Our nine Positive Learner Attributes underpin all we do here at Carey and this year the focus will be on Communication. We define this as: ‘I understand and I express myself confidently in a variety of ways.’
This definition is just as relevant for our ELC children as it is for the adults in our Carey community. In shining a light on communication, we need to remember that we communicate in a number of explicit and subtle ways. Literacy and numeracy are the more obvious modes but let’s not forget that children express themselves through their music and art as well as through their physical endeavours. Body language, silence, listening and just being present send powerful unspoken messages.
At Carey we are strongly influenced by Loris Malaguzzi, Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach. He spoke about the 100 languages of children, affirming the need to appreciate and preserve them.
'The child has a hundred languages
A hundred hands
A hundred thoughts
A hundred ways of thinking
Of playing, of speaking.
….. a hundred ways of listening,
Of marvelling, of loving
A hundred joys
For singing and understanding'
As Carey celebrates its centenary and we welcome a number of new families to our school, how appropriate it is that ‘communication’ is our focus: 100 languages / 100 years.
Welcome to our new staff
We warmly welcome four new staff Carey Donvale in 2023. Benita McLeod is our new Office Manager, having worked for a number of years at our Kew campus. Likewise, Ken Sparks has switched to Donvale as our property manager. Both have hit the ground running and are already having a positive impact. Bridie Stillman joins us as a Year 3 classroom teacher. Bridie is a very experienced educator and most recently taught at the Knox School.
Jo Barker takes on the role as our three-year-old teacher in the ELC with Rachel Islip eagerly accepting the opportunity to work as our Teacher Librarian. Jo has over 30 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education and previously worked at Donvale back in 2019. Kristy Moresi is enjoying her full-time role as our PE/Sport Co-ordinator and Angela Panagacos has formed a tight partnership working with Kylie Crampton as our Art Technician.
Farewell to Siobhan Roulston
After five years as our Teacher Librarian, we sadly farewell Siobhan Roulston who has decided to seek a new career path in aged care. Driven by a passion for children’s literature, Siobhan has been instrumental in transforming the Library, increasing borrowing across the school and creating a physical environment that invites you to snuggle up with a book. Literature festivals, book fairs, Book Week festivities, Author/Illustrator workshops, Book Chats and joint CDPA events have all thrived under Siobhan’s guidance.
We sincerely thank Siobhan for all she has contributed to Carey Donvale and we wish her every success in the future.
A Successful ‘Meet The Teacher’ evening
On Monday the teachers of Prep to Year 6 enjoyed the opportunity to meet with parents to share information about the year ahead. This process is an important part of our comprehensive, proactive communication policy. Direct access to teachers will always be the best way to keep in touch, but in addition to these conversations you can also stay in the loop by becoming involved on campus where you can, reading the daily messages and accessing your child’s Canvas page. Rest assured we will respond promptly to any communications.
Steve Wilson
Head of Carey Donvale
