ENewsletter

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

I feel I should advise - there is an atypical newsletter to follow...

This morning I had the great privilege of attending the International Womens' Day Breakfast (invited for the first time). Despite the 6:45am arrival time, I have really been looking forward to this event. During the breakfast, we heard from some well-known women and perhaps some women who are less well-known but equally powerful in sharing their message.

Today's message was one of inclusion, grit and the power of the individual. As I listened, I kept returning to two thoughts:

this message is much wider than inclusion and equity for women, and
that a position we are in as a school and families to grow, support and stretch our individuals through their education so they are empowered in their future.

I confess, this moves me.

I feel extremely lucky to lead in a school whose students will go on to

shape the futures of others
be actively inclusive
see and recognise individuals
act based on merit
welcome and embrace diversity.

These are relatively easy words to write but to behave in this way and to become these citizens will take courage, clarity and commitment - all of which our children are capable. Whilst this seems a long way off (some of us are only 5!), it begins now with the everyday, with what we model, what we say and what we encourage.

Today, we were encouraged to listen, that is, to listen fully to each person's story for what really matters, to listen with understanding and empathy, to listen for connection.

So, inspired as I am in this moment, I ask you to join me in really listening as we progress through the year and to encourage your children to do this too as well.

That time, that now seems a long off, will soon be tomorrow, if we can all do this, what a beautiful tomorrow it will be.

Kind regards
Chan

2023 Christmas Hamper Appeal

Last Friday, Paul from St Vincent de Paul Society presented Crafers Primary School and community with a thank you certificate acknowledging our contribution to the 2023 Christmas Hamper Appeal.

This years hampers given through schools assisted 65 families, comprising 101 adults and 119 children.

Our second hamper packing followed in the week before Christmas for other household in the community. A few people called the Vinnies Assistance number to request a hamper and others were known to us through having assisted them at some stage in the year.

Other hampers were requested by the Adelaide Hills Catholic Parish Priest and by the pastor of the Church of Christ in Aldgate, for known families or individuals experiencing hardship.

The total number of hampers packed for 2023 were delivered to 106 households, comprising 189 adults and 157 children.

We thank the communities throughout the Adelaide Hills for their generosity and for the 38 volunteers that helped in some way in collecting, organising, packing and delivery of the hampers.

Children's University

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Our students have the opportunity to be involved in an exciting program: ‘Children’s University Australasia and Africa (IO)’. Children’s University (CU) aims to encourage high quality out of school activities for children aged between 5 and 14 years, engaging the wider community as learning partners in this process. The most important principles of CU are that participation is voluntary and activities must take place outside the normal school day during lunch, after school, weekends and holidays.

Led by the University of Adelaide, CU aims to nurture aspirations and develop a love of learning. Children are issued with a ‘Passport to Learning’ which records their individual learning journey. After the first 30 hours of learning, children are rewarded for their participation at a graduation ceremony held at the University of Adelaide.

Participating students have access to activities at school, online and also in the wider community (Learning Destinations).

CU members are also able to earn 10 hours from Regular Restricted Activities. These are external organisations where students are paying members and attend regularly (e.g. sporting clubs, dance studios, swimming centres etc.).

Students have had an introductory talk and I have collected names of those who have shown interest. A link to the online booking form will be sent to these families so parents can decide if they wish their child to continue. It is a preference that Years 3-6 participate, rather than the younger years, however this is negotiable.

Enrolments are due by 15 March 2024. For more information please visit https://cuaustralasia.com/

Thank you,

Kim Atkinson
CU School Coordinator

Hannah's Happy Horticultural Helpers

Last Thursday, 29 February seven brave students represented our school at the Courier Cup swimming carnival. Courier Cup was a tremendous experience! We all had a great time - we may not have come first in much, but the school spirit kept us going!

On behalf of Crafers Primary School, we'd like to thank Katie and Ms Cavioulo for organising this event. Thanks for every wonderful parent that helped us get there. And for all the people that gave it a try.

We had at least one Crafers student participating in each event!

Participating students were Hannah B, Pippa C, Tallulah D, Caleb O'N, Charlie P, Sam P and Lachie T.

We also had a Crafers team in the medley - those students were Charlie for backstroke, Tallulah for breaststroke, Caleb for freestyle and Lachie for butterfly.

Written by Charlie and Tallulah

Indonesian Focus Room 4

This term in Geography, students are learning about Australia's neighbouring countries. They have used atlases to locate different countries and investigate the different climates. Last week they had a close look at Indonesia, adding Jakarta to their maps and researching information about school in Indonesia. Ibu Ellis then did a lesson in Indonesian about her experience at school in Indonesia and showed the class a video about life for a 10 year old at school and at home and she brought some uniforms for them to try on.