Commencing the PYP this year, all teachers have embraced new ways of thinking and planning. Collaboratively working with the Minimbah staff has enabled our teams to share ideas while developing units of inquiry. A work in progress, the PYP will continue to enhance the work that we do with our students. I thank Jodie for her leadership and co-ordination of the PYP.

We say a fond farewell to Dee Marshall who is concluding her role as Library Assistant. Dee needs to spend more time with her aging mother who lives on the other side of the city. Dee’s three children, Maddie, Indie and Lachie have all been Penbank students. Both Maddie and India have finished school with Lachie still to go at the Senior Campus. We thank and wish Dee the very best for the future.

Helen Killeen has been a delightful educator in our ELC. Sadly, we say goodbye to Helen due to returning staff who have been on Maternity Leave. Helen has been a much-loved educator of our little children and especially enjoyed working with children in the outdoors. Helen will certainly be missed - our thanks, Helen, for your contribution.

We said farewell to Principal, Jonathan Walter, at a recent School Meeting and Perberkoong. After nine years leading Woodleigh, Jonathan moves on to his next school, Carey Baptist Grammar School. As the Woodleigh chapter closes for Jonathan, the next one begins. We thank Jonathan and wish him courage and success leading Carey BGS into the next decade.

Brenda Karnowski concludes her time at Penbank at the end of February next year. Following 35 years of incredible service to our school, we will officially say our farewell to Brenda towards the end of February, 2020. In the meantime, enjoy your last official school holidays, Brenda!

I congratulate Justin de Lacy on successfully completing his Masters in Education specialising in Digital Learning. Katherine Gordon is presently studying a Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education. She has another year to go – all the best, Katherine!

Peter McGettigan recently applied for a Sports Grant through Sporting Schools Victoria.

I thank Pete for making the effort to lodge an application for a Sporting Schools Grant, which awarded our campus a grant of $1900. The funds will go towards more cricket equipment. Congratulations, Pete!

To our curriculum leaders we acknowledge the work of Lisa Coxon – Early Learning, Olivia Takacs – Prep to Year 2, Lorraine Ford – Year 3 to 6, Anne Foster – specialist programs and Lisa Cox – Student Support for leading curriculum development along with Jodie Kirchner. Such a strong team, we look forward to their continued inspiration while supporting the professional learning of all teaching staff.

Finally, I will look forward to welcoming Andrea Khoza to the Penbank Campus as Deputy Head commencing the 2020 school year.

All staff dedicate an extraordinary amount of time to their work. Many thanks, admin and grounds staff included, for your ongoing energy and care. 

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