Embracing Renewal and Community Awareness this Easter Season

As we approach the Easter season, a time synonymous with renewal and rebirth, it is fitting to reflect on the changes and growth within our School Community. I am delighted to acknowledge that, this week, we have had Belle Deacon start with us as the Director of People and Culture. Our now-complete Leadership team is certainly a group dedicated to fostering a thriving School committed to the welfare and education of our students.

With this new Leadership comes an opportunity for us all to celebrate our past and our future and embrace a broad perspective, one that extends beyond individual considerations to encompass the interconnected systems that shape our community. System awareness refers to understanding the various systems, structures and relationships that influence our lives, from the local community to the global society. It involves recognising how our actions and decisions impact these systems and how they, in turn, affect us.

This Easter, we reflect not only on personal renewal but also on how we can collectively contribute to the wellbeing and progress of our School and our Community. By understanding the complexities of our system and our world, we can make more informed choices that benefit not just ourselves but also our community and the environment.

‘Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.’
- Mahatma Gandhi

Our hope is to continue to bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Together, we will work to ensure that every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

As we celebrate Easter, let us also consider how we can contribute to the greater good. Whether it's volunteering in our local community, advocating for positive change, or simply reaching out to those in need, there are countless ways we can make a difference. Embracing systems awareness can direct our actions and enhance their impact on the world around us. Together, we can continue to create an exciting and inclusive future for our school.

Wishing you and your families a joyful and rejuvenating Easter season

Hello ELC families and welcome to the final newsletter for the term. What a busy time it’s been as we move through the early days of settling children into a new school year, building new relationships, having new experiences and exploring new environments.

Some of you may be aware that, in Australia, planning for learning in the years before school determined by the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) also called Belonging, Being and Becoming. These three words really encapsulate the important life forming development that happens between birth and age five. It is a beautiful document that guides our principles, practices and curriculum within the Early Learning Centres.

‘From birth, children are connected to family, communities, culture and place. Educators engage children in learning that promotes confidence, creativity and enables active citizenship’
- EYLF

As I move between both ELCs I see daily evidence of thoughtful planning to ensure that children and families in our care are building a sense of belonging. Building trusting and respectful relationships is especially important ‘work’ for us. Learning about your child and unique family culture enriches the curriculum and held build the sense of wellbeing and acceptance that is fundamental for children to feel safe and ready to learn. It was pleasing to see such a high turnout for our recent ‘Stay and Play’ Evenings. The children love the opportunity to invite you into their special place and it was great to see new friendships being formed between the ‘big people’ too.

In Term 2 the Transition groups will begin their in class helper roster. This is another way that you can get involved with your child’s education. We encourage every family to participate in this opportunity. As it is most likely that the Reception children will need time to re settle after the holidays we won’t begin this roster until Term 3.

The ‘Buddies’ program has commenced and this allows the children begin to experience belonging to a new community – that of Gippsland Grammar. Mentoring by an older student helps build confidence, and an understanding of what being a Gippsland Grammar student is. The older mentors take time to encourage their younger ‘buddy’ whilst developing their own empathy and leadership skills.

In Reception our children are excited to shortly be starting the ‘Book in a Bag’ program. Families are encouraged to participate in this early literacy activity. For the children, taking home a class mascot again strengthens the home and school connection. It also supports patience and turn taking.

Over the past few weeks, the teachers and educators at both St Anne’s and Bairnsdale campuses have been busy formulating our Quality Improvement Plan for 2024/25. This is a process that allows us to come together as a team to think deeply about the EYLF and National Quality Standards and to identify our priorities for the year ahead. We embrace this opportunity for continuous improvement and innovation to ensure that your children receive high quality programs.

At the time of writing the children are busily preparing for Easter and our traditional hat parades. Don’t forget to check VOS for lots of photos and updates.

I hope all of our families enjoy a wonderful holiday. Please note that we have an early 2pm finish on Thursday March 28. Term 2 begins on Monday April 15.

THE Gippsland Grammar Foundation will host a ‘Giving Week’ early in Term 2 to raise funds for the School’s Building Fund. 

A current focus for the Building Fund is the new St Anne’s early years zone, which includes the campus’s ELC and Foundation classrooms as well as and other building improvements at our Bairnsdale and Garnsey campuses.

In recent years the Foundation has contributed $650,000 to Garnsey’s Art & Design Centre and significant funds to St Anne’s Years 3/4 Learning Centre known as ‘Kukun Kalak’, Garnsey’s Laurie Payne Sports Centre and updates to Blackwood House.

Donations for the 2024 Giving Week can be made in Week 2 of Term 2, which coincides with our Grandparents’ Day events.

More information will be shared with families in coming weeks.

Rehearsals are in full swing for ‘Catch Me If you Can’, the Garnsey production on stage in the Garnsey Hall for four shows from April 18-20 (Week 1 of next term). Book here: trybooking.com/COATP

Since our last newsletter we launched our Centenary celebrations over three days in February with more than 400 people attended four amazing events that included a gala hosted by the Gippsland Grammar Foundation, the launch of two books, a Centenary Eucharist and a reunion BBQ for the former students of Gippsland Grammar School.

Mrs Wakeham said the weekend was an incredible success that brought together Old Scholars with current students and families.

“It was amazing to see so many people with so many fond memories of their time at our school return for our celebrations,” Mrs Wakeham said. “Each of our events had its own distinct feel and was attended by a slightly different cohort of our Old Scholars and current families. My favourite part was watching old friends reconnect and listening to them reminisce. We can’t wait to continue celebrating with everyone throughout the year.”

Centenary merchandise:
- Next week is the last week families can purchase our special edition Centenary wine. Purchase here: https://gippslandgrammar.myshopify.com/
- Our two Centenary books Memories, stories from 100 years of Gippsland Grammar by Ann Andrew ($65) and the companion children’s book Wheelbarrow’s Birthday ($25) and now also available for sale. Purchase here: https://gippslandgrammar.myshopify.com/