Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s incredible to think that we’ve reached the final school newsletter for 2024! As we take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished, it’s clear that 2024 has been an extraordinary and memorable year for Boneo Primary School.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our entire school community for your invaluable contributions to our success. Our dedicated staff have gone above and beyond, working tirelessly to create the best possible learning experiences for our students.

Thank you to our amazing parents and carers whose support has been invaluable throughout the year, helping in a variety of ways: Boneo Market, excursions, camps, HPV, just to mention a few. We really appreciate the support that we receive from the parent community as this partnership helps us to provide the best possible resources, facilities and programs for our students. The partnership between school and families is one of our greatest strengths, and I look forward to building on this even more in 2025.

A special mention and heartfelt thank you must go to our School Council who work hard behind the scenes to support our school. Our School Council make lots of important decisions relating to the direction and vision of the school.

Thank you to our committed members:

• Davey Smith (President)
• Jo Twentyman (Vice President)
• Susan Osborne (Treasurer)
• Gwen Baak
• Katie Reid
• Trudi Wooley
• Martina Franjic
• Alex Presutti
• Tim Robertson
• Briell O’Neill
• Stacey Brown
• Tom Pollett

Your dedication to the Boneo Primary School community is deeply appreciated.

Finally, I want to thank our incredible students for their hard work, resilience, and positive attitude throughout the year. Each of you has worked to achieve your personal best, and we couldn’t be prouder.

I wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday with loved ones. I am looking forward to working with you in partnership for our students in 2025.

Farewell to staff

Today, we said farewell to Roxanne Elder, Kym McCarthy and Tegan Richer. As they embark on new adventures, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and hard work during their time with us.

Each of them has made a valuable contribution, and their presence will be greatly missed.

Graduation

On Monday evening, our Year Six students celebrated the conclusion to their seven years of primary school at their Year 6 Graduation. It was a fabulous evening with the students making speeches to share their personal experiences at primary school. Awards were presented to several students for their academic achievements and the students performed their end of year song. Our students then relaxed and enjoyed dinner and a disco. It was a great night and perfect way to celebrate the occasion and thank a fantastic group of students.

I would like to thank our Year 6 teachers – Mrs Dewar, Miss Gunn, Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Richer for their work.

To our Year 6’s, and to families who will be leaving us, we wish you all the best for the future and thank you for your continued support during your time at Boneo Primary.

New webpage to help families and students prepare for a new school year

A new school year is an exciting time for students and families, but it can be a big step – particularly for those starting Prep or moving to secondary school.

The Department of Education has published a webpage with resources and information to help you prepare for the new school year.

During the school holidays, please consider reading through the resources, which include:

• tips to help transition between kinder and Prep and primary to secondary school
• what to expect at school
• help with school costs and fees
• health and wellbeing guidance to support children’s mental health.

Please refer to the New year of learning webpage.

Year Six Graduation 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

I’m thrilled to return to Boneo Primary in 2025, offering private or small group tuition in guitar, bass and violin, during school hours.

To better meet the needs of families and students, I’ve introduced more flexible lesson options, including 15-minute sessions, shared lessons (maximum of two students per class), and one-on-one lessons—all at a range of prices designed to suit various budgets and individual learning goals.

I’ll be using a curriculum I’ve developed and refined over the years, designed to support students of all ages and abilities. My focus is not only on preparing students for exams and high school or helping them play in bands, but also on fostering true musicianship. Lessons will encourage creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of music beyond simply playing songs or copying others.

Next year, I’ll also organize performance opportunities at the school, giving students the chance to showcase their progress and share their music with family and friends.

Lessons will begin on Monday, 3rd February 2025, and spots are limited. If you’d like to learn more or enrol your child, please email me directly at music@garethholloway.com

I look forward to another exciting year of music-making at Boneo Primary!

Warm regards,

Gareth Holloway