APA News

Dear Parents

It is that time of year when we stop and reflect upon all the achievements of the first semester.  Congratulations to the students who were awarded Mercy Value awards at assembly this week and for offering a lived example of what compassion, service and excellence looks like to our school community.   

Equally inspiring to the school community was the number of students acknowledged for their academic excellence across the semester.  Close to a quarter of the student population received academic excellence certificates based on their Semester One report cards, and two students—Madeline Franklin in Year 6 and Nina Lucas in Year 5—were awarded academic medallions for their outstanding results.  As the name suggests the Phoenix awardees have demonstrated resilience and hard work which has transformed an aspect of their learning.  It is always an honour to acknowledge these students, as although they may not have received the highest results, they have always given their best, which is something to truly aspire to.

Not every student is recognised formally by official awards. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single student in our community. Each individual brings their own special qualities to our community and help to shape it into the unique, precious family that it is.  Some things that I have seen this semester that embody the collective values and culture of our school include:

• The year 1 student who stood beside his friend that was crying and took five deep breaths with him to help co-regulate, before encouraging him to run off together to play;
• The year 6 students who diligently collected the tuckshop baskets for the Preps, Year 1s and 2s;
• The Preppie students who proudly showed off their impressive writing skills to the leadership team;
• The Year 3 girls who foun a teacher when their friend was hurt;
• The year 5 boys who left the footy game on the oval and continued to show up as friends;
• The students who courageously performed in front of the school community;
• The perseverance and determination shown by the students learning an instrument;
• The committed choir students sharing their passion and enthusiasm;
• The grit and determination shown by the athletes who gave their all, whether they were coming first or last; and
• The Year 2s that cheered on their classmates when they received a student of the week award at assembly.

I feel blessed to be a part of this community that strives in faith, learning and life, inspired by the Mercy Charism and walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

 Wishing all families a well-deserved  break from school life filled with rest, renewal and joy.

Mrs Katie Hauser