Reflection

I noticed that today (or yesterday in some reports) that the population of the earth ticked over 8 billion people. I am old enough to still remember 5 billion, when I was born there were not even 4 billion people here. It is extraordinary to think that there are more people alive today than all of the people who have lived and died before us.

As we tick over this milestone the G20 leaders are meeting in Bali to chart a way forward for all of us.

Creator God

Guide those in power to use it wisely.

Give us and our leaders the courage to think beyond our own economies;

To seek genuine partnerships

So that all people can experience the fullness of life,

And that our planet is known to be the common home

For all creation and future generations.

Amen.

2023 Class Groupings

Next year we will reduce our overall class groups down by creating 3 home groups in Year 4 rather than the 4 home groups we have had this year. The reason for this change is both financial and practical. Those who are familiar with our middle school block would be aware that there are only 7 classrooms in that space. Creating a fourth class would mean splitting that group. Also maintaining 4 classes of 20 children creates a strain on our budget which draws resources from other areas.

School Fees

This week Cathy Duynhoven has sent out invoices for outstanding balances for 2022 school fees. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support in this area and please contact us should you require further support or a new payment plan.

Cathy will send out our fee schedule for 2023 in the coming days. The School Advisory Council ratified a small increase to the family fee ($10) and the student levy ($5). This increase will be offset in the senior classes by a discount to the swimming and water safety program due to more generous government support of school swimming programs.

Again, please contact the school if you require support with a manageable payment plan for your family.

School Camp Program

We are making an adjustment to our camps program in 2023 and 2024.

2023 becomes a transition year as we are moving the Kangaroobie camp from Year 3 to Year 4 and introducing the Warra Gnan Camp in Warrnambool to the Year 3 group.

As next year's year 4 group have already experienced Kangaroobi they will also camp at Warra Gnan next year.

Year 5 students will still attend Ballarat and Sovereign Hill and the Year 6 group will continue visiting Melbourne.

The reasons for the change to the Year 3 program is to support wellbeing particularly for those children anxious about staying overnight. This camp provides a “soft” entry to staying away from home. Warrnambool offers a range of outdoor and educational activities including the Sound and Light show, water sports and local cultural experiences. As this camp is so close to home, bus costs will be minimal thus keeping overall camp costs down for families.

Regards
Matthew O'Brien, Principal