Assistant Principal's report 

Connection is key

Recently the teachers and students were kind enough to celebrate World Principal's Day with some lovely words and messages to Mr McClare and myself. Neither of us feel like we need a celebration because leading Kalinda is a total privilege however it did point out something very important to me. 

Amongst the cards and drawings that I got (and will treasure) there was lots of recognition that students know about me in a way that is beyond 'that school dog lady' (and yes I've been called that by new Foundation students on more than one occasion!) Little touches like my rainbow earrings, words or phrases that I say a lot, and my undying love of the St Kilda Football Club! 

Those little moments of connection and recognition are as important to adults as they are to children. It increases a sense of belonging and purpose. When you are in the school you might hear school staff greeting children with little personal tidbits like 'how about those Bombers?" or "My daughter has a unicorn tshirt that made me think of you!" or "wow I heard you speak in  assembly and you did a great job". 

These little shout-outs seem random but are always purposeful and deliberate - our prevailing wish is that all children think of school as somewhere they belong, somewhere they feel safe and somewhere they feel 'seen'. 

Dates to remember

Our Save the Date page has some key dates for 2024 already so if you are planning holidays or other special family events please take note of our term dates, camps and School Photo Day. 

Wear it Purple Day

Last Friday children and staff were invited to wear a touch of purple to school. Wear it Purple Day is a global movement founded in 2010 in response to global stories of teenagers and young people who feel discriminated against due to a lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.

Our community had many splashes of purple and as is appropriate to our Primary School setting, we used this opportunity to reflect on what it means to say that at Kalinda, everyone belongs.

Footy Maths Day

Check out the 'From the Staff and Office' page for details about our Footy Maths Day coming up. I expect my team may have bowed out of the finals by then but I will be proudly wearing Red White and Black nonetheless! 

Take care Kalinda, you are very important to me. 

Lauren Hopkins