Georgie Anderson
Mr Phil Garland and his wife Ally are expecting their second child in January 2021. Mrs Emma Armytage and her husband Tom are expecting their third child in February 2021.

It is with sadness I announce that Miss Georgie Anderson will resign from Calrossy at the conclusion of 2020. Georgie has since taught at Calrossy for the last five years and is an outstanding teacher. You will know this from the warmth she radiates and the kindness you feel in her presence. She has a natural gift for teaching and cares deeply about her students. Georgie’s flair for artistic talents renders her classroom, ‘gallery worthy’ status as children delight in creative pursuits which highlight their learning. Her Assembly Presentations at Pavers were always memorable, and her infectious smile will be missed by many students. Georgie and her fiancé are moving to Dungog where they are setting up an Avocado farm. We know Georgie won’t ever be far away from teaching, as you can’t keep someone as exceptional as her away for long. We will miss Georgie and wish her every success and much happiness as she journeys down a new path.

Going forward into 2021, you will start to hear the Calrossy Primary referred to as Calrossy Junior School. Currently, Primary refers to our Infants and Primary sections of the school and at times this becomes confusing. At a time where we are making changes in our Diamond Model, we have chosen to rename the students in Prep to Year 6 as Calrossy Junior School.

Infants will still refer to Prep, Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2.
Primary will refer to Year 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Put together, they will be the Junior School. This aligns with the naming of the rest of the school, known as Secondary School.

Calrossy 7-9 will refer to Years 7, 8 and 9
Senior Secondary refers to Years 10, 11 and 12.

Have a relaxing and refreshing holiday break and a blessed Christmas. Enjoy the slower pace of holidays and have fun with your family.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Claire Dalziel

Head of Primary