Thursday, December 21 marks the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. For many cultures, it is a time for reflection, to appreciate what has transpired during the past year, the lessons that have been learned, and to set new intentions for the time to come. Elder Saa’kokoto shares, "the Winter Solstice is a time for celebration, a time for reflection. A chance to think about how our life was this past year and think about those challenges and all the good things we got to experience”.  

As I reflect on my first months as Acting Principal at Sibylla Kiddle School, I am keenly aware of the celebrations and successes we have had so far this year. We have welcomed families into our school for conferences, celebrations of learning and our Winter Celebration. Teachers have collaborated to build their own knowledge and learning of feedback, assessment and land-based learning. School Council and our Fundraising Society have had successful fundraising and community events such as our Halloween Dance. Above all else, our students have taken part in engaging learning experiences both inside and outside of our school, continuing to build their love of and confidence in learning! I am grateful for the welcoming and supportive Sibylla Kiddle Community. Creating a sense of belonging as a school is truly a living part of this place. 

Moving into 2024, we look forward to continuing to build a collaborative learning community. We know there will be many more opportunities to share our learning and celebrations with families. “We are going to be walking into the New Year with a good heart, a good mind and to enjoy life” (Elder Saa’kokoto). 

As the earth moves and brings us back into the light, how will you reflect on the past year, it’s successes and challenges, to walk forward into the new year in a good way? 

Sincerely, 

Lisa Patten 

Acting Principal ​