A host of wonderful concerts filled the School’s corridors with the sound of music, lifting our spirits and, at the same time, recognising the sustained effort of the children and the music staff throughout the year. These concerts have involved literally everyone in the school, from our ELC Christmas concerts to all the bands, choirs and ensembles that diligently rehearse every week throughout the year. We enjoyed their repertoire, and we relished the chance to recognise the skills of the students and the dedication of our huge music team.
The spirit of giving
The generosity of the Donvale community has certainly come to the fore in recent weeks and, with Christmas just around the corner, this spirit of giving is entirely appropriate. Carey Donvale is once again supporting the BaptCare Giving Tree. This whole school charity event supports underprivileged children who may not receive a gift at Christmas, and we are proud to say that Carey is the dominant contributor. Unwrapped gifts can be placed under the tree in the Hall, dropped off at reception or placed under the tree on arrival at our Carols service on Friday morning.
Last Friday was certainly one of the biggest days on the Carey Donvale calendar with six events overlapping to bring our community together. The Year 6 Tour de Cure bike ride and the Years 1 to 5 walkathon saw everyone in the primary school unite to raise awareness around being Sun Smart and to raise funds for cancer research. In an incredible result, the school raised over $5000. At the same time, we enjoyed a lunchtime strings concert, a mini-Athletics Carnival for Prep to Year 2, a CDPA sausage sizzle and an after-school Scavenger Hunt involving 90 students again run by our proactive CDPA.
Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
On Monday evening 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.
Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas
The staff of Carey Donvale would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. To those families who are leaving Carey Donvale, we sincerely thank you for the contribution you have made to our school. We also extend our best wishes to our Year 6 students as they move into Middle School. We again pay tribute to the contribution of Adrian Cresswell and Deb McAlister who deservedly embark on a new chapter in their lives after decades of service to Carey.
During the year, the community spirit that characterises our great school has shone through. On myriad occasions, we have celebrated individual achievements and enjoyed events that have drawn us together. There have also been times when we have leaned on each other for support. These experiences have us reflecting on the importance of family and the value of a close-knit school like Donvale.
Steve Wilson
Head of Junior School Donvale
