Dear Families,

There is so much to be grateful for in our school. Over the past fortnight I have seen children participate in some extraordinary events and teachers enabling, or participating in, the same events with equal happiness and enthusiasm. I don’t think there is any other profession in the world where you can enjoy camps, dress ups, breakfasts, geocaching, concerts, science experiments all with the joy of knowing you are making a positive difference to a child’s life.

In my role as Interim Principal, I have the wonderful privilege of being across more areas of the school and to see, plan or hear about many of the opportunities presented. Indeed, some of the events planned I had not even heard about when I first started teaching… many, many years ago!

Geocaching: With fabulous weather, more than 110 Reception children participated in Geocaching led by Nature Play Australia in which they used Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and other navigational devices to hide and seek containers called ‘geocaches’ at various locations in our outdoor space. Working in teams, collaborating, the race was on! This was a wonderful activity that transverses across all age groups and is an international game for adults as well.

Daniel Morcombe Foundation: While our younger children enjoyed Geocaching, our Year 5 and 6 children participated in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson. Chosen as just one of two schools in Australia, we had the privilege of having two representatives from the Daniel Morcombe Foundation facilitate this session for our children which aligned with their current Personal Growth and Development Units. What a honour this was to have presenters from Queensland run this session and workshop. They equally felt fortunate to work with such engaged children in our beautiful Collaboratory. We look forward to some of the films that may eventuate from this session.

At the same time, one of our debating teams are off to the finals next week with a very challenging topic involving the ethics of ‘placebos’ given by doctors, and … last week our Year 2 children had their excursion to Linear Park.

Our Year Level Sports days are also being held this week, in readiness for the Finale Sports Day in Week 9, Kross Café continues to be a popular Friday morning event and of course, we celebrated Heroes Day Breakfast last Friday morning for the first time, onsite, in two years. What a joy this event was when staff and parents came together to support our school and build a strong sense of belonging and community. Thanks to all the ‘heroes’ who participated on the day and for those who helped make this event happen.

The Year 3 Camp was a huge success with positive affirmations from staff and children. Nunyara was a new site chosen by Theo Mylonas, Director of PE, and it is certainly one we can now establish for future years. Perfectly led by Theo and all staff, with many learning opportunities and experiences disguised as ‘fun’. A perfect formula!

So as I write my Bell article, I feel gratitude for my experiences and noticings in this moment, now, and would like to share a quote from Brené Brown, “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” I’ve chosen a few photos to share, of what I have been grateful for, as I write.

I look forward to seeing some of you at our next event for this fortnight… the Quiz Night on Friday evening at the Walkers Arms Hotel.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Cathie Egarr
Interim Principal