
Dear Yarra Community,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents, students and in particular, our staff for the way we have approached the last few days.
There is an interesting quote about adversity attributed to novelist James Lane Allen:
“Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.” How you handle a crisis is a test of your character.
Congratulations to both Elizabeth Davis and Mike Whitlock on their successful nominations for 2021 School Council. There was no need for a vote as the number of nominations equalled the number of vacancies. Of course, we will be looking for parents with particular interests or skills to join and be involved with our subcommittees, which will be announced after our next School Council meeting on Tuesday 16th March.
Many thanks to the parents who have volunteered to assist with the Kitchen Garden program – your contribution is invaluable and ensures the program runs effectively.
Not much more to report, other than the anticipation that is ‘bubbling’ within our community for a functioning playground!!
Looking forward to the resumption of onsite learning for the remainder of the term.
Yours in partnership,
Valetta McDonald
Acting Principal
In Remembrance of Lindy Dadd
18/01/1961 – 15/12/2020
We recently received the sad news that one of our beloved and energetic past parents has lost her battle with brain cancer.
Lindy was a force to be reckoned with - her infectious smile, zest for life and tireless involvement in all community events. You may remember her from her role as Librarian at the Richmond Library. (My favourite time was story time with her and her with flaming red hair!)
Please take a moment to notice one of her contributions to Yarra Primary School whilst a parent within our community... the Lindy Dadd Bike Shed. A project that Lindy was passionate about to encourage children to be active and ride to school. (Lindy rode her bike everywhere!)
I would like to share an excerpt from the email I received from her eldest son James.
Good Morning,
Hope the school holidays are treating you well.
It's with great sadness that I write to advise that Lindy Dadd has passed away age 59 after a battle with brain cancer.
I'm a past student of Yarra Primary along with my brother and sister Amelia Dadd and Oliver Wright.
Lindy played a huge role in the funding application for the bike shed and it’s an honour to have her name listed there.
Mum worked for Yarra Libraries and read books to almost every child from our age group and also held nursing mothers groups. She was a wonderful community member and was on Yarra Primary School Council for years.
We are all still local to Richmond and I personally cycle past the bike shed all the time. And we get a lot of pleasure seeing it being used by students!
Hopefully the New Year is an easier one on the education system!
I have passed on our condolences to Lindy’s family and we wish them all the best for 2021.


I recently watched a TED Talk, where I discovered the term Multipotentialite. It describes people like me, who possess broad interests and skills, are quick learners, adaptable and empathise with a broad set of people and cultures. And that’s what I would bring to the position… an enthusiasm for the various topics that are brought before the council, the ability to contribute in many ways and to consider the spectrum of needs and wants of our school community.
Pom by birth, but now I like my beer cold. A product marketer with a sports and retail background. As parent of Benji who joined Prep this year and a 10+ year Richmond resident, like you, I want Yarra Primary to maximise its teaching and guidance potential, in order to benefit our children and our local community. So, providing the best environment and resources to facilitate this process… this is my goal.
Elizabeth Davis
I’m mum of Ethan in grade 5 and Zane who finished at Yarra last year and is now at Richmond High. I’ve worked as an accountant for over 20 years across various industries including financial services, hospitality and electrical services. I am currently CFO of a not-for-profit organisation who provide housing support and aged care services for elderly people who have been homeless. My current role is broad and encompasses finance, governance and compliance responsibilities. I enjoy being part of the school community and I was a parent member on the School Council Finance committee prior to joining School Council. I would love to hear from any parents who would like to join the Finance committee as a parent member. I believe that contributing to the school through being a member of school council benefits both the school and myself as I feel being part of school council enhances my understanding of my children’s school journey.
A little bit of TLC goes a long way, and our school garden is well under way to make a comeback in 2021.
We kindly ask any families who shop at Woolworths and have no need for the Discovery Garden seedlings to graciously donate them to help our garden reach its full potential.
If you would like to contribute, please drop them off to Leanne at the front office.
Happy Gardening!

| Week | Date | Class |
| 1 | Thurs 28/1 | - |
| 2 | Thurs 4/2 | 56A |
| 3 | Thurs 11/2 | 56B |
| 4 | Thurs 18/2 | 56C |
| 5 | Thurs 25/2 | 34A |
| 6 | Thurs 4/3 | 34B |
| 7 | Thurs 11/3 | 34C |
| 8 | Thurs 18/3 | 12A |
| 9 | Thurs 25/3 | 12B |
| 10 | Thurs 1/4 | 12C |
Upcoming Events
| Monday 13th March | Labour Day Public Holiday |
| Wednesday 15th March | Preps @ Yarra |
Further Ahead
Term Dates 2023
Term 1: 27th January (Teacher's start) - 6th April
Term 2: 24th April - 23rd June
Term 3: 10th July - 15th September
Term 4: 2nd October - 20th December
Student Free Days 2023
Friday 10th March
Friday 9th June
Friday 3rd November
Monday 6th November




