The last few weeks have been busy and exciting at Wyvern. Thankfully the rain held off for the Year 3 camp allowing the boys to participate in a range of outdoor activities which helped them to exercise independence, perseverance and collaboration. We held two very successful instrumental concerts showcasing the emerging talent of our Strings, and Wind, Brass and Percussion programs. On Monday Years 5 and 6 came together at Wyvern to work on a da Vinci style day of activities across a range of subject areas. Teams were mixed across both grades and the activities lent themselves to exercising their BLP muscles in a creative and imaginative way. This week sees the conclusion of our annual Aquatics program where the boys have shown considerable improvement. Last night our Year 6 boys had a wonderful night at the social held with Trinity, MLC, PLC and Meriden. I was impressed with the friendly and respectful way the boys approached making new friends. I would like to thank all of the teachers who have been involved in organising and running these events for our boys.

STAFF NEWS

Whilst it is not our practice to announce the staffing structure for the new year until later in the term, I write to inform you that various members of staff will be leaving us at the end of the year.

Neil Brunton, Classroom Teacher and our Wyvern Sportsmaster for 24 years, will be moving to SCOTS College to help set up their new Prep School campus as a class teacher. This is a very exciting opportunity and we wish him well for his future teaching career.

Rebecca Stewart has decided to resign from full time work to spend more time with her young family.

Angus Lowrie, David Hazelton and Tony Cross have each decided to relocate to various areas of Australia. Angus will take up a teaching position at Toowoomba Anglican College and Preparatory School. The relocation to Toowoomba also supports his partner who is in GP training there. David has decided to move back to his hometown of Orange before heading overseas with his wife, also a teacher, to teach at an international school. Tony Cross has decided to relocate to the North Coast of NSW with his young family.

We wish all of our departing teachers well in their new positions and new locations. I will be writing to all families in the coming weeks to notify you of the arrangements for One Up Morning on 30 November.

PRIZE GIVING

This year’s Annual Wyvern Prize Giving for students in Years 3 – 6 will take place in Centenary Hall on Thursday 7 December at 9:00am. Students are asked to meet their class teachers at the Senior School outside the Music Centre (next to Centenary Hall) no later than 8:30am wearing summer uniform minus black cap. Following Prize Giving we invite parents and students to join Wyvern staff for morning tea under the space frame area near to the gym.

Whilst we take the opportunity to award a number of prizes for outstanding effort and achievement (categories listed below), the ceremony is primarily an opportunity for the Wyvern community to mark and celebrate a most positive year. As such, this event is a compulsory activity for all students in Years 3 – 6. Although the final school day for students in K – 2 is Wednesday 6 December, K – 2 families are most welcome to attend Prize Giving. K – 2 boys must attend in uniform. The end of the ceremony marks the official start of the summer break for students.

PRIZE GIVING AWARDS

YEARS 3-6

• Each class has 2 awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Effort (incorporating Maths, English, History, Geography and Science)
• Each class has 1 award for Outstanding Academic Improvement
• Each class has 2 awards for Outstanding Citizenship
• One Year Award for – Art, Languages, Music and Physical Education
• Year 5 Prize for All-Rounder – “Jack Davine Memorial”
• Junior Sportsman Trophy

OTHER YEAR 6 PRIZES AWARDED INCLUDE:

• Prize for Art
• Prize for Debating
• Prize for English
• Prize for Humanities
• Prize for Languages
• Prize for Mathematics
• Prize for Music – Wallace Webb Memorial Prize
• Prize for Science
• Prize for Service to Sport
• Sportsman of the Year, “Griffiths Trophy” (incorporating PE)
• Prize for Service to Wyvern House, “Boyd Fowler Memorial”
• Year 6 Prize for All Rounder, “Bosman Family Award”
• Dux of Wyvern House, “Roy Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship”

Sandra Gray
Acting Head of Wyvern