Dear Parents and Caregivers

As we embrace the spirit of unity and celebrate our community,  I’m thrilled to share with you some of the latest happenings and events from our vibrant community over the last fortnight. 

Honouring Grandparents
Grandparents hold a special place in our hearts, and we were delighted to celebrate their love and wisdom last Thursday.  We celebrated the rich tapestry of traditions within our community when our wonderful grandparents spent precious time with their grandchildren in their classes.  Our guests had the chance to witness firsthand the vibrant learning environment we cultivate at our school and the remarkable achievements of our students.  After the classroom visits our harmonious choir entertained our special guests in the Liwara Hall followed by a lovely morning tea supplied by our generous parents. These moments of connection and shared experiences will undoubtedly create lasting memories for both grandparents and grandchildren alike.  To all the grandparents in our community, thank you for your unconditional love and guidance.

Harmony Day
In line with our commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity, Harmony Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.  It was a beautiful reminder of the richness that comes from embracing different cultures, backgrounds and traditions.  Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions, students talked about the importance of acceptance, respect and unity.  Through our students’ voices let’s continue to cherish and celebrate our differences, for it is through diversity that we truly thrive as a community.

Dogs Prohibited On Oval & School Grounds
As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, staff and visitors I would like to remind everyone that dogs are strictly prohibited on the oval and school grounds on school days.  This policy is in place for several reasons:

1.  Safety Concerns: The oval serves for our families streaming across the oval to access the school.  It is a designated area for physical education classes, sports activities and recreational play.  The presence of dogs poses a safety risk, as interactions between dogs and students can lead to accident or injuries as well as students having allergies to animals.

2.  Hygiene and Cleanliness:  Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is essential for the health and well-being of our school community.  Dog waste left on the grounds can create sanitation issues and health hazards for students, staff and visitors.

3.  Allergies and Phobias: Some members of our school community may have allergies to pet dander which can trigger an allergic reaction, or have a genuine fear of dogs.  By prohibiting dogs on the school oval and grounds, we aim to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

I kindly request the cooperation of all parents, caregivers and visitors in adhering to this policy.  I understand that there may be exceptions, particularly for individuals who rely on assistance dogs for medical or disability-related reasons.  In such cases, I ask that you contact the school administration in advance to make appropriate arrangements.

I appreciate your cooperation and understanding in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our school community.

Holy Week Paraliturgies - Reflections:
Over the past week, in preparation for Holy Week, our students have been involved in leading us in a series of Paraliturgies and reflective gatherings, designed to deepen our spiritual connection and prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Easter. It’s a wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal, deep introspection and acts of compassion and kindness.  Many of our community members have been joining with us as our students have been retelling the Holy Week story leading right up to Easter Sunday.  Whether through prayer, fasting, or acts of service, let’s embrace the true essence of Holy Week and strive to embody its teachings of love, forgiveness and redemption.

Interschool Swimming Carnival:
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our exceptional swimming team for their outstanding performance at the recent swimming carnival.  Their dedication, and remarkable achievements brought great pride and honour to our school community.  Our talented swimmers showcased their skills and determination, competing with passion and enthusiasm in a variety of events.  Their hard work and commitment were evident in every stroke, turn and finish, as they pushed themselves to reach new heights of personal successes. Beyond their individual accomplishments, our students exemplified the true spirit of working as a team throughout the carnival.  They cheered each other on, offered words of encouragement and demonstrated respect for their fellow competitors, reflecting the values or teamwork and unity that we hold dear at our school.

I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff and supporters who worked tirelessly to inspire, motivate and guide our swimmers throughout the day.  Your unwavering commitment and belief in our students played a vital role in their achievements and we are deeply grateful for your valuable contributions.  To our talented swimmers, you are an inspiration to us all.  Your passion, perseverance and energy serve as shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and dedication.  Congratulations to the entire team. Your contributions and achievements fill us with pride!

Easter Raffle: 
A heartfelt thankyou to our dedicated P&F.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the P&F crew who organised the amazing Easter Raffle. From coordinating and collecting the prizes to promoting the event within our community, your contributions to the Easter Raffle go beyond the prizes and the funds raised.  You have demonstrated the power of community, generosity and teamwork in raising funds that will directly benefit our students and enhance their educational experiences.  On behalf our school community, I would like to express how immensely grateful we are for everything our P&F do and are involved with.

Year Six Camp:
I was fortunate to spend the afternoon with our Year 6 students at camp on Tuesday.  The students were fully engaged in the immersive experiences and the promise to lead them on a journey of discovery, growth and unforgettable memories.  From the team-building activities to the outdoor adventures our students are having opportunities to challenge themselves, forge new friendships, and deepen their connection with nature.  The camp staff were overjoyed to have our Liwara students back at the camp site!  

Carpark Courtesy:
It has been brought to the attention of the office staff that there are still members of our community mis-using the bottom drive through lane, as on more than one occasion the same car has been left parked and unattended in the drive through lane, therefore blocking the way for all our other families during drop off.  Please be vigilant and follow the directions so that all drivers have a smooth and respectful experience.