Dear Parents and Carers, 

It’s time for Storytime again. Another true one. 

My grandfather Henry Tudor (yes, royal names were even a trend back then!) fought in France in the trenches for two years in the ‘Battle of the Somme.’ Henry didn’t really speak to me much about the war other than teaching me French songs that I didn’t actually realise at the time were ‘dirty ditties’ until I learnt the French language at secondary school! 

My grandfather was an avid gardener having been an apprentice gardener at the Ballarat Gardens before he went to war. As a very young child I spent lots of time with Henry in the garden, he taught me so much about plant names, how to propagate seeds, to graft fruit trees and maintain an edible garden. 

I didn’t realise until much later that gardening was my grandfather’s therapy, learning how to live productively and positively with the aftermath of the war. One story Henry did tell me though was about Christmas in the trenches. How the armies of opposing sides, Australian and German would lay down their arms, gather together and sing carols with a glass of sherry. It was Henry’s way of telling me how senseless war really was.  

Henry gave me a love of gardening that I still have today. My grandfather’s garden, front and back were the best in the street and my grandmother filled their house with bunches of beautiful blooms.  

My love of gardening and what I learnt from Henry was behind my drive to successfully implement the Stephanie Alexander Garden program in two primary schools. The garden and kitchen for some students is where they excel. Academic studies for some students do not ignite their passion to learn but the garden and kitchen does.  

The reason for writing about my story is to encourage you to ensure your children know about their grandparents and/or your stories. It is so important for your children to know the histories and journeys of their families.  

It’s also imperative that children and adults have a therapy. What activity or place puts us in a happy space? 

Today (Thursday) I listened via WebEx to the Year 5 & 6 students who were finalists for the Rotary Speech Competition. How proud I was of all of them. Such confident, expressive and talented speakers. Summer’s really resonated with me when she talked about her mind and ’painting a picture of her thinking.’ Cleo’s too, when she talked about the way to save the world was for ‘adults to be more positive, more creative and more energetic like kids.’ Each and everyone of the twelve speakers were inspirational. Congratulations to Aidan O, Alice M, Eleanor R, Summer S, Evan F, Quan, T, Lily B, Devika R, Tayah B Isabel Z, Cleo T and Lily W on their superlative performances.  

Tomorrow will be a very busy day interviewing for a new teacher to replace Ms Kimielle D’Mello.  

Kimielle has been the successful applicant for a teaching position at Glen Waverley Primary School commencing term 4. It is always a loss when teachers move from the school and even more so when they are talented, committed and respected by students and the community as Kimielle is. Every morning when I have seen Kimielle at school she greets you with a wide, welcoming smile. The students have been recipients of that warm welcome every morning too when they enter her classroom. We will certainly Miss Kimielle but wish her all the very best in her future career. Although Kimielle has only been at the school for a short time we will remember her most fondly for the care she has shown towards her students and the commitment she has had to her students’ education.  

Yesterday’s news about the extended lockdown and remote learning until the end of term 3, wasn’t really what I wanted to hear. However, being united and staying positive will get us through.  

I’d much prefer to be in the trenches with people who are willing to cooperate, collaborate and remain focused on being positive. Christmas with sherry is not really my cup of tea but to be sharing a Christmas with family certainly is.  

Enjoy the glorious sunshine of spring and ensure to spend time in your therapy space.  

Warm Regards



Gayle