We hope you had an enjoyable Easter and welcome you back to Term 2. A special welcome to Mabel Fry, Harvey Vanderslik and Mirea Hasler and their families, who have joined us this term. A special shout out to Mabel, who already represented our school during the holidays at the school's equestrian event. Mabel is now off to represent us in Nationals in Tamworth later in the year.

Each year, our campus takes on a focus for our staff and students. This year, we have been encouraging and considering how we can continue to foster and ‘Create Connections’. The interest and willingness of our families and staff to support our school, each other, the wider community and our students is an incredible feat. This is already evident in our first week of Term 2 and planned events throughout the term.

Year 6 Tour and Tea at Garnsey Campus
On Wednesday our Year 6 students and their parents were invited to our senior Garnsey Campus to tour the school and meet some of the staff. The students then stayed to watch a rehearsal of our senior students performing ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Creating Connections with the Garnsey Campus is a valued part of belonging to Gippsland Grammar.
Reuben McInnes reflected: ‘Exploring the different parts of the school was really fun. The play was very entertaining and enjoyable and engaged the audience. I am looking forward to working in the Visual Art and Design Centre and learning how to do different woodwork.’
Isabel Williams said: ‘I enjoyed looking at the different places around the school and thought the library was very quiet. I look forward to spending time in the library looking at all the books. The play had some very entertaining aspects, and I enjoyed the singing and dancing. It had a very professional feeling, and it made me think about what musical I could be part of when I go to Garnsey.’

Cross Country
Without the organisation of our wonderful PE teacher Elisha Froud and the support of our amazing parents, we would be unable to run sporting events like today’s House Cross Country. This event not only builds friendships and resilience amongst the students, it also allows the children to see the power of ‘Community Connections’ with their parents, other adults and staff.

The winning House at today’s event was Blundel Bogong and the other houses were placed as follows:
2^nd: Tisdell Hotham
3^rd: Wellington Binks
4^th: Cranswick Dargo

Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We are looking forward to welcoming our Grandparents and Special friends next Wednesday April 24. Students in Year 3/4 Grevillea have worked hard and look forward to presenting their Fellowship. Grevillea student Hudson Whelan is excited about his grandmother speaking at the Fellowship. Hudson is one of our students who will receive a new ‘Generations Badge’ at this Fellowship, as his mother, grandmother and grandfather all attended Gippsland Grammar. What a remarkable ‘Generational Connection’.

After Fellowship, all students and their special visitors will participate in different activities around the school and then come together for morning tea. Grandparents are a very ‘Special Connection’ to young people’s lives, and this is one of my favourite days in the school year.

ANZAC Day
All students are encouraged and invited to attend the Bairnsdale ANZAC Day community march on Thursday. Our Campus Captains Blake Maxwell and Ayla Buckley will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph and then join with others from our Campus to march down Main Street in the community parade. Our students will then join the ANZAC Day service held at the Cenotaph. Being part of community events and remembering significant commemorations allows our students to ‘Create Connections’ deeply and meaningfully.

Mother’s Day
Our students always look forward to our special Mother’s Day breakfast and Fellowship, which this term will be on Friday May 10. As a staff, we would like to acknowledge the support and hard work our students' mothers and special friends provide daily. The ‘connection’ between our parents, children and school allows our students to achieve their personal best each day.

Academic and extra-curricular fun
Engaging students in their learning and allowing for ‘Educational Connections’ is integral to our school day. Later this term, all students will participate in a House Math Competition and take part in a special Math Incursion.

Recognising and acknowledging our shared history allows students to make ‘Meaningful Connections’. During Reconciliation Week, students will be supported to all come together with kindness and understanding.

Term 2 sees our Year 5 and Year 6 students continuing to prepare and participate for Winter Sports. The students will compete against other schools in netball and soccer. The students look forward to a day of sporting fun and ‘Creating Connections’ with other school students on the day.

Year 5 and Year 6 are also encouraged to develop their team skills and leadership with Tournament of the Minds (TOM). Students start practising vital skills, honing the art of communication, and working together, ready for the TOM challenge down at Federation University during Term 3. Thanks to teachers Penny Rankin and Elisha Froud and the ongoing support of our families, these students create and make ‘Connections’ with not only each other and students from other schools but also gain a glimpse of life at university, as they compete at Federation University, Churchill.

Giving Garden
In Terms 2 and 3 our Giving Garden will again produce meals for others in our community. Each week, under the direction of our creative class teacher Lucy Leeming and some generous volunteers from our local Anglican Parish, groups of students come together to prepare and cook nourishing meals, which are then given to Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House for people in need. Supporting and encouraging students to think of others helps make ‘Connections’ with the wider community and the gift of giving.

How fortunate are our children to be part of so many valuable ‘Connections.’