Transition to Stanmore

This week was the first of a series of opportunities for our Year 5 and 6 boys to venture across to Stanmore with their peers from Wyvern to begin the transition process to High School. Throughout the day the boys had the opportunity to use the facilities while working with Senior School teachers across a variety of subject areas including Science, Design and Technology, Drama and Physical Education. These opportunities are a valuable way for our boys to begin to feel at home amongst the big boys and buildings at Stanmore. It is also a great way to begin building relationships with their peers from our other Prep campus.

On Monday night a group of our parents took the opportunity to come and hear from Dr Andrew Hirst, Head of Stanmore, Mr Jeff Snare, Head of Middle School, Ms Colleen Scalone, Head of Year 7 and Mrs Yvonne Kaloterakis, Director of Admissions, about the overall transition program to Stanmore and the opportunities that are available to all boys at the Senior School. Each of the parents left with a sense of confidence in the program and excitement about what lies ahead for their boys. Further opportunities to learn about Stanmore and the transition program will be available in the future.

PYP Authorization Visit and Leadership restructure

Two weeks ago we welcomed Mr Ray Sullivan and Ms Elena Serraglio, both IB Educators from Victoria, to provide feedback on our progress with the International Baccalaureate Programme. Whilst the report and official recognition as an authorized school (fingers crossed) are yet to be finalised, we received some fantastic feedback about the implementation and take-up of the programme throughout the school. The visitors spoke with staff, boys and parents and spent time in every class to get a feel for how the PYP had influenced the learning programs and ethos at Lindfield.

I am extremely pleased to report that they were highly complementary of all stakeholders and commented at the positive overall feel to the school. This is a credit to each of you; boys, parents and staff for your commitment to the boys’ learning. It was also great to receive constructive feedback about how to continue to grow as a school and learning community.

I wish to particularly acknowledge the staff for their hard work over the last few years in adopting the PYP and being prepared to re-evaluate all areas of teaching and learning. This comes at a cost; namely time and energy and all members of our team have contributed significantly to this endeavour. Special thanks goes to Mrs Sue Gough (Teaching and Learning Team Leader) for her efforts and leadership in preparing for the visit. After two years of service in this role, Sue has decided to step back from this position to allow her to focus more thoroughly on her role as Teacher Librarian and to become more involved in supporting boys and teachers in enriching classroom learning experiences.

In light of this decision we have restructured the Lindfield leadership team for next year. I am pleased to announce that Mr Joel Weekes will assume the role of Teaching and Learning Team Leader and will continue to deputise for me in my absence. Mr Pascal Czerwenka will take over the role of Prep Team Leader, looking after aspects of organisation and pastoral care, and will continue to be heavily involved in ICT. Mrs Ashley Barg will step up into the role of Assistant PYP Coordinator, bringing previous experience from her time overseas in another PYP school.

Enrolments

We are in the fortunate position to have a few vacancies for next year. If you know anyone who might be interested in enrolling their son in Years K, 1, 2, 3 or 4 for next year, please encourage them to call the School Office on 9416 4280.