Winter has started to settle in with some cooler weather recently. Girls are encouraged to consider getting a flu shot during this season and to ensure they come to school with appropriate school uniform. I ask that parents complete a quick check for names on uniform and personal items, which helps when they are misplaced.

Many people were part of a fantastic breakfast to celebrate Mother’s Day at Waterview in Bicentennial Park on Friday 9 May. We had a record number of mothers and daughters, well in excess of 500 attendees, and it was an encouraging community event. Thank you to the P and F for their organisation of the event. Photos are very close to being ready for distribution. Please mark Tuesday 2 September down for the Father’s Day edition!

A team of Meriden staff travelled to the Northern Territory to work with our partner schools at Ti Tree and Neutral Junction. Mrs Jenny Greenhalgh, Ms Nicola Casaceli and Mrs Alex Phillips from the Senior School, with Mrs Liz Robinson and Ms Courtney Jordaan from the Junior School, had a successful trip engaging with the students, staff and community. Exciting activities included science experiments, technology, music, PDHPE and early childhood learning, which were led by our staff alongside their colleagues from the NT. The team saw an encouraging amount of student engagement during the trip. We look forward to the Term 3 immersion trip, where 13 Year 11 students will enjoy a visit up north.

Years 7 and 8 students are looking forward to the annual Interact Dance in the Meriden carpark tomorrow evening along with students from Trinity Grammar School. It is always a very enjoyable evening, and it also raises funds for worthy causes including the Little Wings organisation.

Archdale Debating commenced last week, and parents are encouraged to attend and support debates when they can. The next home debate is on Tuesday 27 May. Junior debates begin at 5:30pm and senior debates commence at 6:30pm.

The Term 2 Amadeus Recital takes place on Wednesday 28 May. All community members are invited to enjoy an evening of fine music provided by some of our talented musicians. The concert begins at 6:00pm in Wallis Auditorium.

The Year 9 Father and Daughter Dinner will be held on Friday 30 May. It promises to be a great evening for students and dads alike to share a meal, some conversation and some dancing for the brave.