Principal News
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As this will be my last newsletter till March 2023 before moving into the role of Acting Director: Education Services at Toowoomba Catholic Schools, I wish to extend my gratitude to Mr Sam Hannant, Mrs Judy Smith, Mrs Ann-Maree Ward and Ms Nicarla Prentice for continuing to lead our great school. Knowing that the school will be in the capable hands of Mr Sam Hannant as Acting Principal is a blessing for our community.
Week 3 has certainly been very busy with a number of events:
On Monday and Tuesday staff were fortunate to attend professional development with Mr James Nottingham the creator of ‘The Learning Pit’. TCS staff, School Leaders and Teachers from across many Toowoomba Catholic Schools were also present at St Saviour’s Primary. The excitement at being able to observe modelled lessons by James and have the opportunity to ask questions of such a world renowned educator was evident in the energy and buzz in the room. The students of Year 5L and 1K are to be congratulated on engaging in the lessons so freely. Mr Nottingham was very impressed with their knowledge and responses to his questioning.
Our 2023 Prep students and their families joined us on Wednesday for the second transition morning. All happily explored the Prep learning areas, met new friends and teachers. Many smiling faces all round. Mrs Annette Murdoch (Learning Support Teacher) and Mrs Anne Woodcroft-Brown (School Counsellor) talked with parents about the emotions children may feel transitioning from Kindergarten to the Primary School and tips for parents to support their prep child.
Our Year 5 students recently enjoyed their camp at Emu Gully in preparation for becoming leaders in 2023. Thanks to our staff who accompanied the children over the two days. Yesterday, Mrs Judy Smith and the Year 5 teachers led the children at their Leader’s session at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Micah Centre. The focus for the session was exploring what makes a good leader. Thanks to the staff and Year 6 students for supporting our Year 5 students. We look forward to receiving their leadership expressions of interest in the next few weeks. The 2023 leaders will be announced at the End of Year Mass in Week 8 of this term.
Be Committed, Be Determined
As the school year enters its final chapters, many Year 6s will be looking forward and looking back. I have already heard the phrase, “This will be the last time we…”. Memories are precious, and they form us. Our Year 6 students will be heading to Currimundi Recreational Centre for their final primary school camp together in the next few weeks. Parents and Year 6 students now know what this camp means and its unique experience.
The challenge now for all our students Prep to Year 6 is to commit to this last term. Two key points to keep in mind for the remainder of the year for all students are:
Don't make excuses
You can do anything if you commit to the task.
With such a short time left in the year, I wanted to encourage each of them to strive for excellence, and it is my hope they will discover and value the importance of hard work, effort, commitment and self-discipline.
In striving for excellence, you need to work hard. You need to continue to put in 100% effort. You need to continue to push yourself. Nothing in life is worth achieving without hard work.
As you strive for excellence, you must be committed. You can’t be half-hearted. You can’t be a little bit committed. You must keep going through difficulties and setbacks.
In striving for accuracy and determination, you have to be self-disciplined. You have to be prepared to do things over and over. You have to be ready to do things which aren’t always fun.
My favourite Wayne Bennett quote sums up self-discipline like this:
Do what has to be done;
when it has to be done;
as well as it can be done; and
do it that way all the time.
I hope all our learners take heed of this advice and finish what has already been a fantastic year for the school strongly.
Thank you to all in our community who continue to support our learners and staff.
Thanks for reading.
Madonna Sleba
Principal