This Friday, 30 October, is World Teachers’ Day. Celebrated in more than 100 countries, World Teachers’ Day acknowledges the efforts of teachers in an increasingly complex society.

Every day teachers are building skills that translate into future careers. They are shaping our future workforce and creating the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Students, parents and community members are invited to help demonstrate their appreciation by attending our School Sharing on Friday, 30 October where awards will be presented to teachers to recognise this special day.

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What a Success!

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Chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen a child’s mind.  It’s fairly easy to learn how to play providing you have a good coach. Most six or seven year olds can follow the basic rules and some children as young as four or five can play.  Like learning a language or musical instrument an early start can help a child become more proficient.  Whatever a child’s age, chess can enhance concentration, patience and perseverance, as well as develop creativity.  Intuition, memory, and most importantly, the ability to successfully engage in problem solving are skills that are also enhanced through the playing of chess.

And aren’t we fortunate at Arundel to have an excellent chess program in place under the guidance of Mr Kevin De Boer? The significant number of student chess players with whom he works has achieved wonderful success this year. They have moved from playing at an inter-school level to mini tournaments and onto Championship Grade.

Their success has seen the team compete at the State Championships held last weekend in Brisbane where they were placed 6th overall out of 17 competing state and private schools. But it does not stop there! The team have now been invited to compete at the National Championships in Melbourne which are conducted by Monash University. As a school we are now devising ways that we can fund the teams travel and accommodation costs. If you would like to assist this very talented group of children to compete in Melbourne please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime, I congratulate Mr De Boer and all team members on their outstanding achievements.