Hello and welcome to the monthly Principal's blog. In this post I discuss our recent ANZAC Day activities, National Music Teacher Mentoring Program, and introduce you to our newly appointed classroom teacher, Miss Ellis.
Staff and families alike enjoyed a generous holiday break over Easter with public holidays on either side of the usual 2-week hiatus, extending the time away to nearly 3-weeks.
ANZAC Day
We are most grateful to the staff and students who showed their civic and school pride by participating in the ANZAC Day March and Main Service. Our students made a musical contribution to the service by singing during the wreath laying, and Oliver and Zelie recited a poem. Many comments were made about the respectful behaviour shown by our young students during the service. Well done everyone on participating in such an important day, Lest We Forget.
Welcome to Miss Olivia Ellis!
A familiar face is returning to RGS! I’m excited to announce that Miss Olivia Ellis has won the permanent classroom teaching position recently advertised and will be teaching Kindergarten from Monday May 15 onwards, with Mrs Katrina Clement returning to her RFF role. Olivia will be visiting the class next Monday May 8 and a meet and greet will be scheduled for Kindy parents and carers soon. Olivia is in the process of coordinating her move to Muswellbrook as she is relocating from Sydney.
Miss Olivia Ellis
Hello everyone, my name is Miss Olivia Ellis. I am a passionate teacher, singer and viola player who last year had the pleasure of working at RGS in Term 3 of 2022. A little bit about me; I enjoy yoga, swimming, and tending to my fish tanks. Over the years I have been a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestras and toured internationally with the Arts Unit Orchestra. I have also worked with the Young Manheim Symphony program founded by Richard Gill. My passion is building the foundation for students musical and educational journeys, and I’ve recently been completing additional training in Orff Schulwerk and Kodály training methods. I am looking forward to moving to Muswellbrook and joining the community. See you soon!
National Music Teacher Mentoring Program
We are looking forward to collaborating with the wonderful staff from the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program, which was established by Richard Gill, in the coming weeks. Dr Sue Lane will be onsite at Richard Gill School supporting myself and the teaching staff with ways to further incorporate music across the curriculum throughout Term 2 and beyond.
Upcoming events
For the remainder of Term 2 we look forward to participating in many more community events, including:
Hosting a PowerFM Breakfast - Thursday May 11
Excursion to Muswellbrook for the “Resilient Rockstar” program - Tuesday May 16
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.
“Kindy for a Day” places for families considering 2024 enrolment are limited, with the event taking place on Friday May 26 now open for enrolment. Be sure to Register Your Interest as spots are filling up fast.
Mr English is setting up a “pop up” booth at local shopping centres each Thursday through May, for local families to discuss enrolment at the school. Visit Mr English at the following times/locations:
Thursday May 4 – 8am-4:30pm – Muswellbrook Marketplace Shopping Centre (near Woolworths)
Thursday May 11 – 8am-4:30pm – Muswellbrook Fair (near Coles)
Thursday May 18 – 8am-4:30pm – Muswellbrook Marketplace Shopping Centre (at the top of the escalator)
Thursday May 25 – 8am-4:30pm – Muswellbrook Fair (near Coles)
Enrolments for Richard Gill School are always open. Our prospectus, enrolment form, parent info and fee information can be found here.
Media
Music Education – A Sound Investment
Dr Anita Collins, her collaborators, and Alberts/The Tony Foundation continue to do excellent work advocating for the importance of music education in the research and philanthropic fields. As you would imagine, Richard Gill School is modelling many of the recommendations in the report for how to provide an outstanding musical education and the benefits this has on a young person. Read their report here.
Donations
With the end of the 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, of 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.
Yours in Music,
Chris English – Principal, Richard Gill School