Food and Stories from the Other Side of the Globe

Last Tuesday, students from Years 6 to 11 gathered in the PAC foyer to listen to John from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. John is a refugee from Afghanistan who visited the school and shared Afghanistan’s history and elements of his life story with students.  We also shared some traditional food, including Afghani bread and biryani — which were delicious!

Our sincere thanks to John for sharing his story and helping to broaden our students’ understanding of the world. Thank you also to the staff who attended and who made this event possible, including Ms Mepstead, Ms Ponnusamy, Ms Rose and Ms Waters.

Be Brave. Make Change

Next week is Reconciliation Week and families have received a letter outlining some of the activities that will be on offer. This week, in preparation, students can also purchase wristbands. After two years of restrictions, we are looking forward to finally having our Reconciliation Week casual clothes day! All funds from the Week are going to TEAR, Australia’s First Nations projects, and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

I would also like to take this opportunity to promote the fantastic Virtual Indigenous Film Festival https://www.fanforcetv.com/pages/viff-2022. During lockdown last year, I watched a number of these films. There is an incredible selection that we might not otherwise have the chance to see.

Welcome, Cindy!

As some of you will know, this week I am starting maternity leave as I prepare to welcome our second child into the world. We are delighted to have Cindy Waters joining us for two days per week for the remainder of the year.

Cindy is from our sister school, Balcombe Grammar. It has been a joy working with Cindy during her transition into the role and I am sure her presence will be a blessing at our school.

Transition Coordinator Update

This year, I took on the role of Transition Coordinator, primarily focusing on the move from Year 6 into Year 7 and from Year 7 into Year 8. This is an exciting new role and one I am thoroughly enjoying. I will return for one day each week to continue this role during Term 4 and to communicate with families during our formal transition programs.

Every blessing to you and your families as we continue this very busy term. I look forward to seeing everyone again when I return.

Monique Riviere-Pendle

Chaplain