News

‘Our Family’s Safety Guidelines’ by Susan Laing

In our house, feelings are important and may tell us what to do. We always have the right and deserve to feel safe Privacy is respected. I am boss of my body. We always have the right to say no if we are asked to do something that we think is wrong or do not understand. We do not keep bad secrets in our house, only good surprises. We have a loving circle of friends who would help us if we needed help. We can say NO and YES strongly when we mean it. We can be persistent to get…

Keeping our Children Safe

We know that we are not alone in our sense of anger and disbelief at the seemingly endless revelations of institutional inaction and ineptitude that are emerging from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. We can assure you that at Chrysalis School our staff are given regular professional development on the subject of Child Protection. We belong to the Association of Independent Schools, NSW, whose job it is to interpret and update schools on legislative changes and mandatory obligations. Just last week we held a workshop at school which was run by the AIS on child…

Chrysalis gathers for a bumper week 4 assembly

The week 4 assembly went sensationally. The hall was packed with around 40 parents who had taken the time to treat themselves to a morning with their children, to enjoy the performance and the inspiration. Class 5 set the space. Beautifully dressed in their fine saris and Indian clothes,  they called the parents into the hall by chanting the mantra that they have learned as part of their Indian Main lesson. Cathy welcomed Class 1 and their teacher Michelle Donovan to the Primary School. We also welcomed all of of our lovely new families that have arrived within our community…

Calling the River

After a flood day on Monday, it was a close call for Shawn from Natureland Bus Company and the council as to whether Darkwood Road was to be opened on Tuesday in time for school. On Monday we faced a rising river, and at 7am it was decided that the buses would not travel and a flood day was called. The council subsequently closed the road later that day at 2.30pm, with water beginning to run over the bridge. On Tuseday morning early, when the council inspected the bridge, the road was still technically closed but the river was falling…

School Closed Monday Feb 23rd

Today, Monday 23rd February, is a FLOOD DAY. There is NO SCHOOL at Thora or at Morning Star campuses. As the rain tumbles down, please take time to read the Inclement Weather Policy, which details procedure in case of events such as a flood.

The Three Rs: Routines, Rituals and Rhythm.

 “The body’s ability to self-regulate and adapt is closely linked to the coordination and interaction of the chronological rhythms that make life possible. In early childhood, cultivating daily rhythms is especially important because the infant's ability to regulate rhythmic functions is still undeveloped and needs support and stimulation”. A Guide to Child’s Health Dr Michaela Glockler,  At this talk, Rowena will introduce the fundamentals of her book, The Three Rs. The Three Rs’ is a very practical resource designed for busy parents of children aged 2 to 12 years. It offers easy to apply tips and strategies on how to organise…

Who makes up the Chrysalis Association and Board?

The Chrysalis AssociationYou may or may not realise that the Chrysalis Board is elected from amongst the parents and teachers by the Chrysalis Association. So who is this mysterious association? The truth is it could be you. The association is comprised of up to 30 people drawn from the parents and staff of Chrysalis. At present we have 21 members, with many of our long standing members leaving in the last year as their children graduate. Would you be interested in joining? It involves very little actual work. Its main work is to elect the Chrysalis BoardThe Chrysalis BoardIf you…

Thora Valley Community Shows It’s Resilience

As you know, last Thursday, as the children were already loaded on the buses ready to head into town, a large tree trunk came down, blocking Darkwood road. The buses were effectively trapped on the school side of the fallen tree. In an amazing show of community spirit, the valley went to work to clear the road. Within minutes, Chrysalis staff were on-site to assess the situation and to see how best to assist in getting the road cleared and the children on their way. Sid Hazell from our maintenance crew, with the help of local furniture maker Russel Thompson…