Dear Families,
I would firstly like to thank our wonderful community for your support last week when the Premier announced that we were going to have a 6 day lock down. A great deal of events took place and updated information was shared as it occurred, including schools being opened for children of essential workers.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our staff who acted swiftly and calmly. We were prepared, however as you would understand, there was so much to do in such a short amount of time and credit is to be given to all our teachers and SSOs. They were amazing!!
A special shout out to our students - they have displayed a high level of resilience throughout the year, and continue to do so like they have once again demonstrated with the recent changes needed to be made with them having to be dropped off and picked up by the gates. We thank everyone for your support!
CONCERT
As many of you would have already anticipated, unfortunately due to the recent events and current circumstances, including wanting to ensure the safety of everyone, our end of year concert will have to look differently and will be a closed event - no spectators. This decision was not made lightly and was made in consultation with our Education Director and made in the best interest of everyone's safety. We also understand that our end of year concert is one of our main community events, and therefore want our families to still get to enjoy the class items.
We are currently in the process of organising either a 'live stream' or a 'recording' of the concert which will be provided to families through a secured link. Please note, that when this has been finalised, it is important to remember that viewing is only for families of the students and is not to be shared with others via social media.
Our students have been busy rehearsing and are super excited about performing next week in front of the whole school (students and staff) but also knowing that their families will also get to watch them at a later stage.
Teachers will be sending out further information about the concert in regards to costumes and when your child will need to either bring it to school or wear it, so please have the conversation with your child and check their bags regularly. If you are unsure about any of the details provided or have any further questions related to your child's item, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.
By everyone doing the right thing, we can all hopefully have a wonderful Christmas with our loved ones. SA did a remarkable job earlier on in the year and I have every confidence, that if we all work together and follow SA Health’s directions, we will overcome this hurdle.
GRADUATION AND YEAR 6/7 FAREWELL ASSEMBLY
In terms of year 7 graduation and year 6/7 farewell assembly, at this stage, they will still go ahead but again will need to look differently and abide by the COVID-19 social distancing regulations eg limiting numbers to two family members. I would hate to have to cancel them and will only do so, if we are left with no choice.
As you can imagine, a great deal is happening at the moment, however everyone’s safety, health and wellbeing is paramount. Every decision made, is and will be made in the best interest of everyone!
If you have any questions, please let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them. Again, information is constantly changing and being updated, however I can confidently reassure you that we are working around the clock to ensure that we support our students and families to the best of our abilities. Learning here at VPS will continue until the very last day of the term.
In saying this, it is also important for us to remember that staff also have families to care for and are also juggling home and work commitments. Together, like true ‘Virginia Spirit’ we will again, overcome the challenges presented before us and once again ask for your understanding and cooperation.
RETIRING
I would like to share with you all, that Denise Wilson has made the big decision (not an easy one that's for sure) to retire at the end of this year. We are still coming to terms with what VPS will look like and do without her! Denise first started here in 1989 and has continued to serve in so many ways;
* She has been one of the familiar faces welcoming visitors to our school and answering phone calls
* has been our IT and 'go to' person when something isn't working with our computers. In fact, our 'go to' person when any issue presented itself!
* trouble shooter - whether it's IT, grounds and maintenance, printing, ordering, packing/unpacking, providing ice packs and bandaids...
* managing bookings and helping with the running of the Community Centre
* supporting in classes and contributing to school events. The raffle stand won't look the same without her behind it!
* Denise also played a big part of the Virginia Rams Football Club as treasurer when her son Andrew used to play there and also volunteered and contributed to the Virginia Tennis Club whilst her daughter Kylie played tennis. Denise continues to support local events and sports as she is passionate about Virginia and is a very proud residence.
The list can go on and on, but in true Denise Wilson style, she wanted her departure to be a quiet one, however it is only fair that VPS farewells her in true VPS spirit and gives her the acknowledgement that she deserves.
On behalf of the students, staff and extending Virginia Community, I would like to thank and wish Denise all the very best in the future. I'm sure you would all agree, that Denise has played a huge role here at VPS and her hard work and contribution has been highly valued and will not be forgotten nor go unnoticed. It will truly be difficult to replace someone with so much knowledge.
Denise - it is time to make time for yourself. This time, is well deserved, however we are sad to see you go and will miss you!! Enjoy your future caravan adventures with Rob and the family. Enjoy spending time with your beautiful grandchildren who will love their extra time with Nan.
Good luck and thank you.
FAREWELL
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and farewell Colleen who has also been an integral member of the VPS family. Colleen has been part of our Governing Council for 7 seven years, from when Flynn began Pre-school.
Colleen has been an enormous advocate for our school and school community in so many ways. She is passionate about and wholeheartedly would do anything for our school and school community. She has volunteered, sought donations, written applications for grants, baked cakes, taken photos and as a result has captured some special, unforgettable moments which will be cherished for many years to come; One of the special occasions being the 2015 Commemoration of ANZAC Ceremony whereby we unveiled the mosaic memorial to local soldiers who served at Gallopoli - James John Sheedy being one of them.
Colleen - your bubbly and friendly presence will be missed. We wish you and your family all the very best. Continue to spread kindness and love wherever you go. I am sure that we will continue to see you at local events, however would like to again, thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do for our school and community.
Lastly, I would again like to thank ALL our wonderful community, young and old for your continuous support, understanding and resilience during a challenging year. Your words of gratitude and encouragement have been well received and much appreciated.
Thank you!!
Learning Together, Learning For Our Future.
Warmest Regards,
Voula Pounendis
