Forward December 2019 | Page 12

AROUND THE SCHOOL From the P & F: Valuing our Volunteers We are at the end of another school year and it has been a year packed full of events for students, parents and families. The sub-committees of the P&F (FOPS, FOSS, BPA, Liaison Parents Program, GAS and numerous sporting committees) have funded and put together a long list of functions that have enriched our community. The P&F is only as strong as the people that volunteer in the sub-committees and spend their own time preparing and working at school functions. They do all the heavy lifting and sometimes with little recognition. I have mentioned this before, but without our committee members we would not enjoy the warm and friendly community that we all love. I like to remind people that most of the time the only thing I do is say “All those in favour?” Whilst there are events that we repeat each year, such as the Mother’s Day Lunch, Broadway on Swan, the Preparatory School Disco, Stronghills Family Picnic and the P&F Sundowner, we have also funded some new initiatives; parent art classes, sunscreen for the Preparatory School students, bench seating, the Climate Clever School, mulberry jam and pie-making and Father Philip’s Opera and Theatre excursions. It is important that we continue to support our ‘traditional’ events, but I have enjoyed assisting with the new programs and initiatives that were put forward for funding this year. There are some very important people that I would like to thank for their support and guidance; Richie Longson and Gillian MacDonald. Their doors are always open and they are always there to support an idea or function no matter how big or small. A special thank you also to Stephen Webber for his continued support during his time as Headmaster. Stephen has provided information, advice and guidance to the Committee and we wish him well and every success at his new role in Sydney in 2020. He will be missed, but his legacy will remain strong for the decisions he made whilst at the School. We would like to welcome Anne Dunstan as the new Principal from 2020. We look forward to meeting and getting to know Anne and introducing her to our school community. I think the P&F Sundowner in 2020 will have record numbers as one of the first functions where Anne will be in attendance. I would also like to thank the P&F executive, Peta Barnes (Vice-President), Hayley McNamara (Secretary) and Carolyn Warr (Treasurer) for their continued support and help throughout the year. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and holiday and we will see you all next year. Tony Minchin P & F President 12