As we near the end of the term, I reflect on a very busy few weeks that have seen Wyvern students involved in an array of exciting and challenging activities. No doubt, the boys are looking forward to their summer holiday break.

Before we get there we have some important events to enjoy including the Year 6 Evening of Eminence this afternoon, Year 6 Graduation on Monday evening, Kindy, Year 1 and Year 2 end of year presentations next week and finally our Annual Prize Giving Ceremony (Year 3-6) on Tuesday 8 December. Prize Giving is primarily an occasion to celebrate the very good contribution of all of our boys 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 achievements of their peers.

At this time of the term we often say good bye to staff who will be moving on to new opportunities. At the end of this year we farewell Mrs Cate Fryda, our BLP leader, who is moving to the UK to pursue school leadership opportunities. Mrs Joanna Ryan, Year 5 Class teacher is relocating to Perth to be closer to family, Mrs Debbie Bourke our K-2 Art teacher will be retiring after 6 years at Wyvern. Ms Kate Green who will be broadening her teaching experience with a move to Ascham School for girls. I acknowledge the wonderful contribution that Cate, Joanna, Debbie and Kate have made to Wyvern students and parents and wish them every success in their future pathways. Mrs Caoimhe McMillan (Music and K-2 French) will take a 12 month period of maternity leave in 2016; we wish her well as she prepares for her exiting new arrival. Mr David King (Year 6 Team Leader) will be temporarily moving to the Senior School in 2016 as Acting Head of Year 7, a well-deserved promotion.  We look forward to Mr King and Ms McMillan returning to Wyvern in 2017.

Students will have the chance to meet their 2016 class teachers next Thursday. Note, you will receive a letter informing you about your son’s class teacher early next week. 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 plea to parents is to communicate a positive message to your son about their 2016 teacher. We are very fortunate to have such high calibre staff who are excited about the prospect of teaching your sons next year. 

Congratulations to Christopher Mina who recently represented NSW at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. He performed superbly winning a silver medal in the 200m Medley Relay and then came 4th in the individual butterly attaining a PB. See the Sport Newsletter for further details.

Finally, as this will be the last newsletter of the year, I thank the parent community for such wonderful support expressed in so many different ways. I wish you all a wonderful summer break and a restful and family focussed festive season.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House