Some words from the Principal

It was wonderful seeing how Australia, and the Karoo community, has rallied together to support the Matilda's.  While the final result was not what we hoped for, it’s really worth recognising all the firsts and records they’ve managed to achieve already. They’ve made Australia so proud, and brought us all together.  There are so many lessons we can learn from this that we take into our school to build a positive culture.  Positive emotions and behaviours are contagious.  Emotional contagion or social contagion, describes how emotions, attitudes and behaviours spread through groups and crowds.  Supporting The Matilda's are a wonderful example of this which we can learn from to continue to build Karoo as a positive place to be. 

Baby News @ Karoo 

Speaking about positive emotions.... Mrs Kuusela and her partner Ryan are thrilled to welcome baby Elvis Hank to our Karoo community!  He safely arrived on Monday 14th and he is just perfect and we look forward to meeting him and enjoying a cuddle! 

Celeste, our Wellbeing officer, has also welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Saydee, on Friday 4th August. 

We are so thrilled to be expanding our Karoo family and already have some pre populated enrolment forms for 2029 ready to go for them! :) 

New Sports tops for 2024

I am so proud to share with the community our new Sports tops, along with the meaning behind the images.  Earlier this term members of the SRC committee surveyed their classmates for their ideas and met with a local indigenous artist, Ky-ya from Djirringu Art https://djirringu.com/ , to discuss our proposed sports tops. 

We are so thrilled with the outcome and look forward to seeing the product in real life! I have met with KLAD began the production of the prototypes.  The plan is for these to be produced and in store later this year ready to purchase for 2024.   In addition to this print, we will also be incorporating each of the house colours into the collar and the KAROO name on the back (separate one for each house colour). 

BUNJIL (WEDGE TAILED EAGLE): Bunjil is Wurundjeri’s creator spirit, he is a symbol of protection, safety and guidance.

YELLOW/GREEN/WHITE LINES (coming from wings): These lines represent the beautiful mountains on Wurundjeri country. The beauty we all connect through, where so many scared animals and plants live, also where my people have thrived since time immemorial. 

BLACK CROSS HATCHING: The cross hatching symbolises the importance of being there for one another, creating a safe & happy environment for everyone.

HANDS: The hands represent friendship, teamwork and working together. 

MEETING PLACE: The meeting place symbolises coming together and uniting as a school. Highlighting all the people who contribute to the community at Karoo.

4 CIRCLES: The circles symbolise each of the 4 houses.

U SHAPES: The U-shapes represent the students themselves and their connection with their peers.

FOOTPRINTS: The footprints highlight the student’s individual journey’s growing and learning each day.

Staffing News

During 2020 and 2021, Karoo were fortunate to be part of a Departmental Differentiated Support Initiative to support the growth of the school.  As part of the this initiative, Mrs Peta Phillips - a Leading Teacher, worked closely with leadership and teachers to enhance teaching and learning.  Peta moved to Scotland in August of 2021 and has just moved back to Melbourne.  We have been fortunate enough to secure her at Karoo until the end of the year.  Peta will join the leadership team as a Learning Specialist (along side Simone Vitas and Robyn Harris) and oversee the Foundation to Year 2 cohorts.  She will be working alongside teachers in the classroom modelling exemplar practice and be involved in the planning of high quality learning programs.   Mrs Peta Phillips will start on Monday 21st August so be sure to say hello to her when you see her around. 

2023 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

A huge thankyou to the 35 people that have completed the survey so far (11% of surveys sent out). The information you provide as KPS community members is highly beneficial for guiding our next steps and decision making at the school. It is also an opportunity for us to hear your feedback and respond accordingly.

This will be open until Friday 8th September and we really value parent input so please take the opportunity for your voice! 

Have a wonderful week, 

Danielle Heatley

Principal