Dear Parents and Carers

Often I start each week’s newsletter with a quote. This week begins with an image celebrating NAIDOC week, which is taking place ths week around the country. As we know, NAIDOC week celebrates our Indigneous citizens, this country’s first inhabitants, and their extraordinay connection to this land. 26 years ago I began my teaching career in a remote Aboriginal community south-east of Halls Creek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The community was called Kurrurungku, meaning ‘Wallaby’ in the Walmajarri language of the area. My two years there were graced beyond measure. Last year during a period of long service leave I was fortunate enough to visit the community again, with my family. It was a great blessing to go back. Education is vital for all Australians everywhere. Education opens up horizons of possibility and understandings that otherwise we would never have access to. Education of the heart and soul, as well as the mind, is essential for any healing, personal or communal. NAIDOC week and the way we choose to celebrate it is a step in that direction. My thanks to Paul Jenkins for coordinating our NAIDOC week activities this week. https://www.naidoc.org.au/

Cross Country

Unfortunately, we had to cancel last week’s scheduled Cross Country carnival. This is the second time wet weather has led to the cancellation of the Carnival. We will not be deterred, however, and will reschedule the event ASAP. My thanks to Mary de Smet for her organisation and hard work. Next week, on Friday, we will hold our Athletics Carnival, which will be a great event for the children. The Athletics Carnival is being held at school.

Leonie Anstey

On Monday and Tuesday this week, we hosted (digitally) our Maths coach, Leonie Anstey. Over the two days, Leonie worked with all grades and ran our staff meeting. As always, Leonie was superb and offered a good balance of theory and practical suggestions and advice. Her focus for the two days was on number sense. All children sat a pre-test and we worked through the results with Leonie, who suggested creative and engaging ways of helping children deepen their understanding of concepts to do with number sense. It was an excellent two days. My thanks to Sean Rutledge for coordinating Leonie’s visit, and to all staff for their commitment and support.

Kindergarten Information Night and Orientation Day

A reminder that our Information Night for parents of 2021 Kindergarten students is on tonight at 6pm, in the hall. The hall will be set up for social distancing. A zoom link has also been sent to parents, for those parents who cannot make the evening in person or who would prefer to zoom the meeting. A reminder too that this Friday, the 2021 Kindergarten students have a ½ day orientation day, starting at 9am.

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that parent-teacher interviews are taking place in week 8. I encourage all parents to attend. A note will be coming home soon, with details about how to book a time to attend. The meetings will take place over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in week 8.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes 

Cameron Johns

Principal