We have just launched into our second semester at our gorgeous little school and are well underway confirming enrolments and arrangements for 2018. Our next Open Day will take place on Tuesday 17 October, and the building project for our first permanent facilities will also commence shortly. Our children are full of life, and continue to make new discoveries every day.
Update on Harkaway Hills College
Our little school grew to 30 students in Term 2, when we welcomed two wonderful new families. All students are learning a lot thanks to the outstanding efforts of our teachers - both in the academic program, and in the human virtues program where we use every opportunity to form good habits. This month, the prep class is growing in the virtue of generosity - their motto this week was: "Lend a helping hand each day - that's the way!" Meanwhile, the grade 1s and 2s are growing in the virtue of patience - and their motto was: "When I am patient I show my inner strength." Our families make the most of these mottos to set a simple weekly goal with their children - this means the children (and parents!) are growing and changing in concrete ways, learning to reflect upon themselves and taking pride in their achievements.
Open Day - Tuesday 17 October
We are looking forward to showcasing our school at our next Open Day. Open days at Harkaway Hills College have been scheduled mid-week in order to present to prospective parents an ordinary day in operation.
Placing a special emphasis on literacy in the junior curriculum, the school is proud to employ the Spalding method, which is so effective in teaching children to read and write - we encourage all families to attend this demonstration in particular.
The Principal, Frank Monagle, will also make a short address, and will endeavour to meet each visitor personally.
Details:
Tuesday 17 October 2017
10am until 2pm
10am - Spalding demonstrationMorning tea provided
10.30am - Principal's address
20 A'Beckett Road, Narre Warren North.
Please note that if you would like to come and see our beautiful school but have been unable to attend our Open Days this year, you are welcome to contact the Principal to make arrangements for a tour at a time that suits you. Please call the school office on 9796 9821.
Information session - Wednesday 13 September at 7:30pm
These sessions are intended to be small and intimate. We welcome both those who are making their first enquiries and those who are already familiar with the school and would like to know more, or have specific questions they would like to ask.
RSVP by responding to this email, or contacting any member of the School Board.
Wednesday 13 September at 7.30pm
To be held at the home of one of our families in Pakenham.
These sessions are intended to be small and intimate. We welcome both those who are making their first enquiries and those who are already familiar with the school and would like to know more, or have specific questions they would like to ask.
RSVP by responding to this email, or contacting any member of the School Board.
Wednesday 13 September at 7.30pm
To be held at the home of one of our families in Pakenham.
Building project
We are very excited about the construction of our first permanent building, which will commence this term. The building will contain two classrooms and a toilet block, and will be situated uphill from our current temporary buildings. Its careful design reflects the feeling that we want for our school - a homely, attractive and functional learning space for our beautiful children. We attach the architect's drawings, for your interest.
We are also delighted to announce our second successful grant application to the Victorian government - an extension of our successful application made this time last year. In total, the two grants will help us to build the permanent building already described, a hard court for sports and play, an upgraded electricity connection and a septic tank.
We also recently completed construction of a wall at the front of our existing buildings, as a measure to protect the kids from the weather! They are already enjoying the more peaceful corridor space behind it, warmed by a lovely outdoor burner, while they eat their lunches! In due course, we will place the name of the school and our school shield on the metal panels above the sliding door.
Phonetics in the press
A big highlight of our school curriculum in the junior years is the Spalding method for teaching literacy. The evidence of its effectiveness is truly remarkable, and we can already see in our students impressive outcomes in literacy. We have been pleased to observe in the media a growing recognition of the importance of phonetics in early literacy programs, and include these two links for your interest.
As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the School Board, or via email.
