Dear Parents and Carers

Tournament of Minds

On the weekend, I had the pleasure of witnessing two of our Tournament of Minds teams compete at the ANU, in the annual Tournament of Minds competition. The events require teams of 7 children (usually grades 5 and 6 but can also be as young as Grade 3) to solve a dilemma or problem, under categories of their choosing, including Engineering, Science and Maths, English and the like. The students then present their solution in dramatic form, complete with a script and props. All of this requires the students themselves to arrive at a solution, with no adult help. Nonetheless, schools’ involvement in such competitions does not happen by itself, and in our case, Katie Birch was instrumental in coordinating our participation. My thanks to Katie for all of her work, and congratulations to all of our students: Audrey I, Chiara C, Lilah J, Harper de S, Anwesha K, Massimo M; Bentley B, Selene A, Holly P, Hannah A, Evelyn L, Mina H, Lexie W, Poppy M.

Trivia Night

A reminder that our 2024 Trivia Night is being held at the end of this week, on Friday September 13, at 6.30pm in the school hall. Parents are able to make up tables of up to 10 adults. My thanks again to the Community Council, who have made this evening possible, with particular thanks to Talena Benedet, who has been instrumental in sourcing our prizes – thank you all.

Uniform

A reminder that in Term 4 we return to the summer uniform, and a request please that all students adhere to the uniform policy, as it currently stands, and as it can be found on the school’s website.

We are currently looking at revamping our uniform rules (not the uniform itself), and being clearer around jewelry rules, and the like. Further information will be communicated about the uniform in the coming days and weeks. 

Partners in Parenting Course

Catholic Education has provided details of an online parenting course which comes highly recommended: Partners in Parenting. https://pip-ed.web.app/

The course comes highly recommended by CE and is worth exploring. Please click on the link for further information.

Grandfriends’ Day

On the last day of Term 3, Friday September 27, we are holding our annual Grandfriends Day. Grandparents or significant older role models in the lives of the students are invited to attend on the day and participate in class visits and a shared picnic lunch on the oval. Parents are of course most welcome to join as well.

Term 4 Start Date

A reminder that our term 4 start date, for staff and students, is Monday October 14^th.

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.

Have a wonderful week with your families. I look forward to seeing many of our parents at our Trivia Night on Friday night, and beyond that, at the start of next term.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal