My sincere thanks as we wrap up for 2021

Processing your child’s report
As you read through your child’s end of year report, can I offer these words of advice as you discuss the contents:

• Pitch your expectations in line with your child’s abilities.
• Take into account your child’s effort and attitude to learning.
• Look for individual progress and avoid comparing your child to siblings or friends.
• The skills of independence, collaboration and co-operation are highly valued so please do not dismiss these as unimportant.
• Ask your child for their opinion about how they performed and discuss their concerns.

Seussical success
Against all the odds, our whole-school musical was a triumph of perseverance, ingenuity and creativity. The audition process for Seussical Junior began in early Term 1 and finally reached its culmination when we converted the Hall to a theatre/TV studio complete with backdrops, lighting, additional staging, sets and props. The costumes came to life as did the children when they entered this impressive studio. We applaud the efforts of the children and staff. We also appreciate the expertise of SureShot Productions and Outlook Communications who professionally produced and edited the final outcome.

An action-packed month
Our Strings programs and the Band program culminated in recorded and live concerts. Year 5s have enjoyed an expansive finish to the year heading to Sovereign Hill for four days before rounding out 2021 with two overlapping camps at Toonallook. Year 3 ventured off to Portsea for their successful overnight camp and our Year 2s enjoyed their modified sleepover.

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
On Monday we will be holding our Year 6 Graduation ceremony. This is always a very special part of our students’ time at Carey Donvale, and I am sure that this year will be no exception. It is our chance to congratulate these students on their time and efforts at our school and to wish them well for their future as they enter secondary school life. This follows on from their Graduation Dinner on Saturday night.

Christmas Giving
We appreciate the generosity of the School community as we collect new, unwrapped gifts for our Baptcare Christmas Giving appeal. These will be offered to a Baptcare representative at our Carols Service tomorrow.

It is the time of year where we celebrate the reason for our religious beliefs in the birth of Jesus Christ, and, for the children, Christmas time becomes a magical time with Santa, presents and family gatherings.

My sincere thanks
I would like to thank the entire staff at Donvale. They are an incredibly hardworking and dedicated group of people who go above and beyond to provide a rich and supportive learning environment, both online and on campus. Our teachers are one of the major reasons that Donvale is such a great learning community.

It is also important to thank the parents who have supported us so well throughout 2021. Our proactive CDPA and the class reps have once again taken every opportunity to engage and unite our community. The beautiful flowers delivered to all the Donvale teachers on Friday morning is a typical example of this kindness.

We wish Kate Marais all the best for the future as she takes up her role in the learning development team at MLC. We also farewell Janine de Paiva who takes on the Senior Chaplaincy role at Camberwell Grammar School. Miriam Toussaint, our dedicated accompanist, moves into retirement and we wish her well as she enjoys this change of pace. All three have made significant contributions to the life and times of Carey Donvale and we sincerely wish them every happiness and success in the future.

Finally, I would like to thank the people who make this place such a special place to work – the children. It is a privilege to see their smiling and friendly faces every day. Every child who comes to our school is precious to us and we love them dearly. We are so very fortunate to share in their lives, their triumphs, their trials and tribulations and their discoveries.

As we near the end of another uniquely challenging year, I sincerely wish you all a very safe and Merry Christmas. Enjoy the festive season with your children and make the most of every moment – they grow up all too soon. I look forward to seeing the vast majority of you back with us in 2022 along with a host of new families who are yet to truly experience the wonderful community spirit that characterises Carey Donvale.

Steve Wilson
Head of Junior School Donvale