Another fortnight full of learning has passed as we have now reached the halfway mark of the term. Students have again had the opportunity to participate in many 
events including the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre leader's rewards day in Port Douglas, our Indigenous Leaders for the Future two-day camp (click here to check out my Principal's Blog for more information) as well as the Mareeba Rotary 'Youth Speaks' competition. Special mention to year 6 student Jada Stankovich who was awarded runner-up for her speech on ballet. As with all opportunities, these couldn't be possible without the support and guidance from our Mareeba SS staff. Many thanks to our staff for supporting these students to attend these events.
Last week our school officially launched the completion of our new murals. These murals are a symbolic representation of the meaning behind Mareeba as perceived by our students with the two beautiful pieces of work adding to our vision of providing a calm, aesthetically pleasing learning environment for our Mareeba SS learners. Thank you and well done to each of the students who contributed to these art works. A special thank you to Ms Sharon Wedel, the artist who supported our students to achieve success and Mr Mick McDonald from our local Atherton Bunnings store. His generous donation of paint through their 'In Our Community' program is greatly appreciated.
Last week saw us farewell a dedicated staff member who for many years has supported our students with a disability. After a wonderful career as a teacher aide we bid farewell to Ros Vains who is taking her well-earned leave before retiring. From the Mareeba SS community we wish Ros all the very best and look forward to seeing her around the school in her number one role as Grandma.
Supporting our colleageus both within our school grounds and community, as well as within our FNQ region is very important to Mareeba SS. Having the opportunity to welcome visiting Principals and colleagues into our school not only gives our staff the opportunity to showcase their high-level practices but a chance to build professional networks and engage in professional conversation. Last, we welcomed back to MSS Mrs Mandy Whybird, FNQ Lead Principal and the team from Bloomfield River SS to showcase our wonderful routines and expectations in our Prep and Year 1 classroom. The feedback from the visiting educators was very impressive not just in the classrooms they visited but school-wide as they toured our school. In sharing this news, it was recently announced that Mr Stephen Bell has substantively been appointed as our FNQ Regional Director. This is great news for our region as Stephen has been acting in this role for the past 18 months and is very well aware of our region and the future direction of our students.
Whilst we begin to feel the excitement rise in their air as we edge closer to the end of the year, it's very noted that this busyness and closure can raise a significant number of emotions particuarly for our Year 6 cohort who will transition to secondary school and for all students who know their time with their teacher and classmates will soon end, bringing uncertainty for next year. Over the next few 
weeks we have a number of celebratory events coming up (see our date claimer for more information), as well as a number of transition opportunities for students. Most importantly, teachers will spend the next few weeks finishing off assessments in classes in preparation for the Semester 2 report cards due for release via email on Wednesday 8th December. During these times, it's important that we encourage our learners to use the Pause process and take some time to Pause to calm their worries. Our learners are also encouraged to talk with their teacher who can provide helpful advice and strategies.
- Hannah Simpson, Principal