Term four - week nine

It has been a fortnight of end of year activities and celebrations which herald the end of the school year. In this newsletter, I would like to acknowledge the commitment and work that our teachers invest in children's learning and wellbeing. While time spent with the children in the Home Bases is where the core of teachers work manifests, there are layers of meetings, professional learning, parent communications and organisation that occurs on a daily basis. They give so much of themselves for our children and I know that their holidays will be a much needed time to recharge. Teachers are the most valuable resource that a school has and they deserve all of the accolades that come their way at this time of the year.

Thorrington has a great pool of relieving teachers which means we have regular faces in our home bases for our children. We also have four literacy support teachers who enable children to have more access to teacher's support at reading and writing time and all of these teachers contribute to the culture of learning in our Home Bases.

Our learning assistants are also an important part of our school structure - they work in Home Bases to ensure that children feel secure in a culture that is focused on learning and is characterised by respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Sam Wayman, Sarah Hira, Loraine Gibson, Hannah Poole, Maddy Hayes and Victoria Vallely your work in Home Bases is truly valued. I would also like to recognise the work that Marie Read does as our perceptual-motor programme teacher, (PMP) which is so beneficial for our New Entrant Year and Year One children.    

We are fortunate to have great people in our school administration team, Leonie Blackmore, Sandy Vallance, Natasha Montagu as well as our caretaker Bill Page and our groundsman, Phil Davies who all contribute to ensuring the smooth day to day running of the school. 

Leading a school is not a one-person job and I am very grateful that I have a hardworking and committed senior leadership team, especially my first and second Deputy Principals, Chris Panther and Anna Clark, both of their efforts make my role more manageable.

Thanks to the  Board of Trustees; Dr Mel Atkinson, Karen Vick, Jane Peddie, Aaron Smith and Aimee Sinclair who oversee the governance and strategic direction of the school. I would especially like to acknowledge the Board's role in supporting the school to employ Anneke Beardsley & Tim Corry who work with many of our children and their families in their role as social workers. 

Thanks also to the PTA and all of the parents who give of their own time to support Thorrington School in so many ways. 

Finally, thanks to you - the families of Thorrington - your children are special to all of us and we value your support and partnership in working to achieve the best outcomes for all of them.

Meri Kirihimete 

Have safe and happy holidays with your family.

Christine Harris