Another busy fortnight on the Primary Campus saw 204 entries submitted to the Crisps Art Show at the Stanthorpe Art Gallery, 32 students attending a Futsal competition in Brisbane, Year 5 and 6 students visiting Cobb & Co Museum in Toowoomba, the second Prep Open Morning, the ‘Books, Bears and Blankets’ picnic, sporting success for some of our students at a representative level, 5/6S completing their transition week on the Secondary Campus, two of our teachers attending a two-day Visible Learning Conference in Melbourne, and finally Book Week!

Book Week is always a popular week in the school calendar, especially with the book character parade. This year was no exception with the students displaying an array of costumes. Given the theme this year of ‘reading is my secret power’, there were many superheroes in the parade as well as a number of other well-known and well-loved characters. Thanks especially for the work done by Mrs Lesley Grant and Ms Josie Gangemi in the lead up to Book Week. They transformed the library and ensured that there were special activities each day for the children. This year we also raised money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) QLD through a gold coin donation. MS is a condition which affects a large number of people in Australia and for which there is currently no cure. We were delighted to be able to contribute money towards ongoing research and the support of those with the condition and their families.

This week sees the culmination of many weeks of hard work with the two performances of ‘The Wiz’ musical. It is fitting that this musical was chosen, given that it is the 80th anniversary of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ this year. Also, given the theme of the story, it has very important messages for our students. Dorothy reminds us that dreams are always possible if we keep believing, whilst the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion found all the traits they were looking for within themselves as opposed to thinking that someone else (the Wizard) could provide them. It is also a story of great friendship and the power that people, united in a mission, can have. I do hope that as many families and friends as possible will support the musical performances on the weekend and perhaps take the opportunity to explore the themes with the children.  

Finally, congratulations to those students who will be celebrating their first communion this weekend. This is a special time for them in their spiritual journey and our prayers are with them all.

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary