The end of term is rapidly drawing near and no doubt boys are looking forward to the summer break. We have some important events coming up in the final weeks. The first is the Summer Sports Award Assembly (3-6) tomorrow at 9.00am in the New Gym at the Senior school. Kindy, Year 1 and Year 2 end of year Presentation Ceremonies are next week. Please note that due to the Wyvern Hall renovation they will be held at the Senior School Chapel commencing at 9.00am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Year 6 Graduation is on Tuesday 5 December and finally our Annual Prize Giving Ceremony (Years 3-6) is on Thursday 7 December. Prize Giving is primarily an occasion to celebrate the very good contribution of all of our students across the year. We also acknowledge a number of boys who have excelled in a range of pursuits. Decision making around award recipients can be excruciatingly difficult for staff, but we do seek to be fair, transparent and ultimately reward effort. Our key message to the boys at this time is that no one is entitled to receive an award. If they are lucky enough to do so, we expect them to be proud but humble. For those who are disappointed, we encourage them to be generous in acknowledging the achievement of their peers.

I wish to inform you that Mrs Michelle Brixen will be leaving us at the end of the year to take up a position much closer to home on the Northern Beaches. I thank Michelle for her 14 years of service to Wyvern as both a music teacher and a classroom teacher and wish her and her young family well in future years.

Students will have the chance to meet their 2018 class teachers next Thursday 30 November. Note, you will soon receive a letter informing you about your son’s class teacher. The class allocation process at Wyvern is exceptionally detailed and thorough involving the teachers, the boys plus the opportunity for parental input. Nonetheless, with all change comes challenge (a good thing) and there will be a mix of excitement and nervousness as we approach ‘One Up’ morning. My advice and request to parents is to communicate a positive message to your son about their 2018 teacher. We are very fortunate to have such high calibre staff who are excited about the prospect of teaching your son next year.

My sincere thanks for your wonderful support of the Barnardos Christmas Gift Appeal. The front foyer is a testament to the thought and generosity of Wyvern families in the choosing of suitable gifts for those less fortunate. The last day for gift donations will be Friday 1 December.

I also wish to acknowledge the tremendous work of the P&F this year. The steadfast support shown to all areas of the school benefits our boys so much. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to President Mrs Lilian Fadel and her hardworking team. Paul Cartwright, Monica Baird and Dyanne Wayling will be stepping down from their roles at the end this year and I thank them for their immense contribution to the school.

Semester 2 student reports will be available on Newington Spaces in the last week of school. Please click here for further instructions on how to access your son’s Semester 2 School Report.

At Wyvern, we view your son’s education as a three way partnership between school, parents and student. I would like to thank all involved for the essential role each has played in achieving such a successful 2017. Enjoy the holidays and festive season with family and friends. We look forward to a wonderful 2018 utilising our marvellous new facilities.

Sandra Gray
Acting Head of Wyvern