Dear Parents/Caregivers,
So much has been happening at HCEPS since our last newsletter.
Students have been participating in a wide variety of educational activities and continuing to learn and thrive.
Teachers have been moderating student’s work and begun preparing the end of year reports as well as continuing with planning and teaching their thorough educational programs. As we have said before the reports will go home on the last Wednesday of the school year.
Thank you to Wallis Sensei and Gray Sensei for their organisation to ensure our whole school Japanese Picnic was such a success. Although it was a bit warm on the day the wind was ideal for the kite flying. The students thoroughly enjoyed their picnic lunch and it was lovely to see the families who were able to join us. Many enjoyed their sushi and other picnic items from home. A very special thank you to the year 5 and 6 students who ran a great variety of activities across the school in the afternoon. I witnessed the year 5/6 students who worked with a reception class and they were all so engaged for the entire lesson. Well Done!
The Growth and Development sessions provided by Kidz Biz on Thursday evening were very informative for the families who attended with many expressing positive comments afterwards. The presentation was very well lead by Kerryn from Kidz Biz and students felt comfortable to ask questions and provide responses. Thank you to Mrs Fisher for her organisation and to Mr Schenkel, Ms Burford, and Mrs Govender for your help on the night. I found it to be worth the cost and effort to organise. I would recommend to all families with age appropriate children to go to either or both sessions when they are next offered.
Congratulations to the school community for an excellent participation rate for the 10 week Premier’s Be Active Challenge. Thank you to Aaron Charlton and our Student Physical Activity Leaders who represented the school on Wednesday 9th November to receive our high achievement recognition.
Thank you to our School Communication Leaders who lead our Remembrance Day Service today. If you come into the front office you may see a display of some of the poppies and wreaths which classes have made.
I hope you have all seen the announcement from Heather Makris, our Education Director, regarding the Term 1 Principal appointment of Matthew Chapman. I will be continuing in the Deputy Principal role during this term.
As you know Anne Rathjen has been on leave since the beginning of term 2 as she makes her decision about continuing or retiring. Although her leave is continuing into term one next year we would like to take this opportunity to thank Anne for her wonderful contribution to education in South Australia, and in particular, as our Principal since 2010.
On Friday 25th November the students have invited Anne to the assembly in the Pavilion so that they can say “Thank you”. Parents are welcome to attend, subject to numbers and potential COVID issues, as well as speak with Anne after the assembly on the courts outside the Pavilion. Anne will be out there until 3:30pm when staff have organised their Thank You Celebration in the form of a High Tea.
Hallett Cove East has been very fortunate to have had a leader of the calibre of Anne Rathjen over the years and the school has benefitted immensely from her strength, steadfastness and outstanding educational leadership. Should you wish to pass on a message to Anne, but are unable to be at school any time between 2:15pm and 3:30pm on Friday 25th November, please bring your message to the front office or email us at dl.1053.info@schools.sa.edu.au. We will collate them to present to her at the assembly.
Classes are also eagerly preparing for our School Concert on Wednesday 7th December at 6pm. We anticipate no restriction on numbers in the audience, at this stage, as we will be performing in the Big COLA again.
On this Wednesday morning we welcome our 2023 Reception students for their first transition visit. This may make the traffic a little busier for these three Wednesday mornings, so we thank you in advance for your understanding.
With regards
Andrea Hayden
Principal