No images? Click here CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021 I want to say congratulations to the Class of 2021! It has been a long and challenging journey to get here – longer and harder than most students before you have endured. Your entire VCE journey has been interrupted over and over by a worldwide pandemic. To have even reached this point is an achievement that must not be understated. THE FIRST SCHOOL IN VICTORIA TAKING THIS ADDITIONAL PRECAUTION Firbank is in the news again! We are leading the fight against COVID-19 with our rapid antigen testing, and Channel 9’s Today show came to report all about it. We are incredibly proud to be doing everything possible to keep our students feeling safe and happy for the rest of 2021 and beyond. FIRBANK GRAMMAR – ROWING UPDATE Firbank ‘Learn to Row’ for Year 8 students was interrupted by the last lockdown in August. We have continued the program online and hope to introduce the Year 8s to the wonders of the Yarra River in the next couple of weeks. Editor's Picks5 WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP CHILDREN ADJUST TO BEING AT SCHOOL AFTER MONTHS IN LOCKDOWN Students are returning to their schools after months in lockdown. Many will thrive on their return to school. Others, though, may need extra practical and emotional support to adjust healthily. OCTOBER IS DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH You may notice some Australian landmarks lit up with red lights. This is the ‘Light it Red for Dyslexia’ campaign by the Code Read Dyslexia Network. Interesting ReadsTAKING BREAKS CAN LEAD TO BREAKTHROUGHSYour brain is constantly reacting to stimulation and creating new neural pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. Positive messages have positive effects. Negative messages have adverse effects. THE TOP 9 BRAIN FOODS FOR STUDYING AND EXAMS Staying healthy can promote academic performance and help you reach your educational goals. At Firbank, sustainability is one of our four core pillars, which is why we have been tirelessly working to introduce our eco uniforms. We are thrilled to announce that the first part of this initiative – our new sports eco uniform – is currently available for sale, and our new academic uniform will be launching in mid-November, giving everybody time to get suited up for a stylish 2022. These new uniforms are long-lasting and made entirely from recycled materials, without compromising style. One sports eco T-shirt is made from approximately nine plastic bottles that would otherwise go to landfill. We are incredibly proud to be leading the way for eco schoolwear. Get your sports eco uniform from Dobsons, available now. FIRBY PLUSHY – STILL AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Firby Plushies are still available for pre-order, ending Sunday, 24 October! With sizes available for adults and kids, the whole family can get cosy the Firbank way. GRAZING BOX COMPETITION GIVEAWAY Picnics are back in Melbourne, and Firbank is giving away a grazing box to celebrate! For your chance to win, like and share this post on our socials, then let us know who you would bring to your dream picnic on the beach (it could be your best friend, your favourite celebrity or anyone from the past/future) in the comments below! 2022 FGS/BGS SENIOR PRODUCTION – AUDITIONS NOW OPEN! Auditions and sign-up for cast, crew and orchestra for the 2022 Senior Production of The Addams Family are now open for BGS and FGS students in Years 9–11. Auditions will take place in Term 4, Weeks 4–6. Enquiries can be directed to Michael Kent. It’s pouring concrete at Firbank, with last week’s preparations paving the way for a significant slab pour that took place on Monday. We can’t wait to share more updates about the exciting Arts Precinct project with our community. This project will honour the history of the Louis Williams building while giving our students a world-class space to explore their passions. FIRBANK IS GOING TO PARLIAMENT! A speech written by Year 8 student Ava was read out in Federal Parliament this morning by local MP Tim Wilson. Ava’s 90-second speech answers the question, “What is your vision for Australia in 20 years?” and was selected as part of the Raise Our Voice in Parliament initiative. It is wonderful to see Firbank’s Humanities students excelling inside and outside of the classroom. Well done, Ava! HAPPINESS POEM – WRITTEN BY SHERONICA Firbank Senior School student has written a beautiful poem about happiness which is sure to bring delight and put a smile on your face. Upcoming important dates Monday, 25 October
Tuesday, 26 October
Wednesday, 27 October
Thursday, 28 October
Friday, 29 October
SENIOR SCHOOL DIGITAL LIBRARY RESOURCESView a selection of digital resources available from the Firbank library. Upcoming important dates Monday, 25 October
Tuesday, 26 October
Wednesday, 27 October
Thursday, 28 October
Friday, 29 October
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF CAMPUS, MR BRAD NELSENWe have had a wonderful week at School, welcoming back our remaining ELC students – who have, until today, been unable to be on campus – as well as our Prep to Year 2, Year 5 and Year 6 students. We understand that there will be some time for adjustment for students and staff over the next few weeks as we transition from remote learning to full-time, face-to-face learning. Upcoming important dates Monday, 25 October
Tuesday, 26 October
Wednesday, 27 October
Thursday, 28 October
Friday, 29 October
TEAM KIDS NEWSLETTERWelcome Firbank Families to Team Kids! This week has been exciting to open the service and welcome our first children to use the service. We have been busy preparing and planning our fun and exciting clubs for the term. |