Yipirinya students with Santa at the Christmas Party 2011
Last week, Yipirinya School, invited HAR author Margaret James to participate in their end of the year festivities: parents’ day, prize giving and a fantastic Christmas party.
At the prize-giving ceremony, there was a clear correlation between attendance awards, high scores and academic prizes-in other words-students who are coming to school are getting results! We were so proud of the students’ hard work, and the efforts of their fantastic teachers and tutors. We have also been thrilled to see the HAR, originally targeted for Yipirinya students, showing big improvements in their reading. A great example is a year 4 student, who started on book 1 18 months ago and is now up to book 14 and able to read at least 140 words!!
The following day, the kids were treated to a Christmas party, with a feast of roast chicken, veggies and Xmas pudding, a concert and swimming in the new school pool. The highlight of the day was a visit from Santa Claus who arrived amidst loud cheers of “we want Santa”, looking a little hot in the 38 degree heat. Next year he may need to come prepared for Southern Hemisphere Christmas, perhaps in a lighter suit or fan under his beard?!
We wish everyone a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas season and look forward to working in many more schools with many more wonderful students in 2012.
Santa and his very special helper
