Wow! What a fantastic term we have had.

The growth in our students over the past 10 weeks has been wonderful to witness. Next term we have some exciting events planned and I encourage you to check the Term 2 Calendar which you will receive next term in Week 1 as well as keep a close eye on our Facebook page where we post events and reminders. Each week we put many photographs of students working and engaging in their learning, and announce school events via our Facebook page.  Stay as up to date as possible by keeping an eye out for our posts. Tag your family and friends and remember, we welcome positive messages and encouragement on our Facebook posts.

Staffing Farewells:

We have a few farewells this term:

Sue Curtis, one of our longest serving teachers who has worked with us since January 2015, has decided to retire. We wish Sue all the best in her retirement and thank her for her dedication and commitment to our school.

Wayne Pollard, our current School’s Officer Grounds and Facilities is retiring and we wish him all the best. Wayne has worked for us since January, 2021 and has been a fabulous support for all of our staff, and a tireless worker across our school grounds.

Jodi Milsop, one of our experienced Teacher Aides who has worked with us since early 2020, has also decided to retire. We wish Jodi a lovely retirement!

Staffing News:

It is with great pleasure that I announce Phil Whatt has won the permanent Deputy Principal role here at Gympie Special school. Phil has been working with us since Semester 2 last year and is a wonderful asset to our leadership team. We are pleased he has now won the job permanently.

We also welcome Ray Bailey to our school, commencing next term as our new Schools Officer Grounds and Facilities. Ray visited our school this week to meet with Wayne for a handover and meet the staff.

Next term we welcome back Miss Anne-Maree, one of our experienced Teacher aides, who will be taking on our ESP role for our students in Out-of-home care.

I hope to be able to announce the permanent Head of Department Curriculum position early next term.

I am taking 2 weeks leave at the start of next term to walk the Great Ocean Road with friends. Whilst I am on leave, Phil Whatt will be Acting Principal, Kate Cloete will be Acting Deputy Principal and Monique Cheesman will be Acting Head of Department Curriculum.

Sending you all my best wishes for a safe and relaxing Easter Break – I’ll see you back at school in Week 3 next term.

Sarah