Å·ÃÀAV

As we reach the halfway mark of Å·ÃÀAV 2, we continue to see the power of planning, preparing, practising and producing events that bring our school community together. Each occasion has been a testament to the dedication, creativity and teamwork of our students, staff and families.

Mother’s Day Fellowship & Breakfast
This term, we gathered for a truly special Mother’s Day Fellowship and breakfast. Thanks to the thoughtful work of the Banksia students and Ms Leeming, we enjoyed a meaningful fellowship that highlighted the invaluable lessons and wisdom passed down by our mothers. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the strong, guiding presence of mothers in our lives, and it was a joy to see our school community come together in appreciation.

Foundation Brunch for Better
Another highlight was the Foundation Brunch for Better, which was a vibrant and inspiring celebration of women in our community. The event was made possible by a team filled with vision and creativity, and we are deeply grateful to our guest speakers, Stacey Smith and Briohny Cotter, for sharing their knowledge and insights on the challenges women face. Their conversation, expertly guided by Bairnsdale parent and Foundation Chair Jess Cane, left a lasting impact and provided an opportunity for reflection and support.

District Winter Sports Excitement
Preparation and practice have also been at the forefront for our students participating in Winter Sports each Thursday. This week, they proudly represented our campus, competing against other local schools with enthusiasm and determination. The energy on the field was terrific, with evident teamwork and school spirit driving our students to success. We are thrilled to announce that the mixed netball team will be progressing to the Division Sports competition - an achievement worth celebrating!

Here is the report from our Physical Education teacher, Mrs Elisha Froud:
Our school proudly participated in the recent District Winter Sports competition, entering teams across football, soccer, and netball. All players represented our school with enthusiasm, skill, and outstanding sportsmanship.
We entered a football team, which played two tough games. Despite showing determination and great teamwork throughout, the team unfortunately came away without a win. A huge congratulations to the players for their positive attitude and sportsmanship, and special thanks to Michael Neate for goal umpiring.
Our soccer team showed some impressive skills across five matches. They came away with three out of five wins – a great achievement that reflects their hard work and team spirit.
We also entered two netball teams. The girls' team performed excellently, winning two of their three, while our mixed team went undefeated, winning both of their games. Their strong performance means they will be advancing to the Division Sports Competition – a fantastic result!
A huge well done to all our players for their efforts, to our scorers for keeping track, and to the parents for their ongoing support from the sidelines.

National Simultaneous Storytime
Now in its 25th successful year, this colourful, vibrant, fun event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

This year, the book is Deborah Frenkel’s The Truck Cat. Tinka the cat lives everywhere. Along with his human, Yacoub, Tinka travels roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away – for both of them.

The students of Acacia, Banksia and Correa visited the school library to share their toy trucks and cats from home and listen to the livestream of the author read the story to children all over Australia.

Anticipation for Our Musical Production: – Finding Nemo Jr
With excitement building, our focus has now shifted to our fast-approaching Musical Production, ‘Finding Nemo’. A hive of activity has taken over as parents and grandparents generously contribute their talents to designing and creating costumes for our students. Seeing the students try on their costumes has only added to their enthusiasm and inspired them further as we anticipate a fabulous production, led by Mrs. Cara Scheafer.

Campus Tour next week
Campus Tours, formerly known as Tour and Teas, will return to the Bairnsdale Campus on Tuesday (May 27), beginning at 9am. If you have family, friends or colleagues who might like to learn more about a Å·ÃÀAV Grammar education for their child, please suggest this opportunity to them.

National Reconciliation Week: ‘Bridging Now to Next’
Next week, we will integrate National Reconciliation Week into our daily curriculum, exploring the theme, Bridging Now to Next. This theme encourages us to reflect on the ongoing connection between past, present and future, urging Australians to work together towards a more united and respectful nation. Through classroom activities and meaningful discussions, we aim to foster understanding and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation.

As we continue through Å·ÃÀAV 2, we look forward to more exciting opportunities to plan, prepare, practise, and produce meaningful experiences that strengthen our school community. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making our school a vibrant and connected place to learn and grow!

Until next time, keep up the great work and stay engaged in all the fantastic things happening around our campus.