The true spirit of Christmas isn’t just about receiving and giving gifts. Instead of focusing on class Secret Santa or giving gifts to everyone in class, we encourage our students, with the support of their families, to think about others in need. For the past twenty years, we have chosen not to have these activities at school, as we believe Christmas is a time to focus on kindness, compassion, and giving back.
Throughout the year, we’ve had many opportunities to raise awareness and funds for those in need. As a primary school, we proudly support three charities each year, working together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Zephyr is a Brisbane based charity which helps children affected by domestic violence get back to school. We will donate $2,000 raised from the purchase of students’ artwork gifts. Thankyou to everyone who supported this initiative.
For several years, we’ve been supporting a school in Nairobi, Kenya through the charity One Horizon. This year, we received a heartfelt email from the founder, asking for our help: “Is it possible for you to consider a small donation that would enable us to purchase food for families. As we buy fresh produce from local farmers, a dollar goes a long way”.
Our class ambassadors were moved by this call and decided to act. They organized and ran a second-hand uniform stall last week, with the help of our dedicated parents who worked tirelessly throughout the week. Thanks to their hard work and the generosity of our school community, they raised $2,800 and in addition to Free Dress day money ($1,700) we will donate $4,500 to support this important cause. If you would like to personally donate to this charity, you can do so here:
We also support a child in need through the Smith Family sponsorship. Our sponsor child is Campbell who is in Year 5. He loves working in the school garden and his dream job is to become a firefighter.
One final and meaningful learning experience for our Year 6 students is raising money for a charity, and this year, they supported Malala Fund. Throughout the process, the girls have developed greater empathy as they’ve thought about those less fortunate than themselves. They also gained valuable skills in responsibility, collaboration, and organisation as they worked together to plan and execute different stages of the project.
In addition, the project helped support the circular economy, as the students rejuvenated and repurposed stuffed toys to give them a new life with a new owner. A big thank you to our Year 6 teachers and students for their hard work and dedication, and to all the other students who purchased toys, helping give them a new home and purpose. Your support has made a real difference!
In addition to these projects, it is a tradition for our primary school to support children in foster care during the Christmas season. A heartfelt thank you to the many parents who generously donated, bringing a little extra joy and warmth to these children on Christmas Day. Your kindness has made a meaningful impact, reminding us of the true spirit of giving.
Another cherished tradition is the Prep students sharing the story of the very first Christmas through their nativity play. On Friday, the Prep girls truly brought the story to life with their enthusiasm and heartfelt performances with the Years 1 and 2 girls adding angelic voices and dance items. Thank you to the Prep teachers, Mary Komselis, Katie Lewis and Years 1 and 2 teachers. Thank you to Regina Brennan for conducting the beautiful voices of this event and the Year 5 girls. Thank you to Annette Box for her dedication to ensure all the events held over the past two weeks were successful. Thank you also to Morgan Rowe and Nicole Weinert for supporting behind the scenes.
This week, Chapel services for students at either end of the primary school were held. Pre-Prep students shared their learning, and we farewelled the Year 6 girls. I will miss the Year 6 girls’ confidence, humour and enthusiasm and I know, as they move to the next stage of their life, they will take many primary school memories with them.
Our last formal Assembly (Acknowledgement Assembly) was held this week at which we acknowledged girls by presenting special Sporting, Music and academic achievements. I also presented Head of Primary certificates to an exemplary Year 6 girl from each class. Congratulations to the following girls:
Amelia W – for approaching all aspects of school life with enthusiasm, diligence and commitment.
Annabelle T – for consistently being kind, cooperative and a conscientious class member who always demonstrates the values of respect and integrity.
Charlotte M – for her determination and commitment to learning and always demonstrating the school values.
Kiara D – for consistently displaying enthusiasm and positivity during class to significantly improve her learning in all areas.
As you prepare for the long summer break, it is important for learning to continue in a fun way. Studies show that during the summer break, students tend to lose some of the important academic gains made during the school year and this is regarded as “summer loss”. On the primary POD page, I have listed ways to encourage reading, writing and other ideas for holiday learning.
Thank you to the staff for all they have done this year. To the departing teachers, they go with our gratitude and best wishes. Thank you also to parents for allowing us to be part of each child’s educational journey. I know the children appreciate their teachers and parents.
I wish everyone a safe, happy and holy holiday and thank you for a great year.
Angela Drysdale