Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,

Don’t we all long for some rest sometimes? We ask a lot of ourselves; running families whilst working fulltime, trying to keep up with demanding work schedules, housekeeping, looking after extended family members, keeping up on Facebook and other (un) important stuff that continually asks for our attention.

We have come to the end of term 2 and I contemplate the enormous challenges of the past 3 months and all that we have achieved despite them. I, again, express my sincere gratitude to all staff, students and families for your unwavering support and flexibility throughout these times of continued uncertainty. I think there are many of us who are ready for some peace, quiet and rest, I certainly know I am!

Lucky that today marks the start of a two week holiday. Unlike last ‘lockdown’ holidays, I hope these holidays will bring glorious weather and plenty of friends for the kids to play with. I hope these holidays there is lots of time for reading and long conversations with our partners. I hope these holidays there are lots of activities for the kids to do, because after these holidays we need to be recharged long enough to make it to the next break.

Term 2 has been filled with rich learning opportunities for all students. Students have been able to engage in meaningful learning that has been catered to their individual needs and abilities. Whilst on a learning journey it is important to understand that everyone will need different support at different times.

I hope you have had time to read through your child’s report and portfolio. Maybe you have had the opportunity to sit down with your child and read through it together. As a parent I fully understand that my children will have strengths in some subjects and will still be developing in others. I personally believe that the grade students receive for effort is the more important grade; although a child is still developing in a subject, this grade tells me they are trying their best. If a child receives a C grade for achievement they are exactly where they should be for their age and year level. Anything beyond that means they are learning above their year level standard. With the knowledge that all children learn differently and at different times, a child might receive a D grade. This is not immediately cause for concern. It is important to understand that your child is close to the standard but is also still developing in that subject. I hope that if you had any questions about your children’s reports and portfolios you would have contacted me. You will have an opportunity to meet with staff early in term 3 to discuss your child’s learning in parent-teacher interviews.

This week we have been able to welcome parents back into the school grounds. It has been very nice to be able to reconnect face to face with you as you drop off and pick up your children. Hand sanitiser has been placed at all gates and at classroom doors for you to use before you enter.

Moving into Term 3, families of children that are currently in kindergarten will begin thinking about where to send their child. I have already begun showing families through the school and others have already booked visits early in term 3. If there are any families that you know of that might be interested in a tour of the school I ask that you encourage them to make a time with me.

Although these blissful holidays have finally arrived, I also know, even though we may imagine a perfect holiday, things don’t always turn out that way. A few days into the holidays, the kids are constantly fighting with each other. The long and quiet conversations with your partner get interrupted by little people who either can’t sleep or won’t sleep. Family members don’t seem to be wanting to do the same activities and arguments are starting to run high. Then there is the realisation that no family can live on lazy meals alone and that cooking a decent meal is now unavoidable. Time just seems to be flying by and the book that longs to be read still lays untouched.

Nothing in life is perfect, not even a perfect imagined holiday. Live in the moment and enjoy all that surrounds you and those who are with you. God is also with you. Even when you don’t read the bible or have your hands folded in prayer, God is there. You can see him in those you love, your partner and your children, in nature and the sun that warms your body, on these cold winter’s days.

Wishing you all a safe and peaceful holiday. I look forward to welcome everyone back on Monday 20^th July.

Nanda de Winter