Welcome to the twenty-first of my monthly Principal's blogs, and my first for 2022. In this post, I welcome our new Kindergarten class for 2022 as well as discuss some of the school’s plans for the year ahead.
I would first like to wish a happy New Year to all! We hope our friends, families and supporters have enjoyed a restful and connected summer holiday period and are feeling optimistic and recharged.
New Kindergarten Students
Kindergarten, Jan 2022
In 2022, we are excited to expand from one class only, to two classes at the school. We again welcome Mrs Nicole Sherringham as our Kindergarten teacher for 2022, as Miss Presland follows her 2021 K/1 class on as they become a Year 1/2 class.
Juggling the role of father and Principal
This week has been particularly special for me, as my very own daughter Harriet has joined the Kindergarten class of 2022. What a joy it is to be able to see and talk to your own child during the school day, and watch as they grow and experience school for the first time. I must admit my heart has been bursting all week!
We are excited to have 25 students enrolled at Richard Gill School in 2022, a fantastic outcome for such a new school with a unique vision; an encouraging sign that the community are recognising the good reputation of the school as well as the educational benefits of a musically focused education.
Sensitive kids starting school
While starting school is an exciting time for most, it can be quite stressful and anxiety-inducing for others, both parents and children, especially sensitive ones. I've found a wonderful article by well known Australian parenting author, educator and speaker, Maggie Dent, which I felt addressed this area quite eloquently and outlined a few great tips for easing separation distress. Have a read here.
School improvements
This year we have 2 main projects planned for the school. The first is improving school bus access to the Richard Gill School site. Whilst we currently have a turning bay in place, it is not large enough to allow a school bus to turn around safely. We hope to address this throughout 2022 and trust this will be well received by our school community.
The second project is the final fit out of our 3rd classroom in preparation for a new cohort of Kindergarten to join the school in 2023 as we grow to be a K-3 school. We will aim to complete these works mid year so we have an additional classroom to use for all manner of learning, orientation, and transition activities in Term 3 and 4.
NSW Orff Mini-Conference
We look forward to partnering with and hosting the NSW Orff Mini-Conference at Richard Gill School in early May. This conference will see educators from across the region and beyond come to the school to undertake the highly respected ‘Orff Schulwerk’ training.
Orff Schulwerk is an approach to music education that was developed in the 1920s and 1930s by German composer and educator Carl Orff and his colleague Gunild Keetman. People often shorten the name to ‘the Orff approach.’ This approach encourages the student to develop their own compositions from their thoughts and creativity. In a sequenced music education program, the Orff approach recognises the importance of rhythm in children’s early musical experiences. This is fostered through movement and dance as well as singing, speaking rhythmically and instrument playing.
This valuable music teaching training opportunity will mean all Richard Gill School teachers will complete the Orff training on offer and will also be available to staff from all schools and sectors across Australia, of whom we can’t wait to welcome to our school.
Student Community Performances
With performance opportunities being an important aspect of a robust music education, we are looking forward to being able to perform in the community numerous times throughout the year, Covid permitting, and have begun discussions with some local groups and events to give short student performances. After a disruptive 2021, we are excited by the potential to showcase our growing musicianship to Muswellbrook and beyond.
WHOLE SCHOOL SINGING
One of Richard’s essential features for how he wanted his school to run is that each day would start with whole school singing. In 2021, our music lessons would always commence at the start of the school day as we had one class only. However, in 2022 with two year groups at the school, we are now able to combine the students and the whole school singing experience suddenly feels real. While some students are still finding their voice, the experience is a special one and is sure to only grow in vigour and excitement as every student at Richard Gill School sings together daily for years to come.
Enrolment
Limited enrolment places for 2022 are still available, contact the school on 02 6543 1900 to secure your enrolment.
Enrolments for Richard Gill School are always open, and in 2022 are open to Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. Our prospectus, enrolment form, parent info and fee information can be found at https://richardgillschool.nsw.edu.au/documents
Until next time.
Yours in Music,
Chris English – Principal, Richard Gill School