FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Success is not a solo endeavour; and the 2010 school year was an excellent example of teamwork in action. The Teachers and Assistants deserve much of the credit as without their patience and dedication the year would not have been nearly as fun and rewarding for the children. Spinning wheels, afternoon craft clubs, virtual visits to Vietnam, class debates, Korean drumming, mythological demonstrations and so much more don’t just happen - they are planned and prepared by a hard working group of people who meticulously set up environments for the children to explore. On behalf of the entire school community…Thank You.
For many parents, 2010 was the year that they first set upon CMS and entered the Parent Toddler room for the first time. Aine took so much pride in her new classroom and the impact it had on the children and the parents was evident. Opening the new Scribbly Gum and Jacaranda last summer was a landmark event.
As with every year, there are obstacles to overcome and I am pleased to say that in all regards we stepped up to the challenge. Cycle 3 joined to form one classroom mid way through the year and did so with a great sense of adventure. But perhaps the most inspiring tale of 2010 was written by our Business Manager, Bob Dent, who had to take leave us halfway through the year to battle illness. Bob did so with such courage it was an inspiration to see. His indomitable spirit, which I know was buoyed by an outpouring of cards and well wishes from the CMS community, was an example to all of us. I just saw Bob last Friday and the prognosis is positive!
This message also gives me the chance to thank all of the volunteers that play an integral role at the school. When we see the trivia night, spring fair or the new gardens around parent toddler we realize what a tremendous amount of time and energy is spent by the fundraising and learnscapes teams at CMS. They work tirelessly to make CMS a better place. There are other volunteers that at times toil with little notice, so to the sewers, the library volunteers, the fruit providers, the laundrymen and so many more, your work has not gone in vain.
I am looking forward to 2011. Enrolment at the school has grown by 10% over the past year, our waiting lists continue to grow and our school retention rate has been very strong. I see a year ahead of exciting new clubs, great excursions and a focus on the children and their journey to become independent and capable learners. On with the show! But for now, let’s spend the final week celebrating the children’s accomplishments in 2010 and as a community recognize how lucky we are to spend our days with so many eager and enthusiastic young people.
Peace,
Jack Rice
Principal, CMS
Term 4 2010
Dec 15 Disco
Last Day of T4 for children
Dec16 Pupil Free Day
Dec 17 Pupil Free Day
Term 1 2011
Feb 3 Pupil Free Day
Feb 4 Pupil Free Day
Feb 7 Children return
Feb 10 Meet & Greet
Feb 15 Class Parents’ Mtg
Feb 16 Meet & Greet Red Hill
BANKSIA CAMPING TRIP
Back in November around 10 Banksia families braved the elements and embarked on a camping trip up to Orroral Valley campground in Namadgi National Park. We had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, some of the children even managed to have a swim in the river. We enjoyed toasting marshmallows and singing songs around the campfire. We also went for a lovely walk from the old Orroral Homestead up to the Orroral space tracking station. We had a great time and can’t wait for the next trip.
STAFFING
The last pieces of the staffing puzzle have fallen in to place for 2011.
I am extremely pleased to announce that Felicity Young has taken on the role of CMS Curriculum Director for 2011. This will be a part time role which will allow Felicity the opportunity to spend time with her busy young family but will still enable her to continue her contributions to the school. In July 2010, from the moment Felicity came on board as a co-teacher in our Cycle 3 program, I felt something begin to click. Felicity has a wealth of experience and an infectious attitude that I believe will be a tremendous benefit to the CMS administrative team. In this role, she will be responsible for mentorship of the teaching staff, training and development, class placements, parent education and enhancing the consistency and co-operation amongst the classrooms.
Felicity’s absence in Cycle 3 has allowed us to bring in another teacher to work with Zoe in Cycle 3. Jackie Kirk comes to us in 2011 by way of New Zealand. Jackie has 10 years of teaching experience most recently at the Grovetown Montessori School in Blenheim. She is currently finishing up her AMI 6 – 12 certification and I felt this was a tremendous opportunity for the school to bring in another full time, trained and experienced Montessori Teacher. I’m sure that the Cycle 3 children will miss having Felicity in their classroom each day but not to fear, they will see her often next year, observing in their classrooms and throughout the school.
CLUBS 2011
We will again be running clubs at school next year—starting from Term 2 through Term 4.
We are interested to hear from parents who may like to run a club after school or if you have any ideas for new clubs.
COUNTRY KITCHEN CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Come and check out the hamper of goodies from the Country Kitchen on the table outside Acacia till the end of term. The Hamper has 18 yummy items, totalling approximately $25 value. Tickets are only $1.00!
The raffle will be drawn at the disco on last day of term.