In these articles I often talk about our focus values and how great it is to see our students and school community living our values.  This has been especially apparent over the last fortnight.  Following the loss of our friend Chris Woolley it has been heartwarming to see how well our school community has come together to support each other.  Students and staff have been displaying all of our values, especially courage and growth, in all their interactions and it has again highlighted how amazing our school community is.  Thankyou to all for the support and care you have shown in this difficult time.

After conversations with students, staff and families we have decided to have a special event on the 8^th of December to celebrate the lives of Chris and Lisa Cantrell.  This day will be known as “Rainbow Day” and as well as remembering and honouring Chris and Lisa will also be a chance for us to raise money for Walk 4 Brain Cancer.  On this day we will be having a 12 hour walking relay around a 1KM track here on school site.  The relay will begin at 6AM and across the course of the day students and staff will be invited to complete laps to ensure 2 batons, one each for Lisa and Chris, are able to keep moving continuously around the track.  During the day students will also be able to participate in a range of fun activities.  After school we invite families to join us from 3.30-6 as we continue the relay and also have a free barbecue.  Students are invited to wear rainbow free dress for a gold coin donation.  We will share more information about this event over the coming weeks as well as a link for any families who may wish to donate.

This fortnight our focus value is on celebrating and supporting each other, which is incredibly appropriate at the moment and has certainly been on display throughout our school.  I look forward to celebrating our values champions at our next assembly which will also be a chance for us to welcome our 2024 Year 7 cohort to New Norfolk High School.

Ali Walker, Assistant Principal