Forrest Newsletter 2025 Term1 Week 8
Message from the Principal
Leaner Profile
The learner profile of the International Baccalaureate is the only facet that is woven through the three programmes available in Canberra: the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. It is seen in every classroom and is readily accessible to children as a beacon to guide their personal growth and development. These ten attributes cover broad areas, and we use them to name children’s successes through the certificates we award at assemblies and to explain to children about the choices they make and the ramifications of these, whether they be positive or negative. The ten attributes are: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. They have equal importance. As the IB states, these attributes help to develop people with common humanity who help create a better and more peaceful world. https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/fd82f70643ef4086b7d3f292cc214962/learner-profile-en.pdf
Importance of being on time to school
It is really important for children to arrive at school on time. Staff are on duty from 8.40am. This time gives children the opportunity to catch up with friends and process internally what the day may look like. They are there at lines to hear what the key events in the day will be and in class as the teachers give instructions for the learning that commences in ‘prime learning time’. We understand parents have busy lives but your support of this is appreciated.
Forrest Out of School Hours Care (FOOSHC)
Our amazing team at FOOSHC featured in the national newsletter of ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority) due to their amazing ‘Excellent’ rating under the National Quality Framework, the highest possible rating possible! Of all the services and centres across Australia, there are only 28 which have an Excellent rating, seven of which (including FOOSHC) have also been awarded this previously demonstrating a long-term commitment to excellence. Congratulations to Ali and the team for the wonderful and amazing job they do! Please see the article: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/latest-news/media-releases/excellent-rating-notification-forrest-out-school-hours-care
Principal Health and Wellbeing survey
Last year I featured in the media talking about the results of the annual Principal Health and Wellbeing survey. My secondary colleague, Simon, is featuring next week. I’d love to tell you the results are improving but sadly they are not. I love my job, it’s a large part of what defines me as a person but please remember I’ve typically worked my required weekly hours by mid Wednesday afternoon because it’s so important to me. I feel fortunate if I get more than 5 hours sleep a night during the week. I’m not complaining, just explaining how complex the job is and the requirements that come from this. In smaller scale studies the results for teachers and other levels of school leaders mirror those of principals. Please don’t think teachers and school leaders get long holidays- that myth was exploded years ago by the research. What can you do? Be kind. Say thanks. Build the community you want your children to grow up in. It’s genuinely appreciated by schools.
Marathon
In two weeks I’m running the Canberra marathon to raise money for Run DIPG, a charity that supports families and research into diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, the deadliest of all childhood cancers. Less than 1% of children diagnosed with this survive over five years. https://rundipg.org/
At my former school the community supported Kathie and Adam Potts and their family through the trauma of their beautiful daughter, Annabelle, being diagnosed, having experimental treatments and heartbreakingly succumbing to this deadly cancer. https://www.facebook.com/loveforannabelle/
So, most years since then (I was injured last year) I run the Canberra marathon to raise money for this cause. I look like I’m on my last legs when I’m running but the deprivations I put myself through in training is but a tiny fraction of what Annabelle went through in her brave fight. She may have passed but her memory lives in so many hearts across Canberra.
I’m hoping to finish by 10.00am (3:45) but it’s hard to predict- it might be nearer 9.45am, could be 10.30am: I have a heart rate in the 40s, can run for 3 hours without taking fluids but I’m 56 and feel every one of those years! So, if you’re lost for things to do on Sunday 13th come down to the lake and support the runners who are helping the various charities. If you would like to support this cause, here is the link: https://canberramarathon25.grassrootz.com/rundipg-org/chris-jones/donate
Cross Country Carnivals
Junior Cross Country
Parents are encouraged to come and watch Kindy and Year 1 students run.
- Date: Wednesday 2nd April 2025
- Time: 2:10pm - 2:40pm
- Location: Forrest Primary School Oval
A reminder that students in Years 2-6 will be completing their Cross Country on the same day at Stromlo Forrest Park, between 10am and 1pm.
Senior Cross Country
When: Wednesday 2 April
Where Stromlo Forest Park
Order of events guide
10:10 am Track Walk
10:40 am 11 years girls 3km
10:55 am 11 years boys 3km
11:10 am 8 years mixed 1km
11:20 am 7 years mixed 1km
11:30 am Lunch
11:50 am 12 years girls 3km
12:05 pm 12 years boys 3km
12:20 pm 10 years girls 2km
12:30 pm 10 years boys 2km
12:40 pm 9 years mixed 1.5km
12:50 pm Pack up and ribbons
01:30 pm Bus back to school
