Fitting Farewell to Year 12

Last Friday we celebrated our Class of 2022’s last school day with a series of memorable events including a breakfast at the Steel Tree Café, a final Chapel Service, a Farewell Assembly and then, commemorated the formal culmination of their schooling, with the Valediction Ceremony and Presentation Assembly held in our own Multi-purpose Hall (MPH).

The Class of 2022 is a close-knit group of 52 students who have overcome the challenges of COVID with a positive spirit, enjoying their friendships and the activities the College has offered over the years. It was wonderful to host a full house of guests with our new, tiered seating arrangement and the redesign of the stage which featured additional lighting and sound systems hired especially for this formal closure to their schooling at Tranby.

Former Principal, Mrs Jo Bednall, spoke to mark Tranby’s impact in education over 25 years, with Benjamin Lochbuehler giving a Valedictory Address, which offered a heartfelt narrative, fondly describing his schooling since starting in Kindy, and finishing as a Tranby Graduate. Ben’s speech included humorous reflections upon each phase of his growth from getting his pen licence to attaining his drivers’ licence.

A highlight of the evening was the amazing quality of the singing ensembles and dance performances. There were standout performances, but the work of the dancers, led superbly by Tom Leo and Erin Bullivant and the singers, including Alyssa Randall, Maya Probert and Isobel Radclyffe-Smith were also astonishing. Congratulations to those performers and to the staff, Mrs Johnson, Ms Wilker, and Ms Mangan for preparing the students so ably.

My deep appreciation also goes to Deputy Principal, Mrs Goforth, for her precision coordination and to Mrs Capewell for her detailed event-planning. I would also like to thank Ms Hutchinson for redesigning the set, seating, lighting and sound, the Grounds and Maintenance Team for their care and arduous work, and Mr Britza and Mr Bolton for supporting the students throughout. Finally, I thank Chaplain Steve for his sensitive and meaningful Chapel Service highlighting the need for authenticity.

Staff Update

 It is with sadness and with a sense of appreciation for their service that I announce the retirement of three long standing members of the teaching staff.

Mrs Deborah Thickett, Year 2, is a foundation member of the College and has shaped the lives of so many children who have been in her care over 25 years. Her perceptive care, flare for teaching and beautiful classroom displays are but a few features of her wonderful teaching. Mr Brad Taylor has also announced his retirement and will finish at Tranby at the end of the year after 24 years of dedicated service. Renowned for his magic tricks and kindness, Mr Taylor has brought joy to the lives of so many Tranby students. And, thirdly, Mrs Helen Rogoysky (Smit), is also retiring after 18 years at the College. An inventive, dry humoured, and creative teacher with a gift for dress ups, Mrs Rogoysky has helped many Year 1s find their place and confidence in school life and she will indeed be missed.

Fee Structure for 2023

Publication of our fee structure for 2023 is now running slightly later than anticipated due to the timing of Board meetings which are required to approve any changes for parents.  While I regret, the delay, I can indicate that a letter from me outlining fee arrangements will be sent to parents as soon as possible after the November Board meeting which is on the 17^th of November.

Completion of renovations

Finally, I invite parents in the Junior School to take a moment to look at the renovations in the Central Activities Area that sits between the Year 3 and 4 rooms and Year 5 and 6 rooms. It is taking shape beautifully as is the fresh look staffroom for Junior School staff.

I look forward to chatting with you all before the end of the term.