Feeling left out in any circumstance is not enjoyable for anyone – young or old.  On Thursday morning we enjoyed the first of our class assemblies for the year and Year 3 focused on the Avondale core value of inclusion.  Their dramatised version of Mucky the Penguin was a simple yet powerful reminder of the value of difference and the importance of celebrating the contributions of each one,  no matter that they may seem to ‘march to the beat of a different drum’.  Thank you to Miss Collins and each and every student for a memorable lesson.

Have you wandered to the far side of the Multi-Purpose Hall yet to admire the ‘inkies’ created by the girls and boys of Avondale?  There they all are – individual, colourful, yet all ‘holding hands’ to symbolise the strength of unity and inclusiveness.  These were the first project inspired by the Treasure Keepers program so ably facilitated by the Year 5 and 6 students.

This week also saw the presentation of badges to the new SRC representatives.  We will commence meeting next week.  The SRC has a very significant role to play in the life of the school as they represent the interests and ideas of all students in engaging with social justice (charitable initiatives) and school improvement.

The playground is being brightened up with the addition of four handball courts and three sets of hopscotch squares (one each in English, French and Mandarin).  We will continue to look for other ways and means of developing the range of engaging play activities for all students.

An appropriate emergency assembly area has now been located for Avondale students and staff with the kind cooperation of Spruce Restaurant.  Accordingly prior to the end of Term One we will be holding an evacuation practice.

Congratulations to Tara Andrew and Neve Dutch who were presented their Bronze Merit Awards this week.  Holly Primmer has worked extremely hard to receive a total of ten merit certificates and as a result was presented with her Silver Merit Award.  Well done!

Please enjoy your weekend and find some time to stop and ‘smell the roses’.

Mr Andrew Coote