Hello and welcome to my monthly Principal's blog. This post dives into the recent highlights at school such as the captivating Musica Viva "Lost Histories" performance, a Bird Watching Workshop, and our Civic Centre Excursion. I also touch on Richard's birthday and upcoming significant events as we quickly approach the year's end.
Tomorrow, we celebrate what would have been Richard’s 82nd birthday, as we reflect on the enduring legacy he left us. Happy Birthday, Richard! May your legacy live on through the many musical and educational initiatives you created and influenced, and through your family, friends, and many students.
Richard Gill Teaching, Credit: Australian Youth Orchestra
Musica Viva ‘Lost Histories’
We started term Term 4 with music! Three talented musicians from the Musica Viva "Lost Histories" tour joined us and our special guests, K-4 students from Pacific Brook Christian School, for a special performance on Tuesday, October 10.
The performance delved into questions like who we are, where we come from, and how we want to be remembered. Troy Russell, a Biripai and Gamillaroi musician, and composer, explores these themes in his songs in this series, reflecting his deep connection to history and place. Students got to experience these songs performed by Troy, along with viola player Naomi Jones and vocalist Leila Hamilton. It was a chance for them to think about their own history and sense of place, sparking creativity and encouraging them to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Musica Viva ‘Lost Histories’, Richard Gill School and Guests, October 2023
Bird Watching Workshop
Big thanks to Liz Huxtable from the Hunter Bird Observers Club (HBOC) and Mick Brady from Muswellbrook Shire Council Sustainability Unit for hosting an awesome bird-watching session for our students on Friday, October 13.
Bird Watching Workshop, Richard Gill School, October 2023
In the workshop they shared insights into the significance of native birds in our area, explaining their role in the local ecosystem. And of course, they added a bit of fun by imitating bird sounds, much to the delight of the kids. They also delved into the art of bird counting and stressed the importance of protecting these crucial contributors to our environment.
Civic Centre Excursion
RGS Excursion, On the Bus, October 2023
Last Tuesday, our entire school embarked on an exciting journey to the vibrant heart of downtown Muswellbrook! Despite being a small regional town, we're fortunate to have some incredible community facilities right at our fingertips.
RGS Excursion, STEM Lab, October 2023
RGS Excursion, Library, October 2023
Our students had the opportunity to explore the enriching spaces of the Art Gallery, dive into the treasures of knowledge at the Library, and step into the future at the new Donald Horne building, home to the STEM Innovation Hub. It was a day filled with discovery, learning, and appreciation for the gems nestled in our own backyard, thanks to the support and facilitation by Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Power FM Breakfast, Radio Staff and RGS Students, Oct 2023
PowerFM Schools Breakfast
On Thursday, October 19 we welcomed Annie and Lachie from our local 98.1 PowerFM to host their morning broadcast live from Richard Gill School. The “Schools Breakfast” program is supported by Woolworths who provided cereal, fruit, milk, and bowls with spoons for the children from 7am. Thank you to the staff who arrived earlier than usual to assist with supervision. As always, the children had lots of fun talking live on radio!
Grandparents Day
We're thrilled to have such a fantastic group of kind, caring, and supportive grandparents in our community. A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful grandparents who made Grandparents Day on Friday, October 27, extra special. Your presence, along with the enjoyment of a delightful morning tea, engaging classroom activities, and a musical performance from the children, brought immeasurable warmth to our school. We truly appreciate the love and support you showered on your grandchildren.
Grandparents Day, Richard Gill School,October 2023
Our upcoming events in Term 4 include our Swim School during Week 7/8, an in-school water safety program, our performance at Standmore Music Festival, as well as our end-of-year “Celebration Assembly” and “School Disco” scheduled for Tuesday December 12 from 4:30pm at the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music with special guest, Mayor Steve Reynolds.
All RGS families and friends are warmly invited to attend our end-of-year Assembly where class and whole school awards will be presented for Academic Achievement, Growth, Music, STEM, and School Spirit. We thank Dan Repacholi (Federal Member), and Dave Layzell (State Member) for their donations towards some of the prizes and note their apologies at this busy time of year. Thanks also to Bengalla, AGL, and Osborns for their donations.
Enrolment
In 2024, Enrolment is open for those in Kindergarten to Year 4, with limited spaces in all classes from Kindergarten to Year 3 available in 2023. To request an enrolment interview, please contact the school.
Please visit our documents page to view our prospectus, enrolment form, parent info and fee information and more.
Scholarships
In a bid to foster talent and inclusivity, Richard Gill School proudly announces the opening of scholarship applications for new enrollments in the academic year of 2024. These scholarships, embodying the school's ethos, are designed to celebrate and nurture talent, academic prowess, and to break down barriers to education.
Targeting new students entering Year 3, Year 4 in 2024, a limited number of approximately five scholarships are on offer, presenting a unique opportunity for families seeking exceptional educational experiences.
To find out more, view our Scholarships page.
Donations
Thank you to the volunteers at the Stanmore Music Festival for donating $2,500 to our school to cover bus hire fees for our students to attend the festival. Thank you also to The Salisbury Hotel and their staff for hosting the fundraiser event. Your support and generosity are both humbling and heartwarming.
Media
The School That Strikes the Right Note - Hunter River Times (a local article about our school)
The Importance of Music – Spread Music Now
Yours in Music,
Chris English - Principal, Richard Gill School