Principal’s Post 18 December 2020
To the Graduating Year 6s
I would like to wish you all the best for the future. Going to high school can seem very daunting at first, but if you use the same determination and resolve that you used to get through your primary years, you will all achieve your goals. Take responsibility for your learning. Set goals and strive to achieve them, you’ve done it in the past, continue to do it as you move on to your next venture. As I said last night … Remember, you are driver of your future and in control of your destination.
My Thanks
As stated many times, this year has been like no other. When you consider the impact a worldwide pandemic has had on Australia and our way of life not to mention how it changed the face of education. Not in my teaching career, have I witnessed such wide-spread impact of an external event on teaching and learning.
There was a term that was used recently to explain what we were doing … we were flying the plane as we were building it. This sums up what this amazing staff did this year. I have asked the staff to mobilise their teaching, to plan for face to face as well as video-conference teaching. I asked the staff to prepare to teach to a computer screen, I asked the staff to prepare for the unknown. During this time, I watched this amazing (eclectic) bunch of people rise to the occasion. And importantly I watched them ensure that your child was safe both mentally and physically, and continuing their education almost seamlessly. They put their own well-being and that of their family’s second. I could not be more proud of this group.
You would think that a worldwide pandemic would be enough to keep our hands full; no. On top of COVID we started the year with our Public School Review. This was a culmination of 18 months of planning and data collection which led to us being verified by an assessment panel as a highly effective school. Not bad hey?
Not happy with a worldwide pandemic and a Public School Review we also set about applying (successfully I might add) to become an Independent Public School.
Any one of these events would be enough to send an average school over the top … but not this school and not this staff. I truly am in awe of what we achieved this year. Our future is now in our hands, and believe me when I say it is bright.
So to this staff, I say, Thank you I truly appreciate your professionalism, your commitment to your students, and your ‘Can-Do’ attitude. 2021 promises to be stellar year. Unless of course there is another pandemic or the West Coast Eagles win the Grand Final
I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Mrs. Sue Harrison, Ms. Amanda McAlpine and Mrs. Liz Page for their resolute support and help throughout the year … we have been tested. They have been my rock this year and have worked out of their skins to support me through all of the events mentioned. I have appreciated their candour and their support. This year has been testament to the quality of their leadership and professionalism.
I would also like to thanks Ms. Jessica Ericson and all of The P&C Committee. As I have stated previously, your donations to our school and organisation of events for our students and extended families are always very much appreciated. We couldn’t do what we do, if you didn’t do what you do. We are so thankful for your unwavering support of our great school.
To Mr. Dan Orkney and Ms Tamara Breen and all our parent and staff representatives on the School Board … again my immense gratitude for your efforts and guidance all year. I know I wouldn’t have got through this year or gained IPS status without your help.
Special thanks to all parents/caregivers who have contributed in ways small, large and unimaginable! So many of you have supported our work in countless ways. In a year where things were changing daily, our school community was truly amazing. You are simply the best! To our wonderful parents/caregivers who continue to be such strong advocates for our school, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for getting your children to school on time each day, for kind notes of encouragement that mean so much, for sending your kids with healthy lunches obviously packed with love, for making sure homework gets done… and handed in. Thank you for providing rich and engaging, well-rounded experiences for your children and knowing that education is about joy, wonder and fostering curiosity, along with the development of social skills so needed to succeed. For these, and a million other things, the Staff at Anzac Terrace are truly grateful.
Student Leaders for 2021
My congratulations to all students who had the courage to apply for student leadership positions; whether you were successful in gaining a position or not, you should be extremely proud that you put yourself out there, stood on that stage in front of your peers, and gave it a go !!
Departing Staff
Best wishes, albeit with saddened hearts, to staff departing our school today.
Madison Johnson
Madison has been with us for the last two years. In that time, she has made a significant contribution to our Year 2 teaching program. Maddie always greets you with a smile and is always willing to go that extra mile to help. I thank her for her efforts and wish her the best of luck with her future teaching endeavours.
Rheannon Glass
Rheannon joined us during the post-apocalyptic COVID time. She was asked to pick up the pieces of a Science program that was all over the place and hit the ground running with online and face to face teaching. Not a bad ATPS baptism huh? Rheannon did a sterling job this year, and although she has only been with us for three terms, has made a big impact from the STEM room. We also wish her the best in her future teaching endeavours.
Mahlia Ladouce
Mahlia is an ex-student of ATPS and has returned as a teacher filling in in different roles across the school until nailing down a constant position in Year one and also in upper primary. Mahlia has quickly been snapped up by another school next year and will be missed.
Anzac Terrace Primary School has been extremely lucky to have had such outstanding professionals as part of our team; you will always be considered a part of the Anzac Terrace family.
Permanent Teachers
I have great pleasure in announcing Ms Mikhala Stacey, Mrs Sue Crawford, and Ms Simone Irvine have gained permanency at Anzac Terrace Primary School. We’re stuck with them now !!! But seriously, this is great news and augers well for our school future. Congratulations to all.
Community Notice Board
Finally, from my family to yours, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2021. Have a great festive season, take time to look after yourself, I know I will … and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
Stuart Blackwood
Principal
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