Welcome to our Week 5 newsletter for Term 2. We find ourselves halfway through the second term and we are seeing an increase in sickness as we experience the colder weather. Thank you for keeping home children who are unwell to help reduce the spread. It is good to know that we are aware of how to support one another in staying healthy. 

This week we celebrate National Reconciliation Week to recognise and deepen our understanding of relationships in Australia and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Our students enjoyed a performance from the Dusty Feet Mob this Wednesday. Please see further details regarding this performance below within Melissa Taylor's article in the Deputy's Corner. Thank you to those who attended to be a part of this performance. Our RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) team have been busy working within our school community to help us think deeply and engage in appropriate ways. There have also been varying learning opportunities throughout the school to help students with their understanding about this important area. 

I would like to share with you some very sad news about Mrs Estelita Hesta (Ibu Hester). Last Saturday morning her health struggles came to an end as she passed into eternity. Essie has been a valued member of our community with her children attending our school and then as our Indonesian teacher. Essie finished working with us in 2021 due to her declining health. We are glad to know that she held a confident hope in her eternal future with her Heavenly Father. If you would like to attend her funeral it will be held on Saturday June 10^th at 10:00am Harrisons Funerals, 63 Golden Grove Road, Ridgehaven. Essie touched many lives through her generosity and care, and we will continue to pray for her family at this difficult time.

Each term we have also decided to have Week 5 as ‘Wellness Week’. This week is a time where we bring into focus things that we know help us to relax, bring joy, or are good for us. Each afternoon there is an activity for staff to join like a walking group, craft, food and bike riding. Our SRC has invited us to hold a staff vs students basketball match during lunchtime. It was an extremely close game. In the 1^st and 2^nd quarter, Team Staff were smashing it. By the 3^rd quarter, Team Student were only 1 point behind, but in the 4^th quarter, with the pressure mounting, Team Staff managed to pull ahead, scoring 24 points to Team Student’s 19 points. Everyone played wonderfully and demonstrated great sportsmanship.

Choosing to bring wellbeing to our minds at this time in the term is a wonderful discipline to remind us of the importance of looking after ourselves and building strong relationships with each other. 

We have a number of events coming up this term. Our Reception students have an excursion to the Farm Barn this Friday, our Year 3’s are heading to the Adelaide Planetarium on June 13th and our Year 1’s are off to the Adelaide Zoo on June 30^th. Next Friday June 9^th, we have a Pupil Free day. This is a day for teachers to continue their professional learning and OSHC is available for bookings.

On Monday June 19^th we will hold our AGM where we report on the previous year. Reports are attached to the website for your interest. Our Year 5 students head off to camp June 21^st-23^rd. Camp is a time of learning with a focus on building relationships, confidence, and independence. We also have Year 5 & Year 6 swimming lessons in Week 10. Thank you for your help in keeping up bedtime routines and doing what can be the challenging but rewarding role of being a parent. We appreciate you and all you do in caring for your family.

I pray that you have a restful weekend.

God bless,

Wendy Matear

Principal