Kaya Parents,
After the events of the last couple of weeks, I thought of changing my title from Principal to COVID Officer. I thought I would change the message this week to focus on the fantastic programs I am observing and the constant stream of students visiting my office proudly showing their work.
This morning I had some budding artists showing me their Van Gogh inspired Sunflowers, which will brighten up my office in the near future. I did have a battle convincing them Van Gogh was Dutch, as they were convinced that he was French. I also had some talented Mathematicians who have been introduced to double digit multiplication, which may send a shudder to many parents as memories flood back.
I have also had the pleasure of visiting classrooms, as well as observing science, phys-ed, and music lessons. If there is one message that I wanted to share in these crazy times, it is that our focus at school is to continue to normalise the program (masks and all). Additionally, we will endeavour to make sure the students continue to feel safe and secure, and the program will continue to challenge and hopefully excite.
The team at Richmond Kindergarten have decided to change our traditional European Kindergarten class names to local indigenous names and animals that are found in East Fremantle. We hope that this connection to the animals that live in our area can start to inspire genuine appreciation of Whadjuk Noongar culture.
Kangaroo class becomes Boodalang (pronounced ‘Bulla- long’) – Pelicans
Koala class becomes Maali – Black Swan
Kookaburra class remains KaaKaa – Kookaburras
The change fits in with the the progress being made on our Reconciliation Action Plan with the journey just beginning.
High caseload settings advice for schools
Please be advised that updated information will be sent out today, regarding high caseload settings and how this will affect schools.
Harmony Week
We are planning a big week to recognise Harmony Week and given what is happening in Europe it is timely for us to focus on the key messages. On Friday, 18 March we would like as many students as possible to wear something orange, which is the traditional colour of harmony. If you can spare a gold coin donation, the proceeds will go to floods over east and victims of the turmoil in Ukraine.
Dale Mackesey
Student Councillor Update
‘Decorate a mask’ Competition
Next Friday, we will be running a ‘Decorate a mask’ competition. You can use anything to decorate your masks, except for markers or textas that could be toxic, and your design must be appropriate for school. To enter, you can collect a spare mask from the office or your teacher.
A student councillor will be visiting each classroom and with the teacher’s help, deciding who the winner from each class will be.
Happy Decorating!
Toby and Jaxon
(2022 Student Councillors)