Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Families,

2021 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - THURSDAY 28TH JANUARY

Teachers return to school on Wednesday 27th January for planning and preparation.

All students return to school in Term 1, 2021 on Thursday 28th January including our newest members of our school community our 2021 Foundation students.

EARLY FINISH LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 2020 – 1.30pm

Please remember the early finish for the last day of school next Friday 18th December 1.30pm.

TheirCare will run an extended program from 1.30pm for families needing the service. Please ensure that all bookings are made directly with them.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

Tuesday night was an exciting but very emotional night. It was fantastic to see our Year 6 families for such a special occasion in celebrating and congratulating our Y6 graduating class of 2020. The evening is always a highlight for our graduating students, their families and our school community. While every graduating year is special, this year more than previous years had even more significance due to the very different year we and you have experienced.

We were able to congratulate our Year 6 students on graduating from primary school and farewell them as they prepare to transition to the next chapter of not only their education but their life journey. While all the students have had an outstanding year, the Graduation Ceremony also recognised exceptional student achievements.

GRADUATION AWARDS

Ace Foundation Encouragement Award:

Each year the ACE Foundation lead by the Board Chair Dr. Leon Shapero has provided our school with six awards. These students have pushed themselves through challenging situations. They have had to be brave and risk takers. In class, they are increasingly focused and motivated, respectful and self-driven to be successful.

Congratulations to:

Joshua Brewington, Claudia Nheu, Layla May, Michelle Ahmadyar, Dustin Lay, Olivia Street

Human Literacy Awards:

Social Element Award:	Ethan Albarenque
Physical Element Award:	Nathaniel Ara-Iese
Intellectual Element Award:	Rhys May
Cultural Element Award:	Angel Afualo
Emotional Element Award:	Leandra Asahak
School Values Awards:	Orlando Maine Hernandez

Specialist Awards:

	Nominations	Finalist
Physical Education Award	Emelia, Nate, Leandra, Claudia	Emelia Bednarski
Visual Arts Award	Zahra, Layla, Nhyrez, Phoenix	Zahra Ahmadi
STEAM Award	Grace, Shanae, Fatima, Leandra	Grace Donovan
Music Award	Phoenix, Shanae, Alyssa, Aiden	Phoenix Dal Molin
Citizenship Award	Khalia, Shanae, Leen, Vadim	Shanae Mahawaduge
Leadership Award	Sakeena, Manal, Leen, Nhyrez	Sakeena Safi

Academic Awards:

Accelerated Achievement Awards:

Reading

Writing

Mathematics

Humanities

Digital Technologies

Nhyrez Peteru

Heela Hadad

Elvin Kang

Chamathka Uduwela Gedara

Zulqernen Ali

Outstanding Achievement Awards:

English	Mathematics	Science	Digital Technologies	Humanities
Fatima Jawid	Elvin Kang	Aiden Tansey	Vadim Rebrov	Leen Jubran

Academic Excellence Award:

Manal Khan

Theveen Wimalasuriya

Thank you to all of our amazing families who will be leaving Maramba at the end of this year with their last child in the family transitioning to secondary school. You have all made a significant contribution to our community over the years and we wish you all the best for the future but know that you will always be a part of our Maramba family.

Finally Year 6, as you look forward to the future and the journey ahead and whatever challenges you face, know that you are not alone, we the Maramba community are with you always. Those challenges can be overcome with resilience and determination so whatever you may choose to do in life you can and will succeed.

To our graduating Year 6 class of 2020, I wish you all the very best for the future, congratulations and keep on inspiring others!

STAFF LEAVING MARAMBA

At the end of each year, we sometimes say farewell to some staff who have made a valuable contribution to the growth and development of many children who have been at Maramba. While saying goodbye is always a sad time, with every ending is a new beginning. For those staff departing it is just the beginning of a new journey and chapter in their lives both personally and professionally.

To Helen Wells, Mary Katis, Hayden Colgrave, each of whom have been with our school community for the past two years. I thank you on behalf of the entire Maramba family for the significant value you have added to the past and present community, to the lives of all the children you have taught and wish you all the best for the future!

Thank you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANK YOU!

So… WOW… what a year but you and we have all made it together!

Parents, Carers and families thank you for your involvement in ensuring you have supported each other to engage and learn together this year. Mums and Dads, we know it wasn’t easy and you probably never envisaged having to put on your teacher’s hat, so thank you for giving it your all – you all did a great job! We appreciate your patience and support as we strive to find the best balance for all of our families and give the support needed.

Of course, everything we have created has only been possible because of the exceptional and collaborative efforts of all of our amazing Maramba staff. Not only our teachers this year but all of the teachers that have taught you over your primary school journey. They have all imparted some their knowledge and wisdom in your growth over the years. They have worked tirelessly and continuously to make everything we have achieved possible in the best interests of our students, our families, our community!

We have had another fantastic year as a school community and it has been great to see our school strengthen and improve under adversity. Our combined collaborative efforts have made a tremendous difference to all of us!

I wish each and every one of you a very warm and festive holiday! Take time to enjoy the riches that only family can provide and make new memories.

Be safe, happy holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Take care and stay safe!

Kind regards,

Darren Wallace

Principal

Diary Dates