This morning Nick and I went to each Block and did a mini assembly with the kids. We have been missing this opportunity to see the students in a way that we can address school matters. While there were a few things to talk about that we need to improve, mostly around how we are treating each other and the need to be respectful to each other even though we don’t have to be friends; it was also an opportunity to acknowledge the different term we have experienced and basically how well the majority of our community has been coping with it. While many things will continue for us at school at this stage into next term- ie. reduced access for parents and visitors, no morning gathering or weekly assembly etc. most other things are relatively the same at school as far as our expectations and most activities. It can be quite amusing at times when children share the things they are pleased have changed and the things that haven’t. This term has certainly highlighted the very different levels of resilience and flexibility we have across our community.

Next week is World Wellbeing Week. Now in its second year, World WellBeing Week provides the opportunity for participants worldwide to promote an overall awareness for the wide-ranging aspects of wellbeing, including social, physical, emotional, financial, career, community and environmental wellbeing.

The timing for this initiative could not be more appropriate for this time of the term. Our community has faced many challenges and having a week for a wellbeing check in is a great way to end the term, ready for a break. We have a number of activities planned to acknowledge and celebrate the benefits of positive mental health and wellbeing, including ‘Wacky Socks Wednesday’ where we can all just get a bit silly wearing some ‘wacky socks to school’. We will also participate in Christian Meditation which is a regular practice for us and each class will have their own special ways to explore wellbeing. There are plenty of resources online if you wanted to discuss this further with your child at home. Perhaps a family wellbeing check in might work for you.

New staff

Next term we'll welcome new teachers to our school as more of our team go on maternity leave. From the beginning of Term 3,  Miss Shannon O’Dwyer will join the Year 3 / 4 Emus as their classroom teacher while Rhylie Matthiesen takes leave for the rest of this year. Also joining us from the beginning of next term, will be Mrs Kirsty Aitkins in the Year 1 Wallabies when Mrs Amanda Pease goes on leave for the rest of this year. Mrs Aitkins will work in the class on Monday and Tuesday as Mrs Pease does. Miss O’Dwyer and Mrs Aitkins will be visiting next week to meet the students.

In Week 4, next term we will also welcome Mrs Sally Woolcock for our Prep Platypus class while Mrs Caitlin Smith is on leave with her new baby. Mrs Woolcock will be in to meet the students early next term.

Have a fabulous weekend. 

Cheers

Penny Collins

Principal