Natanya Milner – Head of Primary School

The Summer break always seems to be such a good time to reflect and consider the year that has passed in order to plan for the year ahead. Interestingly, I find the message I am left with is actually about the way I go about the planning itself. I have always been someone who feels better when I am well-prepared and organised. I like to know what lies ahead and be ready.

2020 was confronting in that every plan that I made was turned on its head and so much time was spent preparing for eventualities that never eventuated. So I am entering 2021 with a new model in mind for myself. To be honest, it is a new model that has been forced upon me by circumstance but possibly has me better calibrated with the skills needed in our VUCA world! I aim to approach 2021 with a form of flexi-planning. I intend to be organised in advance with a skeleton of options depending on the changing situation ahead of me. As the time draws closer, I hope my plans will firm up in keeping with the changing parameters of the situation. This requires both me and others to be more comfortable with unknowns and more flexible with the alternatives but also be as open and responsive as possible, in order to achieve the best outcomes under the circumstances.

So, there’s my 2021 challenge that leads me to explain the plans around our first major parent event for 2021. Our annual Meet the Teacher event is set to take place on Monday 15 February 2021. Ordinarily, we would welcome parents onto campus and into our classrooms to meet the teachers and hear about our goals and priorities for the year. This year, we will be unable to have this event take place on campus but we look forward to ensuring that we are still able to share this important information with you. We will communicate the new details with you as we decide the best way to present but, for now, please keep the evening aside.

A great start

It has been wonderful to welcome our teachers back to school on Monday and Wednesday for two days of professional learning. I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to working with such a vibrant, committed and passionate team. I would like to thank the P&F for their generosity in providing lunch for the teachers on Wednesday and the canteen for once again creating such delicious and nutritious food for us.

It was fabulous to welcome our children back to school on Thursday and Friday. I have enjoyed the smiles and positive energy that can already be felt – there is such a special buzz as we get the year of learning started. We have a number of new students to the school and we are excited to see them settle into their new school smoothly and happily. Welcome back to everyone!

Bus usage

The current regulations state that people over the age of 12 are mandated to wear masks on public transport. For children 12 years old and under, students are encouraged to wear masks but this is not mandated. We recommend students wear masks on buses and public transport.

New Equipment in Triguboff

We are so excited about our new equipment in the Triguboff playground. The adventures have begun and children are already enjoying it. I would like to thank the P&F and Board for supportive this wonderful initiative.