Dear Parents and Caregivers
In my final newsletter for Crafers Primary I want to write about that truly unique feature: Community. At Assembly last week, I spoke about yet another wonderful example of living this value that I would like to share across a wider audience. For the first time, Crafers Primary School student leaders and some Year 5 students attended the Remembrance Day Service on the Council lawns in Stirling. Whilst this was happening another service was held here at school, again led by student leaders, Year 5 students and Matthew Summerton. Whilst this seems 'community enough', there is far more to this example. Two wreaths were made to lay at each service, a symbol of remembrance. In true Crafers fashion, the flowers and greenery were donated by one of our families, the Day family - they were beautiful. The flora was then bundled and headed home with Hannah who engaged a friend to help her create and style something worthy of this occasion. In preparation for this, Sally, our P&F leader had purchased the ribbon and oasis and Cynthia has styled the letters to be attached. My point is simply that so many people touched this one symbol and whilst its a symbol of remembrance it is also symbolic of the great connectivity that creates so many possibilities within this school - one can only reflect with gratitude and an appropriate level of pride. One final highlight on this occasion, which I believe would be incredibly unique was the playing of The Last Post by one of our students, Harvey Petiet on the trumpet. I don't imagine this occurred in many, if any other Primary School! If it wasn't moving enough, it was certainly moving having it played by a child Harvey's age. So, as I prepare to part, I can only say, savour this, nurture this and continue to make sure it grows. When I started here, I was struck by it and as I go, I am in awe of it - so essentially Crafers Primary School!
Before I finish, I also need to share some staffing news, as you know John will be the Principal from now until Term 2, supporting him in the role of Deputy Principal will be Ms Elke Lobenstock - there are a couple of challenges ahead for Elke but I will get to those in closing! Ms Lauren Fox will continue Monday to Wednesday in Room 13, teaching our mid-year Receptions. Lauren has a long association with us as her children also attended Crafers Primary School - we are very happy to have her on board. Whilst John is downstairs, Ms Lyndal Chittleborough will extend her time to be with our Room 12, Year 5/6 class on a full-time basis until the end of the year. I am so confident leaving such a capable staff, I know they will continue our work with excellence.
Finally, one amusing and fond memory - something our new DP, Elke should know for sure! Upon arriving at Crafers, I was a little nervous about working with John; he is a bit of an enigma through the Hills schools, known everywhere with a tremendous reputation and just a little bit of experience - not daunting at all! I'd been here about a month and hopping out of my car one morning, brushed the door and knocked the button from the front of my shirt - not ideal in a school. Upon entering and sharing this clothing malfunction with John (a little bit uncomfortable), he stood up and matter of factly said, I will just pop home and grab a needle and thread for you! From that moment I knew for sure this partnership would be a productive one - I was most impressed he knew immediately where to find this at home and that he was so willing to help me - it has been that way every since and I couldn't feel luckier than I do to have worked with John so closely over the past four years!
I can't really write in words how it feels today, what I can say though, is the beauty that is Crafers is not just what you see on the surface, there is layer upon layer in the staff, in who they are and what they do - to know them and continue to discover their qualities, both professional and personal has been a wonderful experience. I'm not really quite sure what I will do without them; should you ever have a moment to chat, definitely do, it's a path of discovery that leads to the certainty that our children at Crafers are very lucky indeed.
Kind regards
Chan
