Hello Everyone

I would like to begin this newsletter by highlighting a significant day that we celebrated on Friday, 28 October, that being World Teachers’ Day. I would like to say a big thank you to our teachers who go above and beyond every day. I think you will agree that we have the best teachers working here at Oak Flats PS. Thank you to the P&C, Office and SLSO staff for organising a morning tea for us to celebrate the great work our teachers do. We are so grateful to be working with this amazing community. Every day students are supported, due to the strong collaboration and dedication of our staff and community.

Another highlight at our school this week was Grandparents Day on Tuesday. NSW Grandparents Day celebrates the diversity of grandparent relationships across age groups, cultural backgrounds, and geographical locations. Grandparents, grand-friends, kin, and those who take on the role of a grandparent in their family or community are recognised for their contributions. It was wonderful to see so many of our grandparents on site, attending the concert in the hall and visiting classrooms. There was a real buzz in the air and grandparents and children had an exciting day. I would like to thank Miss Connor for leading Grandparents Day at our school in 2022.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

A short commemoration over the loudspeaker and conducted by our Leaders will be held on Friday, 11 November to signify Remembrance Day. During the commemoration, the significance of Remembrance Day will be explained to students and the importance of understanding the impact that conflict has had on so many lives across the world. One minute of silence will also be adhered to.

EXCITING NEWS

Congratulations to Chelsea N who has been selected on the NSW Team to compete in Brisbane in the Combined event (100m, Shot Put, 800m, Long Jump) from the 17th - 21st of November. We are thrilled she has been given the opportunity to represent her School and her State at such a high level. Chelsea is a multi talented young athlete, and all that training and hard work she puts into her athletics shows on the track and field.

Congratulations Chelsea!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Students will now finish school on Friday 16 December 2022. This is due to an additional School Development Day announced for staff across NSW public schools. School Development Days allow our staff to participate in professional learning that was put on hold due to COVID-19 staffing pressures and plan ahead for 2023 to ensure we meet the needs of our students. With this change, we ask that you arrange alternative care for your child.

STUDENTS LEAVING 2022

Is your child leaving Oak Flats Public School? To facilitate our planning and class structure for next year, it is important that we know the number of students who will be enrolled at our school in 2022. If your child is not returning to our school next year could you please provide written notification as soon as possible stating your child's name, when their last day will be and what school they will be moving to via our email address:- oakflats-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

STAFFING AND CLASSING 2023

We are beginning the process of organising our projected classing and staffing for 2023. Budgets, staffing considerations and class compositions are currently in discussions.

While we start to consider the composition of classes for next year, we ask that if there is anything that you would like us to keep in mind for your child/ren, please let us know. As you can appreciate, we cannot guarantee that all requests are granted, however, they will most certainly be given careful and respectful consideration.

Please contact the school via email by Friday 18 November to provide any requests or considerations. Requests made after this date are unable to be considered.

SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR PLACEMENT IN YEAR 7 IN 2024

Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2024 opened on 18 October 2022. Applications will close on 16 November 2022. The due date is strictly observed. Requests for late applications will be approved only under very specific and well-documented circumstances.

Find information about the application and placement process and apply online at https://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/

All candidates are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test to be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. The online application dashboard enables parents to log in to make updates and add attachments even after an application is submitted. Parents also communicate directly with the Selective Education Unit through the system’s messages feature. Parents having difficulty completing or applying, should contact the Selective Education Unit through their application dashboard or, if unable to do so, by emailssu@det.nsw.edu.au.

Keep updated on the selective high school placement process via https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes.html

COVID-19 UPDATES

We have had some cases of COVID in our school recently.It is important that we are aware of the new expectations. The Department of Education has worked with NSW Health to determine the National Cabinet's recent decision to end isolation requirements.

From the 14 October, students and staff who test positive to COVID-19, will no longer be required to isolate, however the following measures are in place.

Students and staff should remain at home when sick.
We should only attend school when we are symptom free
If you or your family have been exposed to COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that you monitor for symptoms and RAT test if you have any concerns.
Wearing a mask is expected if you have tested positive, but is recommended if you have concerns or are at risk.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Have a great fortnight.

Alice Wigny

HPAG

High Potential and Gifted Education