Greetings everyone!

We’re well into the swing of all things Term 4, and thoroughly enjoying the experience as we delve into the Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves. At all year levels, this investigation explores ways we express ourselves through nature, light and sound, through literature and poetry, music dance, art and drama. Our learning will culminate in an end-of-year performance, The Penbank Finale. Titled, Light the Way, this performance will involve all children from Foundation to Year 6 reflecting ideas, discoveries, and thoughts from the year’s work.

As a whole school, Woodleigh traditionally commences Term 4 with a celebration of the Arts. It was my pleasure to attend the opening of Woodleigh Arts Week during Week 2. Held in the beautiful studio space at the senior campus, the gallery displayed innovative exhibits of the Year 12 creations including their portfolios. I always enjoy viewing the diversity of artworks and especially seeing artworks presented by former Penbank students. It is wonderful to see the development of their talents and passions as they mature. Thank you to the Penbank parents who likewise went along to the Opening. It is an extremely worthwhile opportunity to see the fine work of the students and partake in senior campus action.

Busking for Change – a terrific library initiative!

At the end of last term, we enjoyed a delightful Music Soiree and celebrated Book Week, the theme: Read, Grow, Inspire. A special fundraising initiative throughout this time was Busking for Change in support of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Anne was delighted to deposit $1155 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation on the last day of term - all cash proceeds from the several Busking for Change opportunities held at Penbank during the Penbank Book Week School Meeting and the Penbank Soiree, which fell in the same week as Indigenous Literacy Day - perfect timing! We sang the Busking for Change song jointly composed by Justine Clark and school children from Barunga NT, a neighbouring community to Beswick/Wugularr. Sung in Kriol and English, both the Soiree and Book Week celebrations showcased a love of literature and music. We also had a sausage sizzle and a Bookmark design competition, all combined funds that supported our donation.

Thank you, Anne, for leading this initiative, and congratulations all music staff and students on an exemplary musical event. To all families and students, we thank you for supporting us in these important endeavours. Let’s do it again next year!

World Teachers Day

This week’s School Meeting was an important time to acknowledge teachers of the world. We reflected on the great influence and contribution teachers make to the lives of children and young people every day. We acknowledged the many experiences teachers bring to children, enabling every child to learn in the best possible way. We agreed that there are all sorts of teachers - teachers as specialists, teachers as creators, teachers as supporters and encouragers! We agreed they are all different, with different personalities, different talents and interests, and different ways of doing things. And what we know is that they all have great heart! We especially love it when teachers are full of fun and make us laugh and feel happy. The children commented that our teachers can be very funny too, even some of their jokes!

Celebrating our school’s teachers, they are the best of the best! They work together to make sure there is something special at school for everyone. They love their work and do their absolute best to provide a meaningful, purposeful, and enjoyable education no matter what age or stage. We thank the teachers at our school for the enormous commitment and contribution they make each and every day. This week was a chance to recognise and celebrate the Penbank teachers – our sincerest thanks and appreciation for everything that you do.

Exciting staff news is that Sarina Canning, former Year 5 teacher, gave birth to a son, Rumi, born during the September holidays. We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Sarina and her family with the welcome arrival of their little one.

Key focuses this term have included being a person with integrity by being honest, taking responsibility and principled in our thoughts and actions. The development of friendships has also played an important part in teaching children how to interact as group participants appropriately and positively.

The addition of several excursions, expos, the Year 2 sleepover, baby chickens, events such as Indonesian PESTA and the swimming program will all contribute to a very exciting final term of the year. We will also be welcoming new students and families to Penbank during Orientation – Week 8.

Orientation Week

New families have received information regarding the program for new parents and children during Week 8. Due to the changes occurring next year, discussions are in process concerning the allocation of teachers to groups. We are hopeful all families will be informed of these arrangements before Orientation.

Moving on…. As Albert Einstein said…. ‘Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is never to stop questioning!’

Take care, everyone and many thanks for all that you do.

Warmest regards,

Vivienne