From the Principal - 23rd June 2021

What a MAMMOTH way to end week 9 with our annual school athletics carnival.  We had 3 action packed days of track and field events with our amazing students demonstrating their athletic skills and pure determination.  I was very much a proud Principal and loved every minute, standing there cheering our students on as they crossed the finished line.  A big thank you to Mr Daniel Samanes and Mr Remy Fry for their time and effort in organising and hosting this big event.  Well done to all of our students who participated and good luck to those representing our school, their families and themselves at the District Athletics Carnival.  A massive congratulations to ​Granite who were our overall winning sports house and an even bigger well done to our students who were acknowledged as age champions for the event:

I wish to take this opportunity to again congratulate Colin Walsh who was successful in breaking a 34year strong record for the 12 years boys 200m track event.  This record was recorded by K. Howsan in 1987 and was smashed by Colin who ran it in a time of 28.24 seconds.  Well done Colin, Mareeba SS is very proud of your achievement!

In some other wonderful news, this year Mareeba SS was the winner of the CQ University Australia Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education with our submission 'Everyone has Talking Hands', showcasing our Auslan program.  For more information about the showcase awards, check out my Sizzling Spotlight on the Principal's Blog​ this Friday.

Week 9 was also a milestone for our Prep students who embarked on their first school excursion to the Kuranda Bird World and Butterfly Sanctuary.  I have heard so many stories about the day with lots of smiling, although tired, Preppies hopping off the bus with tales to tell. This fortnight our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students also went on an excursion to the Cairns Aquarium and our Readers Cup team participated in the annual Readers Cup Challenge.  I know Ayden and Alexander were so excited about their trip down the hill and had a wo​​nderful opportunity to connect with other Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from across our region.  Our readers cup team gave it there best to answer the questions about the readers cup novels and for more information, check out my Sizzling Spotlight here.  A big thank you to the staff who supported our students for each of these great opportunities!

Next term we welcome some new staff to Mareeba SS.  Ms Rachel Leidich will join our team to replace Ms Skye Clarkson on 3C for Semester 2 and Ms Sinead Bryant who will work across the school in different roles, eventually replacing Ms Vanessa Doyle when she begins her Maternity leave.  Ms Pauline Sciani and Ms Sam Tokarahi will continue to work as additional speech TAs, supporting students who require speech programs with Ms Carmel Arnol returning full time to the front office next term.  A big thank you to Ms Diedre Brumby who has worked these past two weeks as an Indigenous Liaison Officer (Tue-Thurs), assisting our students and the HUB team.  A big welcome also to Ms Marda Pitt who is joining our team next term as a second Indigenous Liaison Officer, working from our Student Support HUB.  This week we also farewell Ms Joycee Riches who has taught 6M for the term in Mr Brent May's absence and Mrs Joan Masterson, a very long-standing relief teacher at Mareeba SS.  Thank you to Joan for your 30 years of dedication to the Department of Education and to Joycee for being a great part of our team. All the very best for your newest advendures!

During the SFD session regarding the Reconciliation Action Plan we asked staff for feedback on how we could continue to improve our school, working towards a culturally inclusive school for all staff and students.  Many staff suggested we move the flags from inside the hall to a more visible location.  This fortnight, we have seen the assembly of our 4 flag poles, proudly flying the flags for all to see near our netball courts.  Be sure to have a look next time you drive past.

As Semester 2 ends I wish to thank our wonderful families for their continued support for our students and our school.  I look forward to an action-packed term 3 and wish everyone a safe and happy Winter holidays.  See you back on Monday 12^th July. 

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