It has been a very industrious and productive term. As I write the drone of machinery in the background is a reminder of the work currently underway to transform our school. Much of this transformation, which includes a new secondary school cluster, café, food technology facility and a major extension to our car park, will occur over the summer holiday break. I can only imagine just what a hive of activity the school grounds will be over the next six weeks or so. What I can say is that the students and staff are very excited at the prospect of returning to a revamped school in 2019.
I now want to reflect on some of the great achievements of the 2018 school year. As always I acknowledge all of our tremendous parents and caregivers for their unwavering support and commitment to the education of our students. I also would like to thank and celebrate;
* All therapy, clinical psychology and allied staff for their insights and expertise toward furthering the education and development of our students;
* The professionalism, skill, dedication and perseverance of our wonderful staff; and
* Our students who have continued to provide daily opportunities for us to improve the things we do.
The following briefly summarises some 2018 highlights;
Year in Review
Graduation Ceremony
The Graduation Ceremony held on 29 November at the Real Life Church was a great celebration of the brilliant achievements of all graduates and the broader student cohort. Our Graduates were:
* Pre-Primary graduates: Omar B; Shateaka D; William M; Ella P; Ethan S; Ariff S; and Sarah U;
* Primary School graduates: Kallem H-B; Harrison K; Stevie-Lee R and Xavier T; and
* Secondary Graduates: Benjamin B, Michael G, and Lisa H
I warmly congratulate and salute all these students on these important milestones. As for our three Secondary graduates, Benjamin, Lisa and Michael will be remembered as some the great Kenwick School characters. We will sorely miss them although we are equally excited and proud that they will now take up their place within their communities. Our school community could not be any more honoured to have shared your school journey with these amazing young people. It has also been terrific to work with their families/caregivers over the years. I wish you the very best for a happy and fulfilling future.
My sincere and heartfelt thanks goes once more to Rochelle and David Warwick and all at the Real Life Church for their tremendous support of our school again this year.
End of Year Concert
Last night’s school concert was once again an uplifting event and a marvellous success. While numbers were slightly down on the 2017 event, possibly due to the inclement weather and the early school close for our Year 11-13 students, we estimate that well over two hundred people attended. I am so grateful to all those who attended for their support. Our students of course were the stars once more, with their enthusiastic (and often improvised) performances; much mirth and celebration was had by all in attendance.
I thank Tegan Cardy (and the Concert Committee), Mike Cardy, Bob Griggeroff, and Marisa Gardner. Without these people there would not have been a concert. It is crucial to also acknowledge our sponsors Fork Safe, Matt O’Neil and Instant Products for their thoughtful donations.
Staff Retirements and Transfers
I would like to warmly thank and acknowledge our staff members who have moved on to the next stage of their lives. We wish Jenny Grant, Marg Bartlett and Elaine de Ruiter a very happy retirement and many years of a fulfilling post-work life. Thanks and best wishes to Marie Gardiner who has resigned from her part-time Deputy role and will take LSL for Semester 2 in 2019. We also farewelled Poonam Parwani who moves on to another education support facility in 2019; our loss is their gain.
Students and Enrolments 2019
I am happy to report that despite us losing three cherished graduates, our projected students numbers are set to increase to about 86 students next year. This is a great sign for the future of the school and an acknowledgement of the great work that we do here.
In closing, I would like to pass on my very warmest and best wishes to all of you, your family and friends for a restful, safe and happy festive and holiday season. I look forward to seeing you all on the first day of school, Monday 4 February 2019.
Seasons Greeting
Mark Watson
Principal
