Hello and Happy Easter! Welcome to the monthly Principal's blog. In this post I provide a wrap up of Term 1, Kodály music training, and a prelude to Term 2.
Update
March was a busy month at RGS, where we held our inaugural Swimming Carnival, commenced our fortnightly school assemblies, performed at the Upper Hunter Show, and held an Easter Hat parade and parent assembly. The children have thoroughly enjoyed these learning experiences, and we are grateful for the wonderful support from our parents and carers who have attended these events with enthusiasm. We have also been most grateful to those parents and community members who continue to volunteer at RGS in our reading program, at the swimming carnival, and even with admin and grounds improvements. Thank you!
Behind the scenes, the school recently submitted our annual application to NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) to expand to offer Year 4 curriculum in 2024, as we remain on track to become a complete K-6 primary school by 2026. Significant planning continues around the delivery of our bus turning bay and the future construction of additional classrooms at the school, to ensure we keep up with the growth of the school.
Kodaly Training
I am excited to be completing professional learning in the Kodály method of music education next week during the school holidays. Zoltan Kodály believed that every person has musical aptitude and that, ideally, a music education should begin as early as possible in a person’s life – firstly at home and then later within the school curriculum. Kodály believed that singing should be the foundation of all music education. Richard was adamant that the pedagogies of both Kodály and Carl Orff are embodied at Richard Gill School, and we are working hard to realise Richard’s vision always.
Swimming Carnival
RGS Inaugural Swimming Carnival and Awards Presentation, March 2023
Kudos to the students who gave it their all at the first-ever swimming carnival of Richard Gill School! Congratulations to Towarri, who emerged victorious on this occasion. It was truly inspiring to witness the students' dedication and enthusiasm, and the way they cheered and sang their War Cries to support their fellow mates showed remarkable team spirit. Great job, everyone!
Students were presented with ribbons and medals for their efforts at our Formal Assembly.
The school is now planning to combine our Athletics Carnival and Cross Country Carnival as one event in mid-Term 3. Stay tuned.
Upper Hunter Show
RGS performing at Upper Hunter Show, March 2023
On Friday, March 17, we participated in our first public performance of 2023 at the Upper Hunter Show and it was an amazing experience. Mrs. Sherringham and I were thrilled to see all the students putting their best foot forward while singing a program of works that we had been working on this year. Additionally, we were delighted to see the students' talent and creativity reflected in their craft entries, with one of the group entries securing the first position in its category. We couldn't be more proud of them! Thank you to Mrs Goodhew and Mrs Clement for supporting the students with their craft and offering their break times to work with the children.
RGS Student’s group craft entry, Upper Hunter Show, 2023
Easter hat parade AND Swimming Awards
After the formal assembly on the last day of term, the students of Richard Gill School participated in the first-ever Easter Hat parade and it was a delightful sight to behold. The students' efforts and creativity were on full display as they showcased the incredible hats they had brought from home. It was truly a treat for the eyes!
RGS Easter Hat Parade, April 6, 2023
Upcoming events
In Term 2 we look forward to participating in many more community events, including:
ANZAC Day March and Main Service performances during wreath laying - Tuesday April 25
Timmy and the Breakfast Band from Musica Viva with Pacific Brook Christian School at RGS - Friday May 5
Hosting a PowerFM Breakfast - Thursday May 11
Excursion to Tocal Homestead - Wednesday May 17
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser - Thursday May 25
Participating in Simultaneous Story Time (24/05) and Reconciliation Day (29/05)
Celebrating NAIDOC Week in the final week of Term 2, Monday June 26-Friday June 30.
Enrolment
Enrolment is open to Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 students in 2023, and a waitlist is in place for Kindergarten 2023. To enrol or join our waitlist, please contact the school or visit our enrolment information page.
Our recent “Early Bird Tour” was well attended, with our Kindy for a Day program taking place on Friday May 26 now open for enrolment. Places are filling quickly so be sure to register today.
Enrolments for Richard Gill School are always open. Our prospectus, enrolment form, parent info and fee information can be found at here.
Media
I recently had the opportunity to attend the inaugural AISNSW Cyber Security Symposium, hosted at the Microsoft building in North Sydney. This conference was an eye-opener for me, as I learned about the urgent need for schools to actively address cyber security (CS) threats. You can read my personal blog post for my insights.
Cyber Security – The Rising Need in Education - Chris English, 2023
Donations
With the end of Financial Year approaching, we ask our supporters to please consider a tax-deductible donation to Richard Gill School, to support the sustained growth of our school, our scholarship program, and of our musical and general resources. Please contact the school directly should you wish to make a donation, and we thank you in advance for any generosity you might be able to consider supporting our students.
We know that our families are looking forward to the holiday break and we welcome their safe return on Wednesday, April 26.
RGS Staff Day, Muswellbrook Cup, Muswellbrook Race Club, March 31, 2023
After a busy term, it was lovely for staff and their partners to connect socially, taking advantage of the recent half-day public holiday in Muswellbrook (teachers like to have fun too!). A big thank you to everyone for a huge effort this term. We wouldn’t be where we are without you and all your hard work.
Yours in Music,
Chris English – Principal, Richard Gill School