A message from Margie   

Sports Day

We were so pleased to be able to hold our Sports Day this week after postponing in Week 10.  All of the students did a great job, and we loved seeing and hearing them cheer their classmates on, regardless of which House they were in. Congratulations to Flinders who came in first place and were able to complete their victory lap around the town oval! 

Wheelchair basketball 

We'd like to send a big bouquet 🌼 and a THANK YOU to the Parents and Friends who paid for 'Wheelienet' as a very special experience for all of our students this week. Michael from Wheelienet spoke to all of the students about his experience as a wheelchair user, and then introduced them to playing basketball and football in a wheelchair.  We really valued this experience for its physical challenge for students, but also to help them gain a greater awareness of the issues and challenges facing people living with disability.

Speaking of wheels...

 As mentioned on SeeSaw, we have decided to postpone Wheels Day until the first Friday of next term. The year 5/6 class is organising this special day, and this year they have chosen the theme of animals. They would like you to dress up as animals and / or decorate your bikes or scooters as animals. Something for you to plan over the school holidays! 🚲🐷🛴🐸

New 'Sensory Trail'

We've been wanting to install a sensory trail for students for years, and we have finally done it! The idea of the trail is to guide students to use their bodies in different ways and to improve coordination. It is also really helpful for students to regulate themselves when they find themselves in the yellow, red or even blue zones. We are gathering lots of resources to help students with their Zones of Regulation, and next term we will even be opening a sensory room at school where kids can go with an SSO when they need help with regulation outside of the classroom. Watch this space! 

Communicating  

 As we come to the end of our term focussing on communication, we're pleased to reflect that have strengthened our relationships through greeting one another by name. Today we gathered this morning in Hall and went though the photos of every child and adult at school to test ourselves. It was amazing to see how many students knew everyone's name! We are now challenging students to continue greeting one another by name throughout the year. 

Thank you! 

On a personal note, I was really touched by the warm and kind emails, SeeSaw messages, and 'in person' congratulations I received this week following the announcement that I will be continuing as principal for the next 5 years.  You really are such a wonderful group of families to work with; I feel so privileged to be part of this community and I am extremely grateful for your support. Thank you. 💙 

Have a great holiday everyone! 

Margie