Message from the principal
End of semester one
It does not seem very long ago since we started this term with new students, teachers, teacher assistants and support staff. We all needed to settle into the school’s culture which has developed over the years. That culture is a friendly, open and inclusive one; everyone is welcomed into our community and has an important part to play in the daily life of the school. Meritton is an inclusive school.
During the last few months, restrictions on activities have been lifted and the school has slowly returned to normal. It has been a great source of happiness for me to see parents in school again. From cooking classes, wax museum, sports day and parent/teacher meetings, we have opened our doors to you all. Every class has been on a field trip and enjoyed learning outside the classroom. As I write this, the sound of children practising their Christmas performances is echoing around the school. We are all looking forward to the “Very Merrytton Christmas Fair” and being able to chat and relax at the end of a long and enjoyable term.
At this time of the year, families gather together to celebrate and spend time together regardless of their culture of religious beliefs. We look back over the year and smile at the achievements and look forward to the future. This is a time for giving and sharing and it is important for us to understand that we are all fortunate to have comfortable and safe lives. Many of the things that we take for granted, such as clean water, food and a roof over our head are not available to everyone around the world. Our tradition of giving should be extended to those less fortunate than ourselves through donations and charitable actions.
This month at Meritton we have been looking at empathy, the ability to share the feelings of others. The students have had a chance to explore this value at a local level within their classrooms and friendship groups, but have also taken a wider view and looked at other regions around the world. Our students will be the next generation of local and world leaders. We all hope that by developing their empathy, it will lead to a more peaceful and equitable world.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and patience this term. Meritton can only be successful if we work together and communicate openly and honestly. This semester has been a huge success and that is not the work of one person or even a group of people, it is a result of us all working together for the benefit of all our children at Meritton.
I wish you all a very enjoyable, safe and peaceful holiday and look forward to another successful semester as we return in January 2023.
Best wishes,
Gary Booth
School Principal
