IT has been a busy week for families across the region as students headed back to the classroom for the 2020 school year.
Across Penola, 38 young people attended class for the first time this week with 26 Reception students at Penola Primary School, while Mary MacKillop Memorial School welcomed 12 new Reception students.
Penola Primary School principal Anna Copping said 2020 would be an exciting year for staff and students, with plans to work alongside Penola’s local history group to research how the town has developed since 1850.
Ms Copping said the development of a new nature play space would start this year, which will replace the school’s old playground.
“We will also be working with the Carclew Arts Centre to have an Aboriginal artist in residence working across our middle and upper primary,” Ms Copping said.
“Boandik elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr will also come to the school and work alongside the junior primary classes with her workshops and school programs.”
She said the school was selected to participate in the national Song Room program, which provides students with high-quality music and arts programs.
As well as new additions to the school grounds and curriculum, students have welcomed Penola’s new uniform.
The familiar royal blue has been replaced with navy, with the school citing it was “increasingly difficult” to source royal blue jumpers.
Mary MacKillop principal Nicole Coote said the school was busy preparing for a busy term one calendar, including the swimming carnival scheduled for next week.
The annual Robe camp, Catholic education week and the Footsteps Dance program are also among events planned for 2020.
“We have a strong focus on arts and technologies with both being offered as specialised curriculum areas,” Ms Coote said.
“A Young Environmental Leaders Group has been established to participate in this program to enhance and foster our stewardship of the earth and maintain our focus on sustainability.
“We will also continue our community outreach activities, such as visits to Pinchunga Aged Care facility.”
