From the Principal
We were privileged to be invited to be part of the Riverina ABC broadcast from Bradman cottage yesterday. A bat signed by Bradman and Larwood was generously donated to the cottage and Riverina ABC marked the event. Four of our students were nominated by their teachers as being avid readers and they were invited to talk about the books that they are reading and to discuss their love of books on radio. Sophie Roberts, Liam Drum, Logan Bodel and Ava Smith were effusive in their recounts and it was a delight to hear them talk about what excites them about reading. Hopefully you managed to catch their discussion. They demonstrated a maturity and confidence that belied their age.
This week we have managed to maintain an almost “clean-bill” of health and our COVID cases are very small. There are still many who are isolating due to being close contacts but we are hopeful that people will be able to enjoy the holidays COVID-free. Please continue to practise good habits in regards to personal hygiene and social distancing so that we can return for Term 2 and continue our teaching and learning in relatively normal environments.
Thank you to all our parents, families, students and staff for the successful term. I cannot remember its equal in terms of things happening, challenges and the speed with which things changed. Our students were very adaptable and coped with the constant stream of variations and expectations. However, we will work very hard next term to make sure that our attendance returns to traditional highs, as over the past weeks there have been many who have missed school, through directives or choices, that have made learning more challenging than it needed to be. You cannot learn as effectively if you are not at school and making use of the teachers’ expertise, the resources and your.
Congratulations to all our secondary swimmers who competed at Homebush this week. Josh Harris successfully earned two medals and will now move onto the CCC Carnival in coming weeks. All other swimmers conducted themselves with distinction and we are very proud of the excellent role models they proved themselves to be.
As a school community we are very aware of ensuring that we are an inclusive school that looks after the individuality and rights of students. To be truly inclusive in line with national and international mandates we are required to offer opportunities for all students to succeed and access education on the same basis. One element that requires us to consider the individual rights are choices and equity around uniform. Our sports uniform already offers all students equity and is multi age and gender inclusive. We are very proud of the uniformity and pride that it projects. In consideration of our normal uniform we are considering a long term (up to 5 years) plan to offer choices, by opting for a single colour palette and a choice of options within. Initially this may include the option for students to choose to wear navy shorts with the summer shirt. We are currently in discussions with local suppliers to source economical and suitable options. The process is still in its infancy and we are very aware of the cost to change over any items to both families and to suppliers. Nothing has been decided so proceed as normal for now.
We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday and returns rested and prepared for another big term. We will start with the Cootamundra ANZAC Day March on Monday 25 April. Traditionally we have a strong contingent of students marching to remember the sacrifices made in past conflicts. We hope that students will join in on the Monday morning in full winter uniform. Teachers will spend Tuesday 26th April in professional learning in preparation for the term with students returning on the Wednesday 27 April. We will also conduct the Cross Country for Primary on Wednesday 27 April at Fisher Park due to the cancellation of today’s event. It will be a very quick turn around because the Western Region Carnival is on Friday 29 April. Secondary will run their Cross Country on Friday 29 April.
Yesterday we watched a beautiful and moving prayer performed by our Year 9 students of the Passion of Christ. This prayer remembers the final days of Christ’s time on earth. Traditionally our Year 9 cohort (with some Year 8 and 10 students) undertake to share this reverent prayer with the school and parish community. Thank you to Year 9 for their maturity and thoughtful presentation of the Passion and to their teachers – Mrs Maxwell, Mr turner and Ms Marsay for their generous efforts in supporting our students. Please make the effort to view their presentation at 10am on Friday 15 April in Sacred Heart Church.
At this time we ask for prayers for those who are sick and unwell in our communities. So many families are facing enormous challenges at the moment and we ask that you pray that God’s healing hand is on those who are sick. We pray especially for healing for Sam Clark from Year 2 as he is undergoing treatment in Sydney. We pray that his family – Carmen, Ken and Anna know your peace.
As we approach Holy Week, the most important week in the Church’s calendar, we pray that everyone remembers the message of Easter, which is more than chocolate and bunnies, Remember, Easter is about much more than the death of Jesus; the message is about renewal, forgiveness and love for one another leading us all to live better lives. Remember it is about being kind to all we meet and making the world a better place for being in it! Have a lovely Easter and may our God keep you safe and continue to bless your families.
Kind regards
Ms Nicky Trinder
Principal