Winter Concert

It was with great pleasure we hosted our Winter Concert in the Performing Arts Centre last week. This was the first major school event held in the PAC for over two and a half years!

It was a fabulous evening, which showcased Casey Grammar School’s musical talent. Congratulations to the Music Department who have nurtured their students through two years of lockdowns, remote lessons, outdoor lessons, and lack of performance opportunities. The future of music is looking very bright at Casey Grammar.

Car Park Respectful Behaviour

I have again received several complaints from parents regarding unsafe or disrespectful behaviour in and around the Performing Arts Centre car park.

The complaints include double parking - which blocks access for other cars, children alighting from cars while stopped in traffic on New Holland Drive; some drivers not allowing others to merge into the traffic and some even yelling at other drivers from their vehicles.

I implore you to please show patience in the car park.

The safety of our children, both physical and psychological, is of paramount importance.

Some of our younger students have reported feeling scared when parents disrespect each other in the car park.

Our staff should also be treated with respect.

I understand it can be frustrating making your way out of the school car park, however, the car park clears quickly and is usually empty by 3.25pm.

We rely on each person to behave safely and respectfully in and around the school.

Reading

Over the past two weeks it has been my pleasure to attend various Junior School classes to read a variety of books. On 25 May at 11am, the school took part in National Simultaneous Story Time, and the book Family Tree was read to students across Australia and New Zealand. I was lucky enough to read the book to Ms Burns’ Year 3 class.

During Reconciliation Week I was invited to several Junior School classes to read We Are Australians. I love reading and have spent many happy years teaching VCE Literature and English. Reading to the Junior School children and listening to them read is one of my favourite activities at school and I hope this is a nightly event in your home too.

Uniform

As we move into Winter, a reminder that winter accessories such as gloves, scarves and beanies must be plain navy blue. These items are outdoor wear only and should not be worn inside at any time.

As you are aware, we are currently phasing out some uniform items. These include:

• Grey shorts and trousers, which will be replaced by navy shorts and trousers by January 2025
• Junior School blue windcheater, which will be replaced by the Rugby top by January 2023.

COVID Update

Due to ongoing COVID infections and the current spate of influenza, last week was a very difficult week with regards to staffing the school. We managed to get through the week, but it was very tight. Asking students to work from home is our last resort, however as the term continues, like many schools across Victoria, we may need to take this action. We will endeavour to give parents as much notice as possible so childcare arrangements can be made.

Fiona Williams
Principal