Reynella Primary School Grapevine

As we pen the final pages of this extraordinary year, we can't help but marvel at the resilience, growth and joy that have filled Reynella primary school. This year has been a testament to the unwavering spirit of our students, dedicated educators and supportive parents as we collectively emerged from the shadows of COVID.

Our Communication Action Team has worked extremely hard this term to put together our Student Grapevine that celebrates all the highlights of 2023. Please look out for it and take the time to read and reflect with your children.

With the end of the school year comes the bittersweet farewells to cherished teachers who have played pivotal roles in shaping the minds and hearts of our students.

Rick Gillies and Anne Hamnett are about to embark on a whole new world of adventures as they retire from education.

o   Rick started teaching in 1993 in Oodnadatta; a time filled with many unique experiences. He has spent the last fifteen years of his working life at Reynella PS. His passion for History and Geography will live on through the minds of the children he has taught.

o   Anne, although only at Reynella for 6 years, started her long career in education in the Liverpool, UK. She was inspired to emigrate to Australia after a teacher exchange in 1994. She has undertaken a variety of roles leadership and teaching roles, showed enormous compassion and care, and touched the lives of many children.

o   Ann-Mari Turner started her teaching career at Reynella PS 14 years ago and has made a significant impact on all the children who are fortunate enough to be in her class. She is a passionate and innovative educator and now is the right time for her to move on and gift Brighton PS with her energy and enthusiasm, and spread her magic across another community.

o   Matt Simmons has been in leadership at Reynella for the last 7 years and has been an integral part of the cultural and pedagogical shift across our site. Our annual STEM showcase is a true testament to the positive impact he has had on the learning of our students. East Adelaide PS is very fortunate to have him and we know he will continue to inspire the minds of students and teachers alike.

o   Bryce Ingham has made the brave decision to work in the outback in 2024. He will be transferring to Fregon Anunga School for 12 months and we wish him every success in this new venture.

o   Donna McAuley will be taking on a new adventure in 2024 and we are looking forward to her returning in 2025.

o   Lanae Burns has been a regular TRT and contract teacher for our school for over 2 years and has made the decision to move to Queensland. I know many of our students have greatly enjoyed having Lanae as their teacher and staff have greatly appreciated her flexibility and positivity.

We express our deepest gratitude for their dedication, passion and tireless efforts. Their legacy will undoubtedly endure in the memories and achievements of our students.

 As we say goodbye to familiar faces, we also eagerly anticipate the arrival of new teachers who will bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to our school community. Change is the only constant, and we embark on this transition with optimism and open hearts.

We welcome back Paul Smith, who is well known to our students, and will take on the PE role in 2024. Another new face returning is Michelle Napier, who will be working in Cameron Parson and Amanda Morse’s class a day a week. We also welcome two new staff members: Luke Taylor from Flagstaff Hill PS and Lisa Allen from Lonsdale Heights PS. We are all looking forward to them joining our team and enriching our community even further.

Please see table below for updated classes and teachers.

To our parents and caregivers, your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our success this year. Your partnership in the education of your children has made a significant impact, and we are immensely grateful for your trust and collaboration.

The summer holidays mark a pause in formal education but not in our commitment to fostering a love for learning. We encourage each student to explore, imagine and create during this time. Let curiosity be your guide as you embark on new adventures, both within and outside the realms of education.

In closing, let us celebrate the achievements, cherish the memories and embrace the changes that lie ahead.

Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break. We eagerly await the dawn of a new school year filled with promise, potential and the shared joy of learning.

On Thursday December 14, we celebrated with families and friends the graduation of our 56 year 6 students from 2023. We were guided through the ceremony by our comperes: Halle, Logan R, Mikayla, Charlotte, Behtash, Olivia and Brooklyn who did an amazing job running the show. We were inspired by speeches from the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP, our principal Michele Russell and Governing Council chair Dr Selina Tually. They all spoke of being resilient in the face of challenges and using our voices to make a difference. Ms Russell shared a great quote she would like us to remember:

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts

We were also entertained by a song penned at year 6 camp by Reece Nikshin. He was accompanied by Charlotte and Ala. The song was about moving on to high school – we were all very impressed.

Many thanks must go to their teachers: Mrs Gardner, Mr Gillies, Mr Parsons and Mr Ingham. We also need to thank the Graduation Committee for their hard work guided by Mrs Brown and Mrs Sarris.

Graduation ceremonies are also an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of a selection of students.

Congratulations to:

• Aagaman, Alexia and Maddison for their Mindset for Learning awards
• Charlotte for her Academic Achievement award
• Alexandria for her French Culture award
• Lexi for her Performing Arts award
• Lachie for taking home the PE award
• Ala and Chloe for their School Service awards

Senior Polo Tops can be purchased from the school through Qkr at any time, they always in stock.

Senior Jumpers will not be ordered until Term 1, 2024 to ensure we can include any new students to the list of names. Please ensure you are in the Audiri - Year 6 Group - so you can access the note when it is uploaded in late January, 2024.

The polling process for the 2024 Materials and Service Charge was approved by Governing Council on the 19 September 2023. It went online on 22 November 2023 and closed on 8 December 2023. 

37.7% (225) eligible parent/guardians responded to the poll.

94 voted Yes and 66 voted No, which means the Poll was successful and the 2024 Materials and Service Charge is therefore set at $350 per student.

Governing Council has also approved an Early Bird Discount of $25 for each full year student if the 2024 M & S Charge is paid in full by 10 am on Wednesday 28 February 2024. Families with outstanding fees from prior years are not eligible for the discount until all outstanding invoices are paid in full.

Please DO NOT pay your 2024 fees until you have received notification that all families have been invoiced and we are ready to receive payments, which will be early February 2024.