Dear Families

Welcome to the first Bell for Term 3 and my first as Interim Principal. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break and have returned refreshed and ready for another exciting term.

This week marks the beginning of an exciting journey for our new children and their families as they join the St Andrew’s School community, and for some of our exciting ELC children who enter into Mid-Year Reception. I would like to wish a very warm welcome to our new families, especially those who were unable to attend the Welcome Morning Tea.

In this edition of The Bell, I share with you our newly installed commemorative garden, our recent Welcome morning tea, a summary of our Professional Learning Day which took place on Monday and a reflection on my first month as Interim Principal.

Commemorative Garden
The welcoming feel to St Andrew’s is instant as soon as you enter our buildings or enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces. In particular, I hope families have the opportunity to take time to view, read and explore our newly installed Commemorative Garden, situated in front of Tarrkarri. The silhouetted images depicting elements of our school’s past, and in particular Kennion House where Tarrkarri is now situated, are perfect opportunities for meandering. We hope you take a moment to read about the Matron of Kennion House, the Mouse in Kennion House or the Move to Kennion House in 1926. We are so very grateful for the beautiful STEM building which has transformed the possibilities and capabilities of our ELC - Year 6 children with its intentional architecture and beautiful resources. But we still pay homage to Kennion House and the history of the Tarrkarri site, and in a small way, acknowledge the Kaurna people as its first inhabitants.

Welcome Morning Tea
Our Welcome Morning Tea for new and continuing parents on Tuesday was a delight. As parents farewelled children who may be having their first day in our ELC or one of our two Mid-Year Reception classes, they were invited to the Treehouse area, to meet with other parents and share a coffee or tea. Throughout the school there was a sense of ‘joy’ in the air from parents and teachers, whilst the children enjoyed time with their friends and the opportunity to welcome some new children to their classrooms.

Staff Professional Learning Day
On Monday we held our first Face-to-Face Professional Learning Day for the year. This highlighted the importance of making connections and building relationships with one another and we enjoyed being back together and learning about events planned for the year ahead. We were also delighted to invite Luke Ritchie in for a short briefing and welcome before he headed off on his family holiday. A wonderful way for staff to meet our new Principal from 2023.

During my first four weeks as Interim Principal, I have felt completely supported and I look forward to all that lies ahead for the next six months. Unfortunately, I did spend one week of my new role … with COVID. I was sure I was going to be immune forever!!

I look forward to connecting with families, as we continue to build upon this wonderful St Andrew’s School community. Listening to staff share their offerings of what they believe is special about St Andrew’s School, with Luke, was a highlight of our Professional Learning Day. The positive responses flowed and highlighted the fantastic community we have and the strength and passion of our staff and their connection to our school and community.

Cathie Egarr
Interim Principal