Dear Minimbah Families,

Many thanks for all your support of the PFG and their endeavours in reimagining and pulling together the Festivale du Minimbah a few weeks back. I am so appreciative and grateful for your efforts. In the weeks and days leading up to the Fair, the energy on campus was palpable, and seeing the myriad of smiling faces on the children throughout the afternoon and evening was proof the hard work was all worth it!!

International Baccalaureate Global Conference

Last weekend and earlier this week, I was fortunate to attend the International Baccalaureate Global Conference held in Adelaide. The theme of the 2023 conference, the first face-to-face conference in our region for 4 years, was ‘Education for an Inclusive Future’. Being able to hear from educational experts and practitioners was very inspiring. We are indeed fortunate to be a member school of the International Baccalaureate whose global aims include making a positive impact on education globally, inquiring and adapting to the best practice from around the world, and building trust in supporting schools and educational communities. Being a Primary Years Program School (PYP), our staff and students have access to support and resources from across the globe.

Woodleigh School was proudly represented across the conference through program sharing and student engagement. Before an audience of 1500 delegates Woodleigh’s very own Char Palmer (now in Year 10) demonstrated extraordinary confidence, risk-taking and positivity as they joined a youth panel to share their hopes and dreams for inclusive education both within our school and more broadly within the IB community of schools.

The opportunity to learn together with Vivienne Wearne, Andy Khoza, and Kate Bird as we map and continue our PYP journey was immensely rewarding. We had a little bit of fun too!

Harmony Picnic – Thursday 30 March

We look forward to the next few events on the Woodleigh Calendar. This coming week we join with our Penbank campus friends in celebrating ‘togetherness’ at the Harmony Picnic on Thursday 30 March. All our children from Foundation to Year 6 are invited to attend and be part of the performances including singing and vocal ensemble items as well as presenting their hip hop, they will learn from the Indigenous Outreach Project during Wednesday’s incursion. Children participating do not require a ticket. Other family members can purchase tickets here.

Grandparent’s and Special Friends Day – Tuesday 4 April

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Grandparents and Special Friends on Tuesday 4 April. Please remember, it’s great for the children to have a visitor at school for the morning, so special friends are very welcome!!! This year we have extended the time in classrooms a little so the children can share their work and the campus with their visitors. All children from Foundation to year 6 will also perform in the concert in the marquee following the service of High Tea. Please ensure all grandparents, visitors and special friends have registered their attendance, especially for the morning tea, to ensure we can cater and seat everyone. We will also have a shuttle bus running from Overport Park to ease parking in and around Minimbah. Full details, bookings and bus requests can be made at the following link.

Year 6 Parent and Student Briefing – Canberra and Bali

On Wednesday 5 April we invite all Year 6 students and parents to a special briefing for both forthcoming study tours: Canberra in Week 3 of Term 2 and the Bali Green School Camp at the end of Term 3. We will outline each program and update you on requirements. Representatives from the Green School in Bali will also be attending (via Zoom) as well as representatives from SOS Australia, our local and international support personnel.

School Photos – Tuesday 28 March

Don’t forget Foundation to Year 6 School Photos will be taken on Tuesday this week (28 March). You should have received information about registering for photo day and how to order school photos. Please reach out if you need any further information. Regardless of PE classes on Tuesday, all children need to wear their full school uniform on Tuesday (black school shoes, correct socks, and clean neat uniform please, no sports gear or production hoodies).

Support your PFG – Volunteer at GPs Day or help out in the Uniform Shop

The Parents and Friends Group (PFG) are looking for volunteers to assist with the upcoming Grandparents Day on April 4, and helpers for the Second Hand Uniform Shop each Thursday.

The Grandparents Day is working with about 10 other helpers, to serve tea and coffee: https://volunteersignup.org/ETDMF

The Uniform Shop is open for 30 minutes before assembly - choose the Thursday when your child's class is hosting the assembly: https://volunteersignup.org/D9D34 (term 2 volunteer sheet to be issued shortly).

These are both fantastic opportunities to meet other parents and get to know members of the PFG. Thanks so much for your help in advance, and for helping foster the warm Woodleigh sense of community!

Emotional Literacy

Emotional Literacy is being able to recognise and name our emotions. If we can label our emotions, then we can start to understand the why and begin to problem solve to work through what it is that we’re going through. The attached flyer has some helpful hints and links to support emotional literacy in the home.

Thanks

As we head toward the end of the Term, I extend my thanks to you all for your continued kindness and support and wish you all the best for the Easter period and forthcoming holidays.

Take care everyone,

ROD DAVIES
Head of Minimbah Campus