Dear Parents and Caregivers
I think we can now officially say - that's a wrap! What a tremendous year 2023 has been and I mean that in the truest sense of the word. Once again that amazing combination of energetic students, invested families and outstanding staff has enabled so many opportunities, successes and moments of growth.
Before we head into the holidays, there is some information I would like to share with you. Next year, we will be welcoming four new staff members. During Term 4, we were fortunate to have Leeza Mason join us to do the practical component of her studies to become a School Support Officer. From Day 1, we knew it was a match! Leeza will be joining our curriculum support, initially for fifteen hours a week with a hope to increase this further. Leeza is fortunate to have had the expertise of Siobhan, Wendy and Ebony to guide her through the last term - we couldn't ask for a better induction as Leeza becomes an official part of the Crafers community.
We will also see new faces in two of our Specialist roles in 2024. Ms Ellis Robb will be taking on the role of our Indonesian teacher. Ellis currently works in this role at Hills Montessori and has been a long-time colleague of Lyndal’s. Additionally, Ellis has twelve years’ experience working in the School of Languages. Ellis brings a complimentary set of skills ensuring that our Indonesian program will be reinvigorated in full. I, for one, am certainly looking forward to Indonesian being back on our timetable and our Assembly agenda.
As Tiarna ventures 'down the hill' to further her growth and her classroom skill set, we will be joined by Ms Chelsea Easton. Chelsea is an experienced Performing Arts teacher having worked most recently at Kangarilla and in an ongoing capacity in Catholic Education. Chelsea is an accomplished flautist as well as teacher and is looking forward to supporting our Choir, Band and Orchestra with her musical expertise.
Both Ellis and Chelsea will be working with the students 2 days a week. I'm sure you will help us in making them both very welcome in the New Year.
Finally, we are looking forward to working with Ashley Bell who will be teaching in a full time capacity with our 5/6 team. In 2024, we have been able to structure our classes such that we have three small Year 5/6 classes. This gives our teachers and students the opportunity to work together in teams and utilise expertise and specialisations. Ashley joins us having previously worked at St Catherine's and St Paul's. Her calm manner and personal pursuit of lifelong learning will be an excellent addition to our experienced and expert team.
In an effort to be well-organised and well-prepared for another awesome year, I have some diary dates for you:
- Monday Week 1 29.01.2024: The new academic year commences
- Wednesday Week 1 31.01.2024: Acquaintance Night - this is an opportunity to meet your child's classroom teacher and other parents from the classes. Teachers will provide information about their expectations, routines and procedures for the year ahead.
- Wednesday Week 4 21.02.2024: AGM and Governing Council Meeting
- Tuesday Week 7 12.03.24 Pupil Free Day (TBC) Orbis Numeracy
- Wednesday Week 7 13.03.24 NAPLAN begins for students in Year 3 and 5
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Week 9 Parent/Teacher Interviews
Hopefully, that will help at home. More information about each of these events will come home as they draw closer. No doubt there will be more dates to add but for now we can head into the holiday season knowing we have a wonderful year behind us and another wonderful year to come. I want to give the thanks, as always, to our staff for their dedication and generosity in sharing everything they can offer to help our children succeed and to our families, whose support makes our work more effective and ensures we create many more possibilities for our children.
I wish you all the best for the holidays, may they consist of special people, special time and special places.
Kind regards
Chan
