The Carey Donvale 2021 Welcome Event: An incredible success!

The scale of this year’s CDPA Welcome Event exceeded everyone’s expectations. An incredible number of families from ELC to Year 6 converged on The Flat for this community picnic and there was a tangible air of excitement as children, parents and grandparents relished the opportunity to join together and celebrate being reunited for the first time in well over 12 months. A strong feeling of connectedness was at the heart of this event and the community spirit that characterises Carey Donvale was certainly alive and well.

On a perfect balmy Autumn evening, the campus was a hive of activity thanks to a massive ninja warrior course, pony rides, sporting activities, a petting zoo, pizza, ice creams, cool drinks and freshly brewed coffee. Our sincere thanks to the entire CDPA committee and a host of willing helpers for their thorough planning and endless enthusiasm.

Parent Education Opportunities
A snapshot on reading: Prep to Year 2Nearly 40 parents accepted the invitation to join our Prep to Year 2 classroom teachers for an evening that focussed on the strategies employed to teach reading at Carey Donvale. This ‘snapshot’ of the program went well beyond just theory and placed the parents in the shoes of their children as they fully engaged in classroom activities designed to provide insights into our multi-faceted approach to reading instruction.

Parents were not only provided with practical strategies they could use at home to support their children; they left with a greater appreciation for the passion and expertise of the Prep to 2 teaching team.

Tuning in to Kids and The Carey Positive Learner Attributes: An invitation to our Carey Donvale parents
The ‘Tuning in to Kids’ program encourages and engages all the Carey Attributes. Throughout the program, as facilitators we focus on building relationships with participants, but we also hope to engage attendees’ thinking through reflection and curiosity, to then imagine a different way of engaging with their children. For some, this takes courage – firstly to attend the program and then to try new techniques; resilience to keep trying if initially things do not go according to plan; and then to keep trying to apply new knowledge. Parental self-management is developed as attendees reflect on the connection between the parenting they experienced within their family of origin, the way they now parent their own children, as well as the ways in which they think about and manage their own emotions.

To register your interest in this program, simply contact Carey Donvale reception. Limited places are still available.

Wishing you a safe and happy Easter break
In wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter break, can I also briefly revisit the sentiments I expressed at this time last year. Amongst all the chocolate, it is very easy to lose sight of the real meaning of Easter. It may take a bit of ingenuity and time, but it is important for our children to understand that the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us is the centre of this celebration. Our beautiful Easter Service on Monday and the generous donations made to our sponsor child and our local homeless community served to reinforced this message.

Steve Wilson
Head of Junior School Donvale