What beautiful winter days we have been having. As I put these few words together I look outside to the blue skies and calm seas. Hasn’t it been great to experience an autumn and early winter with such lovely days. Lyrics from a song that we have on our PA system come to mind – ‘it’s a wonderful, wonderful life’.

It’s so important that we feel gratitude for the good things. When reflecting on the many traumatic events that are currently taking place around the world I hope that you feel blessed to be here in this little place of paradise that we call home - Penguin. 

The tone in our school, as we draw to the end of the seventh week of term, matches the recent weather. The learning is calm and measured – classrooms are bright and vibrant. The mood is positive. Indeed, school days are good days – something that should not be missed.

As a school we strive to always be improving. To do this we set targets and goals with a School Improvement Plan. Attendance is one of our priorities. We continue to celebrate being above the state average with our attendance figures. Let’s keep it up. Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy the fun times at school. Enjoy the challenge of learning. Thank you to our families for partnering with us to ensure that attendance is high.

Inevitably, winter gives us a reminder that its not always going to be blue skies and crisp sunny mornings. As the weather deteriorates, there might be the temptation to wear items of clothing that aren’t part of our uniform. Let’s work together to maintain the exceptionally high standard that we currently have with our uniform. Please ask if you are ever unsure of what our uniform requirements are.

This week, we’ve had students represent our school at Symmons Plains with the statewide schools cross country event. Congratulations to all those that participated and put their best foot forward, stride after stride, to represent themselves and our school so admirably.

Many of our primary student families have taken the opportunity this week to attend meetings to discuss their child’s progress. These ‘Communicating Learning with Families’ meetings are an invaluable opportunity for families to connect with their child’s teachers and strengthen the partnership of learning and trust. Thank you to everyone who has been able to attend.

Thanks also to all who have rallied behind the MND Hose Down fundraiser that is currently happening. A whopping $1540.65 has been raised to date - which is amazing.  ‘Bounties’ have been placed on certain staff to ensure that they get their fair share of cold hosing – so keep supporting the fundraiser and stay posted on this event. Currently the fundraising champion class is 9A, with 7A, 3/4E, 5/6A, 5/6C and 5/6D hot on their heels.

So, as the sun sets on another week, let’s be thankful for all that we have, both here at school and in our local community.

Yours in partnership

Robert Maywald

Acting Assistant Principal