Come what may – bring on 2021

We are excited about what 2021 has in store – come what may! Our shared experiences of last year taught us not to underestimate our capacity to endure, adapt and succeed. This applies to the children, the staff and our partnership with our families. Collectively we are stronger and even more united. This was brought home to us on numerous occasions throughout second semester and was cemented when we posted the virtual Year 6 2020 Graduation online with 300 hits in just a few days.

As we launch into the new school year with ‘Imagination’ as our whole-school focus, we are daring to imagine a rich and rewarding program with all the elements that make education at Carey so fulfilling and challenging.

Singing rings across the campus, our Outdoor Education program is generating anticipation and our whole-school musical production (Prep–Year 6) is back in full swing. The ELC staff, in conjunction with Kylie Crampton in the Art room, are preparing to mark their 25th Anniversary with a stunning community art project and the APS sport program is back on the agenda.

Even though we are unable to have the organic daily parent interaction on campus due to the current COVID-19 regulations, we are determined to create intentional opportunities for parents to be with each other and interact with staff. Our ELC parents enjoyed the orientation activities with their children and the magic of the Preps’ first day at school was still a family affair. Representatives from the CDPA also supported us as we welcomed the rest of our new families at a morning tea in the Hall last Friday. This partnership with the CDPA will be critical moving forward. Our Meet the Teacher evening on Monday is another opportunity to bring people together to develop shared understandings.

Yes, we are daring to imagine a free-flowing 2021 in a COVID-19 context – however, we are also aware that the situation can change in a heartbeat. This is not daunting to us, for our experiences over the past 10 months have developed a strong CAN-DO attitude – come what may.

Steve Wilson
Head of Junior School Donvale