What a Night!

Last week, an appreciative audience filled the PAC for the annual Winter Concert. We were entertained by some exceptional musicians. The finale of Viva La Vida (by Coldplay), which featured every musician on stage accompanied by the Year 3 choir, was an absolute showstopper. Congratulations to our musicians and the wonderful Performing Arts Department for putting together such an impressive concert.

I am grateful for the efforts of our music and instrumental teachers who instruct, mentor and encourage our music students. Congratulations also to all students who overcame nerves to perform for us. Your many hours of practice have helped you grow as musicians.

Last Thursday, Senior School students and staff enjoyed a vibrant and entertaining House Performing Arts Festival. It has been wonderful to see how much this event has grown over the past four years.

Each House delivered a lively performance to a full auditorium and was met with enthusiastic support from the audience. In a very close competition filled with creative and engaging acts, congratulations to Trist House for taking out the win with their imaginative Playschool-themed presentation.

Congratulations Mrs Doherty

We were delighted to hear that Senior School teacher Mrs Gabby Doherty welcomed her son, Fredrick, into the world last week. Both mother and baby are doing well and are happily settling in at home.

GAT

Our VCE students completed the General Achievement Test (GAT) last week. Each year, the number of students sitting the GAT grows, as does our need for exam space and exam supervisors. On behalf of the Senior School VCE team, I extend our grateful thanks to the many Junior School parents who volunteered to be supervisors this year.

Chapels

Last week, our Year 2 students led their class chapels with a focus on The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). It was wonderful to see how our students demonstrated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control through song, artwork and public speaking. 

Congratulations to all Year 2 students for their thoughtful presentations, and sincere thanks to Mrs Mathews and Mrs Riviere-Pendle for their support and guidance.

In the Senior School, Reid and Trist Houses joined together for a combined House chapel centred on the theme of resilience. The collaborative spirit among students was clearly evident as they worked together to deliver a powerful and reflective service. 

We were honoured to welcome a special guest speaker, a former member of the Afghani national soccer team, who has since come to Australia as a refugee. Her words were inspirational and a wonderful way to celebrate World Refugee Day. 

Early Commencement in Senior School

With examinations now complete, Senior School students have begun their early commencement program, marking the start of Semester 2 classes. This approach allows for more balanced semesters and provides students with a valuable head start before the school holidays begin.

Sport

Over the past few weeks, students across the school have participated in a variety of sporting events. Selected Junior School students proudly represented Casey Grammar School at the Regional Cross Country Carnival, demonstrating great perseverance and school spirit. In the Senior School, our weekly SIS interschool sports have continued with strong participation and enthusiasm.

Our Year 5 and 6 students also had a fantastic time competing in the Winter Lightning Premiership, enjoying a day of friendly competition and teamwork.

I encourage all students to stay active over the school holidays and to continue engaging in the sports and games they enjoy.

Safety in Our Car Parks

A reminder to all drivers about the importance of safe and responsible driving in our school car parks. Two of the most frequent errors I have observed are vehicles travelling against the directional arrows and speeding. 

For the safety of all users, particularly our students, please ensure you follow the marked arrows and drive at walking pace at all times.

When using the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) car park, please enter via the first gate and exit through the second. Unfortunately, there have been several near misses caused by vehicles using the wrong entry or exit points.

I ask all members of our school community to drive with care and consideration in our car parks.

Fiona Williams
Principal

Cyber Safety

In 2015, the government established the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Julie Inman Grant, the current commissioner, commenced her role in 2017. On 10 December this year, world first new laws requiring a delay in children’s access to social media platforms will take effect.

There is broad community support for these laws, along with a fair degree of scepticism about how effectively age verification will work. If you are interested in these laws, please watch her recent National Press Club address here. 

One of the points made in the address is that, although Australia is leading the world in adopting these laws, many other countries are moving toward similar laws. The reason for this is simple: the harm caused to young people by social media platforms and access to problematic content is clear and alarming.

Technology use by young people is concerning to many parents, however, it is often an area in which parents feel ill-equipped to help their children. For parents seeking help, I recommend the Office of the eSafety Commissioner’s website. 

As a school, we have partnered with the Cyber Safety Project and will again be running workshops with our Year 3 - 6 students in Term 3. Earlier in the year, we ran a workshop for Year 7 students, and will be expanding our workshops to Year 8 students this year.

In addition, our Wellbeing Curriculum will focus on cyber safety during Term 3 across the whole school. The Cyber Safety Project will also offer a parent information night on Tuesday, 26 August at 7:00pm. This event will be advertised next term.

Robert Jacob 
Deputy Principal