Welcome to the last newsletter of the rollercoaster that has been 2020.

Over the past 2 weeks we have celebrated education milestones for many of our students: five Year 12 students leave our school to move into post-school programs. They have each chosen, or been helped to choose, their own path and we wish them well as they navigate life after school. We thank their parents for all their support and positivity, and some beautiful words were spoken at the Graduation held at the Epping Club last week. Linus represented the P&C at the event and he spoke with conviction and compassion on behalf of all parents. It was with great pleasure that we finally got COVID permission to celebrate at our usual venue, even though we had limited numbers. We feared at one point that we would have to have it at school during the day time, so a team of staff pulled out all the stops at the eleventh hour to make it possible- as soon as restrictions were lifted.

We also got to celebrate those students who have moved from Year 5 to Year 6- where the P&C organized embroidered Karonga shirts to mark this milestone, and books recorded the journey of our current Year 6 students into senior school. Although all Karonga students stay on the same campus, it remains important to mark the occasion and celebrate the transition. Besides the 5 school leavers we farewell 2 further students- one to attend St. Gabriel’s School, and one moving out of the area.

We welcome eight new students to our school next year- six kindy children, a year 7 student from St. Gabriel’s and one year 10 student from the Aspect program.

Mark, as you will have read in his letter to the school community, leaves us to take up a permanent appointment at a larger SSP school. He does so with many regrets (that he never got opportunity to see some things through) but empowered by the great experience he gained here at Karonga School, in the years he was here. The Education Director plans to form a panel in Term 2 to appoint a new Principal at Karonga School, but until that time I will remain in the role in a relieving capacity, and Murray will remain in role as the relieving Deputy Principal.

We wish you all well for the school holidays and remind you that the first day back for students is Friday January 29^th 2021. It is most odd that it is a one-day week for students, but perhaps it will be an easier transition back into school for many.  

Hello’s and Farewells for 2020

During 2020, we have sadly had to say ‘farewell’ to many of our fabulous staff and school leaders. We remain eternally grateful for the commitment, drive and enthusiasm that they have given. As the leader of the school we farewell Mark as he moves to his new role, we have said farewell to respected teachers Linda and Kerrie, to Sarah our office manager who retired after 20 years, joined by Jenny who has been an SLSO at both Karonga and the PPTC for a similar amount of time.

On a positive note we welcomed Sabrina back to the school(part-time), and Kamal, Shani, Alanna and Lowenna to permanent teaching roles during 2020.

Warm Regards, Ruth Rogers

2020 is coming to an end but Room 6 hasn’t slowed down as our students continue to kick goals and engage in exciting learning opportunities.

The students have loved our weekly class picnics, during which they have assisted in preparing and carrying baskets and picnic rugs for the class. We have regularly invited Room 5 to join us and the students have continued to build their social skills by sitting happily together and patiently waiting for their lunch while others are being helped.
We have even made our own lunch with students selecting ingredients to construct their own sandwiches!

It has been a successful term for our students, as shown during Karonga’s Celebration of Learning assembly. Hannah, Omar, Sharon and Gordon were all presented with special awards, voted for by staff, recognising their achievements this year. We are all very proud of how far they’ve come.

As 2020 draws to a close, so too does Sharon’s time at Karonga. Sharon is one of our departing year 12 students, who were celebrated last Wednesday at our graduation ceremony. We are so proud of her achievements and wish her success in her future as she moves into life after school.

Congratulations to all our students on a fantastic albeit unusual year. Here’s to a great 2021!

Liam and Craig

What an amazing event it was!

This year has been such an unusual year for all of us. Keeping the COVID-19 restrictions in place, we went ahead to make it as a special event for our graduands.

This year’s graduation event was held on Wednesday evening 9^th December 2020 with the gathering of 37 guests (due to COVID-19 restrictions) at The Epping Club to farewell Gavin, Isa, Joshua, Winfred and Sharon. We would like to congratulate all of Year 12 graduates of 2020.

The students received their graduation bear from the P&C representative Linus Yong who gave a very positive speech about the staff at Karonga. Each family was given the opportunity to speak on behalf of their child. The students stood beside their parents and carers giving them support. After the speeches, the cake was cut by the graduates and their support staff. We then continued the highlight of the evening – disco!

The event was fantastic and we wish all the graduates all the best for the years to come. We acknowledge Colin and Jane for their support which is much appreciated by all. Unfortunately, there were no ex-students or staff were present this year but we look forward to seeing them next year. We would also like to thank the Karonga staff for their persistent support to celebrate this wonderful milestone in the lives of these five young people.

Kamaldeep

Harry was nominated for his strong ability to adapt to change. Harry’s mother Alison says Harry has been stretched this year, many times, by coping with significant changes such as moving house, extended time at home, hospital visits and changes at school. He has managed all of this by displaying positive behaviour. Harry enjoys riding his bike! He is getting more confident riding in the community. Alison says “I was overjoyed one day when he arrived home and the carer with Harry said that Harry had made a new friend. This friend had come up and introduced himself to Harry and rode alongside him. He showed interest in Harry by asking about him. Harry has also continued to learn new skills. He has quickly learnt to drink from an open cup. He communicates effectively on his electronic communication device using the program LAMP. I continue to be impressed when Harry shows me a new word he has learnt and creates a long sentence.“ Well done team Harry!

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