26 September 2025
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the final Wavelength for Term 3! We’ve had a wonderful term full of learning, creativity, and achievements.
A reminder that Term 4 begins on Tuesday, 14 October, as Monday is a pupil free day.
Avalon in Wonderland
What an extraordinary couple of weeks it has been! Avalon in Wonderland truly showcased the creativity, energy, and talent of our students across all eight performances. From the dazzling performances on stage to the confidence, teamwork, and dedication displayed behind the scenes, our students shone brightly and left every audience member in awe.
A very special thank you goes to Michelle Garrard, the mastermind behind the production, who received a Community Recognition Statement on 16 September 2025, presented by Jacqui Scruby. Michelle’s exceptional dedication and creativity were instrumental in bringing Avalon in Wonderland to life, balancing her classroom responsibilities while orchestrating a professional and seamless production. Her commitment to the arts, the students and our community is truly inspiring.
We also want to acknowledge Daisy Hodgson, our co-producer, whose theatre expertise was invaluable in guiding the show’s artistic vision. Behind the scenes, Ashlea Simonetti and Alice Lovett worked tirelessly with organisation and communication to ensure every aspect ran smoothly. Special thanks to Jenny Shlager and Marcelle Balt, whose dedication behind the scenes and backstage kept the production running seamlessly. Alan Moran and Kate Lewis, together with our fabulous Cage Monitor students, expertly managed the technology and lighting, bringing the performances to life.
Thank you also to Andrew Gregory, Jo Emond, and Elle Hall for their incredible work on promotions, photography, and filming, capturing memories of the show that will be treasured for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our musical team, who pulled the entire show together with energy, skill, and creativity, and to our talented and dedicated teachers, who generously gave up their time to support our students at every step. From coaching and rehearsing to supervising and organising, their commitment went far beyond the classroom. Their passion, patience, and guidance ensured the production ran smoothly and every student could shine on stage.
Finally, a huge thank you to our students, whose courage, creativity, and commitment made the production truly magical. Many of you stepped out of your comfort zones and achieved extraordinary things. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Each of you showed that courage on stage, and in doing so, inspired everyone who watched you perform.
To our P&C and to every parent and community member who has stepped in with props, costumes, promotions, coaching, dance, and so much more—thank you! Avalon truly takes a village, and thanks to your care, generosity, and pride, this event has been nothing short of exceptional. Together, we’ve created something our students will never forget, and it’s this extraordinary community spirit that makes Avalon special.
Special thanks to our P&C, Holly Barton and President Morgan Webster, who have supported the school every step of the way, helping make Avalon in Wonderland the success it has been. From working bees and costume support to bump ins, their dedication and leadership have been extraordinary. Thank you to Kirsty Van der Wallen and the canteen team for keeping the students and staff well fed throughout the performances.
The magic that happens when every part of our community comes together. Michelle’s vision sparked it, our teachers guided it, our parents supported it, and our students brought it to life. Events like this remind us that when we work together, great things happen and Avalon in Wonderland was nothing short of extraordinary.
Class Placements 2026
If you believe there are special circumstances or considerations that should be taken into account for your child’s 2026 class placement, a form is now available via the link below or from the Front Office. Please note, this is not a request for a specific teacher.
We are starting the class placement process much earlier this year, and all completed forms must be returned to the Front Office or emailed to avalon-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au by 4.00pm on Thursday, 31 October (Week 3), addressed to the attention of Mrs Crutcher.
Previous class placement forms are not considered and do not carry over from year to year. No correspondence will be accepted after the due date, as the formation of new classes will have commenced.
Sporting Achievements
Please read Mr Whittaker’s sporting round-up in this edition, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of our students this term. Their hard work, persistence, and dedication have resulted in some remarkable successes that deserve recognition.
ABLE Writing Enrichment
On Tuesday, Barrenjoey High School hosted Avalon Public School parents for the Avalon Barrenjoey Links Enrichment (ABLE) extension writing program showcase.
Over the course of the term, our incredible writing students from Years 2–5 have been working with Year 10 mentors to explore, write, design, edit, and produce a range of creative texts centred on their interests.
The ABLE anthology is now available to read and borrow from our school library. Congratulations to all of our students for their enthusiasm, creativity, and skill in this extension writing program.
A heartfelt thank you to the Year 10 mentors from Barrenjoey High School, and special thanks to Sarah James, Lucy Rose, and Tamar Stewart for their support in making the program such a success.
Nura Djaroba Update
Nura Djaroba is looking absolutely fantastic! The works are progressing well and are on track to be completed by the end of October, weather permitting.
We are planning to hold an official opening early next term. Details will be shared with our community soon.
The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see the finished product. Both students and teachers are looking forward to enjoying this wonderful new space.
Year 5 Camp
Our Year 5 students recently embarked on an exciting camp to the chilly weather of our national capital. The experience provided a wonderful opportunity for students to work together, build confidence, and create lasting memories. A big thank you to Mrs Jelf, Ms Pearce, Miss Hurdley, Miss Lewis, and Mrs Shlager for their dedication, care, and energy in making the camp such a memorable success.
Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate will be paid directly to the school.
Strings Group Spreads Joy in the Community
Our talented APS Strings Group has been sharing their music beyond the school gates, recently performing for the children at Avalon Beach House Preschool. The young audience was captivated by the beautiful sounds, and our students played with skill, confidence, and a real sense of joy.
These community visits are a wonderful opportunity for our Strings Group to showcase their hard work and to experience the joy of performing for others. This year, they have visited several local preschools, bringing music and smiles wherever they go.
We are so proud of our musicians for representing Avalon Public School with such talent and enthusiasm, and we thank Emma Wake for supporting these valuable opportunities.
Enrol Now
To help us plan for next year, it’s important that all students are enrolled as soon as possible. Student numbers directly impact class formation and staffing, ensuring we can provide the best learning opportunities for everyone.
Another reminder that the deadline for enrolment submission is fast approaching. To receive an invitation for our 3-day Kindergarten Transition program in November, your child must be enrolled at Avalon Public School.
Enrolment forms are available from the front office or on our website. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Cathy Crutcher on 9973 1439. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Staff News
Andy is taking some time to focus on his health and recovery, so he won’t be returning in Term 4. I will be relieving in his absence. Andy has expressed his gratitude for the support and care of our staff, students, and families, and he is confident the school is in safe hands with our leadership team. He looks forward to returning once he is fully well.
You can read Andy’s full letter here:
We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Samantha Bateson back from leave. She will be relieving as Deputy Principal for Years 3–6. Alice Lovett will continue in her role as relieving Deputy Principal K–2 from Monday to Thursday, with Marcelle Balt and Jenny Shlager sharing the role on Fridays.
I'd like to thank Jen Shlager for her outstanding leadership in the 3-6 Deputy Principal role this term. Next term, she is looking forward to returning to her beautiful class, 6JS.
As we head into the break, on behalf of all the staff at Avalon Public School, we’d like to wish all our students and families a safe and happy school holiday.
A quick reminder: if you notice any suspicious activity or damage on school grounds during the holidays, please contact School Security on 1300 880 021.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a great start to Term 4!
Bianca Howarth
R/Principal
Avalon Public School Athletics Success
We are very proud of all the Avalon Public School students who represented our school at the recent Zone Athletics Carnival. Each competitor displayed outstanding sportsmanship, determination, and pride in representing Avalon across a wide range of disciplines.
Several of our athletes achieved excellent results and were selected to represent the Pittwater Zone at the Sydney North Athletics Carnival. These students competed strongly against some of the best athletes in the region, showing commitment and perseverance in every event.
Congratulations goes to Lucy Turner, who had an exceptional carnival. Lucy not only qualified to represent Sydney North at the State Athletics Championships in the 11 Years 800m, Discus, and Long Jump, but also broke the Zone records in the 11 Years 800m and Discus. Lucy was further recognised as Athlete of the Meet at Zone and went on to be named 11 Years Age Champion at the Sydney North Regional Athletics Carnival – an incredible accomplishment. A special mention also goes to Reeve Hayne, who broke the Zone record in the 8 Years 100m, a fantastic achievement that highlights both his talent and dedication.
Congratulations to all of our Avalon athletes – you represented our school and the Pittwater Zone with distinction, and we are very proud of your efforts and achievements.
Mr Whitaker
Garden Club
Spring is definitely upon us now!! The scent orange blossom and wattles in the air, another bunch of bananas, sweet peas starting and finally after three years of waiting our Isabella Grape is flowering!
Gardens are a lesson in patience, and observation. The subtle changes can bring the utmost joy. Don’t forget to plant flowers amongst your veggies and put water out for the birds and pollinators. See you next term, enjoy your holidays
Keep on growing!
Fiona and Sue
Garden Club
Band
We’re so proud of our talented Performance Band students, Taj Mangleson (Cast 1, Alto Saxophone) and Roy Laurich (Cast 2, Baritone), who entertained guests with instrumental music before the school musical began. They represented our bands beautifully!
On Thursday 25th September, our Training Band delighted K–2 students with a lively outdoor Music Appreciation performance in the playground. The younger children had a wonderful time clapping along and experiencing the joy of live music.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome our current Year 2 students to the Big Band Blow Test in Term 4. This fun, hands-on session gives every child the chance to try out different band instruments with the guidance of our tutors and Band Director, Colden Anderson. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to discover which instrument suits them best and begin their musical journey.
Avalon Public School is proud to run the longest-standing band program in NSW public schools.
Regards,
Lydia Hicks
Avalon PS Band Coordinator
0438323570
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