Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 3!

I hope you and your children had a welcome change of pace over the holiday break and enjoyed some quality family time. All our students have now settled back to normal school routines with a strong focus on learning.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Davies for Relieving as Principal during my unexpected leave. Mrs Davies led with passion and conviction and ensured several major works were completed on schedule. In addition, my sincere gratitude to the school's executive team, teachers and office staff who supported Mrs Davies throughout the twelve weeks. Also, thank you to all the families who inquired about my health and sent their well wishes.

Three Years Already

It has been 3 years since my appointment as the permanent principal of wonderful Windang PS. You often hear me say it's important to respect the past and use the past to plan for the future. This is exactly what I've being doing over the last 3 years. On my appointment I shared it was an honour and privilege to lead the incredible students, staff and community that makes our school unique. Today, I feel exactly the same with the same passion and commitment in leading our school to be the best and school of choice for families. In the last 3 years all areas within our school have either been rebuilt or refurbished. The "some school projects" page within this newsletter has a chronological account of the work that has been completed. Of course during this time we also experienced the pandemic, learning from home on two accounts, reviewed and changed or adjusted various literacy and numeracy teaching and learning methodologies.

Mrs D

This term we welcomed back Mrs D after maternity leave. Mrs D is known to many of our students and families as she has been a valued member of staff for many years. Mrs D is teaching Year 6 on Mondays and Tuesdays.

NAIDOC Celebrations

This year Uncle Richard Campbell from Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience led our celebrations with a traditional smoking ceremony, welcome to country and played the didgeridoo. These experiences complement the teaching and learning that we aim for everyday in every classroom where teachers are embedding a First Nations perspective.

Every year there is a theme for NAIDOC and this year’s theme is “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! And this year’s NAIDOC poster is a symbol of the survival of our First Nations People.

Every time we come together as a community, we share our joys together. The connections of “holding hands” working towards true partnership is a moment of joy undeniably that brings us all closer together.

School Debating Team

Congratulations to our Windang PS legends Phoenix, Imogen S, Ginny and Hunter on winning three consecutive rounds of the Premier’s Debating Challenge!

They were the negative team against Dapto PS; scoring a win with some amazing arguments. They were the affirmative team against Shellharbour PS and each speaker did an amazing job with their rebuttals and putting forward persuasive arguments against Oak Flats PS.

These wins are extra special as this is the first time these students have entered the Premier's Debating Challenge thus a job well done indeed. I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs U for her dedication and commitment in preparing the students for each debate.

Year 6 T-Shirts

There were lots of smiles and excitement when the Year 6 T-Shirts arrived! Don't they look fabulous! Students will be able to wear these everyday throughout Semester 2 (term 3 & term 4) Mondays to Fridays.

Education Week - Creating Futures, Education Changes Lives

This week is Education Week; an annual celebration of NSW public education and the achievements of our schools, students and education system.  There is a different theme each year and this year's theme is Creating Futures, Education Changes Lives.

To celebrate Education Week we will be showcasing the amazing work of our students, teachers and staff along with coordinating some fun events for everyone to enjoy.

Windang Playgroup - Ages 0 to 4 - Starts Friday 19 August

Windang PS P&C Winter Pie Drive

Our fabulous P&C have again partnered with Queen Street Bakery for our winter Pie Drive!

Order your pies online at www.store61686256.company.site

Orders close 5th August

Collection 19th August

Thank you for supporting the P&C, our students and school!

Windang PS Community Gardening Club

Enormous gratitude to all community members who have volunteered to join the Windang PS Community Garden Club. You often hear me say, many hands makes light work. Therefore if you're free for any of the advertised gardening club dates please come along and help us maintain our beautiful grounds for our children to enjoy.

Happy Education Week everyone - stay COVID safe.

Loreta Kocovska

Principal

Windang Public School

Southern Stars