We have had a wonderful two weeks at Anakie Primary School, and can you believe that we are already half way through Term 2. Students have enjoyed a range of learning opportunities, including taking part in the National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 24th May. Over 2 millions students from Australia and New Zealand enjoyed listening to the story 'The Speedy Sloth' being read live from Sydney Zoo. You can enjoy this story by clicking on the YouTube link below:

Our Grade 3 students are on their final day of the 3-day camp to Angahook. From all reports our students have had a wonderful time, enjoying activities such as the giant swing, archery, hut building, climbing wall, a lighthouse tour and more. We can't wait to share photos with you in the next edition of our newsletter.

Open Afternoon: we invite all all current and persepective families to visit our school on Friday 16th June from 2-4pm. Come and explore our learning spaces, see what students have been learning this term, chat to the teachers and enjoy a light afternoon tea. Enrolment forms are available for any new families/students starting in 2024 - to support with long-term planning we would appreciate these be submitted by the end of Term 2 (Friday 23rd June).

On Friday 2nd June, all students are invited to wear casual clothes to raise money for families involved in the Exford Primary School bus accident. We ask students that wear casual clothes to please bring a gold coin donation, or any other amount that you feel comfortable donating. In what was such a tragedy for the Exford Primary School community, it highlights the importance of our own road safety, particularly at the afternoon pick-up period. We kindly request that parents do not park in the no standing zone opposite the school, and also please take care when reversing out. We are in talks with the council and local law enforcement about our concerns relating to speed and general safety for our students and families.

Have a wonderful weekend - and don't forget that Assembly will be held on Monday 29th May at 3:10pm.

Over the past two weeks we have had students from Anakie PS represent our school at both the Lightning Premierships and Cross Country. Congratulations to all students for the way in which they conducted themselves and represented the school.

The Lightning Premierships were held at Bannockburn College on Friday 19th May. Our students combined with other schools to participate in netball and football (AFL). Thank you to the parents who drove students to the event and stuck around to cheer and encourage. A very big thank you to Mrs Thompson for her organisation and netball coaching skills.

On Tuesday 23rd May, Lochlyn, Zoe, Darcy and Georje ventured into Eastern Gardens, Geelong, to participate in the Division Cross Country event. All students tried the very best against some tough competition. Once again, thanks to Mrs Thompson for supporting our students on the day, and to the parents who transported and encourage our runners.

Congratulations to the following students, Reeve, Sophie and Aitan, who were awarded Artist of the Month. Students have been learning about been learning about Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, who was best known for his use of straight lines (vertical and horizontal) and primary colours (blue, red, yellow). Students created their own Mondrian inspired collages.

We are exciting to be holding our Annual Bunning BBQ fundraiser on Saturday 27th May at North Geelong Bunnings. A very big thank you to our Parents & Friends Association for all their organisation, and particularly to Amanda and Sue for all the work behind the scenes. We encourage our family and friends to come and support the school on the day, and thank you to all those families who will be volunteering their time to cook snags, and serve customers. Just a reminder that Bunnings stipulates that for the safety of all involved, no persons under the age of 18 are permitted to cook or operate any equipment. Due to the physical distancing, square metre rules, and the changes in volunteer roles and responsibilities, no children under the age of 15 are permitted at the BBQ.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the school if you have any questions, and thank you once again.

Beginning on Monday 29th May, we encourage students to have wrapper-free food when the come to school. Ned, one of our Grade 5 students, wrote a proposal to see less rubbish around the school. As a result we we have finally introduced the initiative to provide students with a raffle ticket each time they come to school with no single-use wrappers. A great way to get around this is to by the reusable bags from the supermarket, beeswax wraps are also a great idea. At the end of the term all students who have received a raffle ticket will go into the draw to win one of two brand new lunch boxes.

Early in Term One of this year, I was nominated and elected as Anakie primary school’s new School Council President.
Hi, I am Jess, and here is a little about me. My husband and I have been living in Anakie for almost 19 years.
We have lived in two different houses and share 2 daughters. Our eldest daughter, Charlie, graduated from Anakie PS in 2021 and our younger daughter, Ava, is in Grade 5.
In the earlier days of living in Anakie I was one of the co-managers at the local shop for a couple of years, then after the girls arrived, we loved being part of the local playgroups at the Community House.
We enjoy getting out and about walking, riding our bikes, and exploring the Brisbane Ranges and You Yangs as a family.
As I navigate this new role in the school and community, I look forward to getting to know the many new families that have enrolled their children this year at Anakie PS and prospective families that may be new to the area, have children starting foundation in 2024, or other families that are just looking for a smaller, more community-based, school for their children to learn and thrive. I welcome and encourage feedback and input from all regarding our school and school council.
I am very much looking forward to the upcoming Bunnings BBQ fundraiser, this is always a fun day and a great fundraiser for the school.
Also, the School’s open day on June the 16^th.Come along and say hi.

Jess Capon
Anakie Primary School Council President.

GRADE F/1/2: Matildah Ptacek: Well done Matildah for demonstrating the value of Resilience in the classroom. You always respond with a positive 'can do' attitude to feedback and persevere when faced with challenges. Keep up the good work!

GRADE 3/4: Reeve Spalding: Congratulations, Reeve, your hard work and dedication to doing your best in not only your studies at school, but also your interests outside of school, is truly impressive. You are setting a great example for others. Keep up the fantastic work!

GRADE 3/4: Texan Krieg: Congratulations, Texan, you should be so proud of your commitment to doing your best work both at school and at home, and being a responsible learner. Your hard work and dedication is truly paying off. You are an inspiration to other students. Great effort!

GRADE 5/6: Jacqueline Kendall: For displaying Responsibility and Resilience in Maths. Jacqui, during a Time lesson you took responsibility for your own learning by expressing that you were finding it too challenging - and yet you bounced back to try another approach. Great effort, Jacqui!

ART: Nate Stewart: For a huge improvement in the way you listen to instructions, stay calm and participate in all tasks! Nate you have been a superstar this term!

PE: Keegan Bubb: For your excellent attitude in P.E. Keegan you always demonstrate our school values and set a great example to others.

AUSLAN: Charlize Vasils: For always putting in your best effort during Auslan lessons. Charlize you have learnt so many signs and did an amazing job during our Auslan game!

PERFORMING ARTS: Hayden Stewart: For your enthusiasm, attentiveness and creativity during Performing Arts and when creating of your Garage Band track.

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD: Edie Hruska: For being kind, considerate and thoughtful to all students at Anakie Primary School. Edie, you demonstrate our values of Respect and Responsibility on a daily basis. Keep up the great effort!