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The time of our lives, VIVIENNE WEARNE


It was the time of our lives! And we can all be excited about what the future may hold. I am especially grateful to all staff and Andy Khoza, who will lead the Penbank Campus at the commencement of the 2024 school year while I take a year-long service leave. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to have greater flexibility, and I am equally excited about my continued involvement with the Wugubank collaboration, of which I feel deeply connected. Although I won’t be returning to my position as Head of Campus following LSL, I am excited about the development of Wugubank and maintaining my involvement with the school, leading this incredible partnership.

This year has provided wonderful experiences for our children. We celebrated many special occasions, including Cultural Diversity Week, National Reconciliation Week, the much-loved Book Week that featured guest authors and plenty of storytelling, and many sports and outdoor opportunities. Music and other specialist areas have likewise promoted a love of the Arts through Woodleigh’s Arts Week, the Boite School Chorus and Indonesian PESTA Day, to name a few. Across the year, teachers have enthusiastically dedicated their time and passion to the whole learning experience, ensuring the children learn in the best possible way. Our last term culminated in our final performance, Light the Way, inspired by the Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves. It was an amazing team effort by all. We have the Year 6 Graduation and end-of-year celebrations during our last week coming up. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the many students come through our school reaching their individual and group milestones, and then finally embarking on an exciting journey throughout their adult years.


Camps and outdoor experiences have played a great part in expanding children’s perspectives and bringing about positive change in attitudes, skills, and social behaviour. Beginning the year with the Wilsons Prom camp for Year 5s, the year provided a continuum of outdoor experiences for all age groups. Through these experiences, our children have been immersed in these humane endeavours, living and learning in peace and harmony with themselves, others, and the environment. Bush kinder for our youngest children is where this love of the outdoors begins.

Karen Chaur Director of Curriculum - Early Childhood and Primary Years, commenced during Term 3, joining both junior campuses. Leading the International Baccalaureate, PYP (Primary Years Program) and curriculum, Karen has effectively collaborated with staff to develop planning and share practice. We have loved Karen joining our team this semester.

We recently met Sarina Canning’s beautiful baby boy, born in September, and farewelled Gayle McGaw and Chris Dinnage, who embarked on long service leave and finally retirement. Both Gayle and Chris have dedicated many years of service supporting student learning and as past parents, have committed themselves wholeheartedly to the life of our campus. Our sincerest thanks to both Gayle and Chris. Also, thank you to Melody Collett, Natalie Johnstone, Claire Poutney and Lesley Gent, who replaced these staff members, and, since, have actively contributed to the areas they teach.

All teachers have an amazing impact at Penbank. Using several of the PYP learner profiles as character exemplars, they are principled, open-minded, caring, and knowledgeable inquirers of education. Their experience, expertise, and commitment to work in the team spirit of our school are outstanding. With heartfelt love and appreciation, I thank all staff for the individual tenacity, dedication, and creativity that is generously contributed to Penbank every day. They are all inspiring leaders of education.

So, what uplifts us? In a nutshell, community! Our achievements have been many, since our beginnings as a small, innovative, and aspirational community school. The core of who we are as a family-oriented campus has evolved from a philosophical belief in the importance of community and an aspirational mindset underpinned by core values of respect. We, parents, staff, and others, have worked together with the needs of our students at the forefront. Our actions have been what has mattered. Our purpose has been on the delivery of a quality education and skills for life. Our community is a harmonious and giving one, engaging in deep thought and proactively taking responsibility. Our PFGs have been fundamental to our purpose. I thank you, parents and friends, with utmost gratitude for your contribution and commitment. Thank you, Emily, for leading the PFG this year.

A brief history of our campus

Next year, 2024, is our 50th year. I have had the absolute pleasure of being a part of our campus’s growth for most of its lifetime. We, the school community, have grown in knowledge and understanding. Together, we have devotedly lived our lives at this very special place we call Penbank – now a beautiful campus of Woodleigh School. My extended family and children, nieces and nephews, too, have devoted their lives to the growth of our school. My husband Larry, especially, has been a champion of the school, supporting the school’s every endeavour. Brenda Marsh, my sister-in-law, has worked tirelessly for the school for nearly as long as me. Our children have benefitted from a complete Penbank and Woodleigh education: Amelia and Charlotte from birth to Early Learning through to Year 12, and for Salwyn, it began in 2009 when Wugubank was born. They are all nieces and nephews included, amazing role models for future Woodleigh students. They have experienced an awesome education that has taught them strong values courage to explore and look beyond, and do what is right.

I proudly take leave, acknowledging all who have participated in the Penbank journey. There are many people who have devoted their lives to Penbank, supporting me in my responsibility as a school leader and being amazing co-partners, community members, associates, friends and experts from far and wide. Always looking beyond, our focus on community, educational growth, the environment and the future has been our driver. Our love of learning has encapsulated our belief in humanity and our commitment to intercultural understanding, friendship and respect. Onwards we go!

So, this is quite a concluding chapter, but not goodbye. I will love watching the continued development of Penbank-Woodleigh School from the sidelines. Along with the school community, I will excitedly look to a new chapter in our storybook led by Andy, the Penbank team and Woodleigh’s school leadership. Woodleigh is an amazing school with powerful and embedded values. I wish the school continued strength and courage moving into its next future and thank all who have enabled Penbank to flourish.

From an old Penbank motto…. With Care and Commitment, We Grow.

Thank you all for your contribution that’s been a lifetime!

My heartfelt love and gratitude and best wishes for a joyful and fun-filled festive season.

Vivienne

Viv fam