Front page of this weeks newsletter

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

2012 has been a wonderful year with many excellent activities and so much learning taking place. The students at our school are great to work with and they are all a credit to you their parents and carers. Special thanks need to go to all our parents and carers who actively supported the school through their participation in the P&C as well as other key activities throughout the year e.g. Garden volunteer helpers.

Our staff are also a fantastic group of dedicated professionals who care very much about your children and work tirelessly to see them achieve to their full potential. I want to thank all our staff for their hard work in 2012. I would like to especially recognise Mrs Hick (our Registrar) who has helped make our transition into an Independent Public School so smooth.

It is at this time of year that we often say goodbye to people who are moving on. Mr Kettell is one of those people who will be taking up a teaching position at Subiaco Primary school in 2013. Mrs Matthews will also be leaving at the end of this term. I want to thank these teachers for their work at our school and wish them all the best for their future careers. Mr Kettell will be replaced by Mrs Ruth Rice.

For those who don’t already know, I will be participating in the Teacher Exchange program in 2013 but will return as Principal in 2014. Mrs vanderWal and Mr Ralph will step into the Principal’s position while I am away. I will be teaching a Year 6/7 class at Okanagan Landing School in Vernon, British Columbia (Canada). I hope to stay in touch with everyone and will endeavour to keep you all posted about my adventures on my blog http://mbevancanada.blogspot.com.au . I will not post to my regular blog while I am away http://mbevan.blogspot.com.au . My exchange partner is Mr Aaron Hoffman.

For the students and families that are leaving our school I wish you all the very best for the future. This school has a long and rich history which you are a part of. I hope your memories of Tuart Hill Primary School are fond ones and that you will remember with pride the days that you spent here.

Holiday Quote “Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living.” Amanda Bradley

For those returning next year, I wish you all a happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Stephen Bevan

Principal

Carols by Candlelight

Mrs Mount-Bryson and Mrs Hick serving sausages

 Last night we held our annual Carols by Candlelight in the school Hall. The night commenced with a sausage sizzle followed by a great time of singing and fun. Mrs Mount-Bryson did a great job of leading the singing. Our P&C provided candles and plenty of food and drinks for everyone.

We esteimated that there were approximately 200 people at the carols night which is a superb turn out. Many thanks go to the parents, family members, students and staff for coming along.


Me cooking sausages



One of our students dressed for the season

Mrs vanderWal did a great job as our photographer

Ho Ho Ho!!

An artistic shot

Christmas Choir Excursion

 Last week our School Choir went on their annual Christmas Excursion which involved them singing at our local shopping centre followed by three aged care facilities around the northern suburbs. The choir presented a number of traditional and contemporary carols which were very well received.

This excursion is a highlight of the year for the choir as well as for the residents of the aged care facilities. We have been approached by other centres to arrange choir performances but cannot squeeze anymore into one day. The students were also rewarded on the day with a lunch at McDonalds.

Many thanks go to Mrs Mount-Bryson and Mrs vanderWal for organising this wonderful activity this year.

 As part of the activity the students spend time talking to residents. This was very challenging for some of our students who were upset by the physical appearance of some residents, many of which suffer from dementia and other ailments. However, this is a powerful learning experience as well as a great opportunity for our students to brighten the lives of elderly people who are sometimes very lonely and depressed.

 The staff and residents were very impressed with our students and rewarded them with plenty of cordial and treats.

Ed Magazine Today

Our Year 7 literacy program was again promoted in the media, this time in the West Australian Ed Magazine liftout. Well done Mrs Dewing, Mrs Snart and our awesome Year 7 students. Special thanks goes to Norman Jorgensen for being involved and writing such a wonderful novel!

Year 7 Excursion Promoted Again

Our Year 7 excursion to Rottnest has been promoted once again, this time in the Stirling Times.