The focus of the last few weeks has been on starting to make plans for 2020, with our Prep Orientation morning and Student Leadership selection processes. It has been impressive and humbling to observe the growing confidence of our YSS students as they take risks, embrace new challenges and see setbacks as an opportunity for further growth.

Remembrance Day

The recent Remembrance Day commemorations held by the Stephen’s RSL branch were a memorable way to mark one hundred and one years since Armistice and the end of World War One. Our School Captains were a part of the wreath laying ceremony and Morgan from Year Six shared her winning entry from the recent writing competition with the crowd gathered at Yeronga Memorial Park. It was certainly a remarkable and moving occasion.

Forthcoming Events

We can’t wait to be a part of the multitude of end of year events over the coming weeks, including:

- Big Sing (Friday 22 November)

- Big Play (Friday 29 November)

- Senior Swimming Carnival (Tuesday 26 November)

- Junior Swimming Carnival (Tuesday 3 December)

- Disco (Thursday 5 December)

- Prep Christmas Concert (Friday 6 December)

- Year 6 Graduation (Monday 9 December)

- Sporting Awards Ceremony (Tuesday 10 December)

Free Dress Day

The Student Council are holding a Free Dress Day this Friday 22 November and the theme is “Free Dress” (i.e. student’s own choice). Students will need to ensure that they are wearing closed in shoes and shirts with sleeves for sun protection. Gold coin donations brought in on that day will go towards future Student Council projects including water coolers and new wooden seats for eating areas.

Academic Awards

It will be wonderful to recognise the efforts our students in meeting their learning goals throughout 2019, during the last week of Term Four.

The dates for the Awards Ceremonies are:

Thursday 12 December

9.00am: Year Five and Six

9.45am: Year Three and Four

Friday 13 December

9.00am: Year One and Two

Enjoy the last four weeks of the school year. We look forward to catching up with many of you at the end of year events.

Active School Travel

Thank you to all the parents, teachers and students who make a conscious choice to actively travel to school. Not only is it good for our bodies but it is also wonderful to alleviate the traffic congestion around the school.

This last week has been a big week in the AST realm. The children enjoyed walking to school, scootering at lunchtime on the tennis courts and a scooter prize was drawn.

The winner of the $250 Scooter prize that was donated by Nicole Johnston is Tiago from P2.

Congratulations Tiago and we hope you have fun on the scooter over the holidays.

Outdoor Classroom Day – Thursday 7 November

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to celebrate and inspire outdoor learning and play.

Outdoor learning improves children’s health, engages them with learning and leads to a greater connection with nature. Play not only teaches critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork and creativity, but is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood.

Kate Paynter and Tracy Freeman

Deputy Principals