Dear Penbank community,

As we come to the end of another amazing school year, I want to thank our community for making this year so special. Our students have all worked hard, had fun, and learned so much – and it’s been wonderful to see them grow and shine in their individual ways.

I’d also like to give a huge thank you to our incredible teachers and staff. They’ve worked tirelessly, gone above and beyond, and made Penbank such a special place to be. We’re so lucky to have a dedicated team helping the students reach their potential, and bringing our community together to be a part of the educational journey.

Sadly, we are saying goodbye to some of our staff who are leaving to pursue new adventures. Bree McConnon started with us last year as a student teacher and has been with us this year as an LEA in our F – 2 team. Thanks to Bree, for her calm, caring approach with the children. We wish her all the best as she begins her teaching career with her own class.

Ibu Prue is leaving Penbank after 12 years to teach at Senior Campus full time. We have loved all the Indonesian experiences she has given us over the years, including language, music, culture, many Pesta Days, and colour runs to raise money for orangutans. We also thank Prue for organising the food at our Graduation events over many years. We wish Prue all the best in her new role as the Learning Area Leader in Languages and we look forward to seeing her around at the Senior Campus! She will be welcomed familiar face for our Year 6 students transitioning to Year 7.

We also say goodbye to long-term Penbank teacher, Sophie Powell, who is leaving us after 15 years. Sophie has been an outstanding teacher in the F – 2 area, before leaving to have her beautiful children and returning as an LEA, and more recently the LET in the F – 2 team. Both Bree, Ibu Prue and Sophie will be missed. We know they’ll be amazing educators wherever they go!

A very special congratulations to our Year 6 students! We enjoyed a beautiful Graduation on Wednesday night, with our Year 6’s sharing their reflections and thinking through plays, music, movies, speeches and much more. We are so proud of the young people they have become, and believe they have the skills that they will take the steps needed to make this world a better place, whether through the small everyday actions that inspire others or through bold steps that challenge the greater systems. We wish them every success in their secondary years. They will always have a place in our community here at Penbank, and Penbank will always be cheering for them!

The final weeks of the school year are always a time of celebration. Our students have been busy expressing themselves in a variety of ways, at our Finale and Perberkoong, along with Expositions and Concerts within their learning environments. I would like to congratulate everyone for their effort and enthusiasm. It’s clear that they have embraced their learning and have pushed themselves to new heights whilst having a lot of fun!  It has been a pleasure to watch our ECC – 6 students showcase their talents and achievements. We are very proud of each child for the effort and enthusiasm they’ve brought to these activities.

To our students, families and staff,  I hope you all have a safe and happy summer holiday! Take time to rest, enjoy being with your loved ones, and make lots of wonderful memories. We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for another exciting, action-packed year!

Please enjoy these photos of Finale, Perberkoong and Graduation photos, capturing the essence of who we are.

Warm regards,
Andy

ANDREA KHOZA (she/her)
Head of Penbank Campus