There is definitely an end of year feeling starting to creep in, as the weather warms up, the exam season is upon us and we experience the “last” of a number of activities for this year.

As I write, the Year 11 students are enjoying their alternative Shorashim tour in Tasmania, the Year 12s are writing their final exams and the Year 10s have started their exam period, with English completed yesterday and Jewish History and Religion today. The Year 9s are practising their cycling skills in anticipation of the Rottnest camp and Year 6 students are on the High School campus for a transition day. Teachers are busily marking exams and planning ahead.

Tuesday’s Business Breakfast was a great success, sold out I guessed because people wanted to hear Josh Frydenberg speak rather than to see the Principal of Carmel School on stage. He was fabulous – interesting, clever, and able to speak coherently and hold an audience transfixed for 20 minutes without the use of any notes. The WA Museum was an innovative choice of venue and the delicious meal was a good way to start the day. For a biologist like me, eating breakfast sitting under a whale skeleton was a highlight and the discussion with my two Year 10 neighbours about comparative anatomy as evidence for evolution added to the delight of the morning.

The Pre-primary children’s concert was another great pleasure this week, with singing, dancing and reciting all part of the wonderful performance showcasing their learning for all the months of this year. They remembered so many things and the event reminded me just how capable very young children can be, when given the opportunity.

There is always a worry in the back of my mind at this time of year that the end of term is coming too quickly and we won’t get everything done, but we always do. As I look out of my office window and enjoy the white-tailed black cockatoos making a noise and a mess, I am grateful that Carmel School is a good place to be.

Shabbat shalom.

Julie Harris

Principal