Dear Parents and Carers

Gratitude and Thanks

Last week, we celebrated Book Week at school. The students came to school dressed as their favourite book character and enjoyed a day of literature based activities. The day of course included our annual Book Week parade, always a staple on the school’s calendar. My thanks to all staff, for their great support on the day. Last week also saw the celebration of Fathers’ Day, with a morning breakfast, a gift stall, wonderful artwork and an equally wonderful Fathers’ Day assembly. Again, this day only came about because of the very hard work of a great many people. My thanks to the Community Council for organising the breakfast and the Fathers’ Day present stall, to the teachers for coordinating the children’s excellent art work, and our wonderful Year 3 teachers and students for the assembly which celebrated the many gifts that fathers bring to our community.

Student Achievement

Last Thursday, I had the good fortune to attend the presentation night for the A.C.T. Young Australian of the Year awards. Indie G in Year 6 was nominated for an award and received a Certifcate of Commendation from Council, for her extraordinary work in making jewelry with her friend Lara, and then selling the jewelry and raising over $16,000, all of which went to fund brain cancer research at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Well done Indie on an extraordinary achievement – we are all very proud of you at school. Your work has gone a long way to make the lives of others better and your work will have many positive outcomes for many years to come.

Tournament of Minds

This weekend, the hard work of two school teams will pay off, when they participate in the Tournament of Minds competition, held annually each year at the ANU. Students in Grades 4 – 6 participate in teams of 7 and are required to solve a problem and present the solution in dramatic form, complete with props and costumes. Teachers and parents are not allowed to assist or come up with the answers. The exercise is very student driven and allows for reasoning and creativity. It would not happen without both parent support and teacher support. My thanks to our parents and to Katie Birch, who has given up many hours and lunchtimes to make this possible. Thank you, Katie.

Student Events

This Friday, two significant student events are taking place. Our Year 3 students are having a ‘day camp’ on Friday, meaning they are having a longer excursion day than normal, at Warrambui, which was the camp site used for our Year 4s this year. My thanks to Paul Jenkins, Sarah Walsh and Katie Birch, for coordinating and organising the camp; and to Paul and Katie for attending. Also taking place on Friday is the First Eucharist Retreat Day, for all of our Year 4 students. This day is taking place in partnership with Holy Trinity, Curtin, and sees the students spend the day at Curtin, participating in activities that deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. My thanks to our wonderful Year 4 teachers and to Sarah Walsh, our Religious Education Coordinator, for all of her hard work.

APPA Conference

I am taking leave in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term, and in Week 9, I am attending the annual Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) conference, this year held in Christchurch, New Zealand, in partnership with New Zealand Association of Principals. https://www.transtasmanconference.com/

I am also taking leave in Week 10. In my absence, Samantha Mance will very capably lead the school as the Acting Principal, Sarah Kennelly will be the Acting Assistant Principal, Sarah Walsh will continue as the Acting REC and Natasha Kapantais will be the Acting Coordinator. They will do a wonderful job.

Trivia Night

Finally, a reminder that our 2024 Trivia Night is being held at the end of Week 8, on Friday September 13, at 6.30pm in the school hall. Parents are invited to make up tables of up to 10 adults. The teachers have already made three tables. My thanks again to the Community Council, who have made this evening possible.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal