Across Oliver's Desk 

Dear Parents & Carers,

OUR WONDERFUL CHILDREN

We really do have wonderful children at our school. Every day I see students looking out for other students in the corridors, in class and in the yard. Last week however, something really special happened that I would like to highlight. At the end of the day and with rain tumbling down at Woori (it always seems to rain at 3pm at Woori?) one of our grade one children decided to head towards the shops. Two of our older students, Riley Bond and Arabella Syme noticed that she had left without a parent and went to ask her if she was alright. They ended up bringing her back to after school care and all was well. A big thank you to both our girls but also to all our children that constantly perform acts of kindness. 

Our school is so settled and calm, it is a pleasure for me to walk down our corridors and see happy smiling children loving their class, teacher and school. 

COVID

I know you are aware, through my notifications that we are getting between one and two student cases a day, although this week has been better. We have also had some staffing issues, which we expected. Like everyone else staff have had their issues with being a close contact or have been sick themselves. Getting replacement teachers is very difficult at the moment and may be a problem all year. I would say that in general, we are still running normally most days which is a real positive. We did have a day last week where seven staff were absent on the same day, a challenge but we got through it with everyone doing extra. Our staff always take on extra when they need to and I am always amazed at their incredible commitment. 

With so many students having to miss school because of COVID, we are aware that teachers will need to catch children up on concepts missed when students return to school. Student absences will be at their greatest ever this year, which of course concerns us greatly. It is really important that when students are able to be at school, they are. 

• If for any reason your child must miss school, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher so that they can send some relevant work via email. 
• Remember, EVERY DAY COUNTS. If your child must miss school, please send a note of explanation or contact the school via the Compass App. 
• Sickness  – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill or there are COVID rules in place. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference. 
• ‘Day off’ – Please think twice before letting your child have a ‘day off’ as they will miss important learning on that day – EVERY DAY COUNTS! 

HOUSE SPORTS

House sports is next Friday the 18th March. House sports at Woori Yallock P.S. has a fantastic picnic feel to it. While the students are battling it out for house shield glory in a range of events, there will be a sausage sizzle run by our Parents and Friends group. There are lots of opportunities to see your child/children shine and collect lots of ribbons.

All parents are invited to attend the day which starts at 9:30am with a house parade. The day ends with our teacher vs parent relay race. This race has been won by the teachers for the past 9 years even though Jacinta Van Eijk has tried her best to recruit and train parents. I’m looking forward to seeing what Jacinta has for us this year, last year was the closest finish ever so maybe this could be the year for our parents to take home the prize. Although I think 10 in a row does sound very good for our teachers! 

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our school council nominations have been completed. The following parents and staff members will make up our school council for 2022.  School council sets the direction of the school and checks to make sure that proper procedures are being followed particularly with school finances. The following parents and staff make up this year’s school council. 

Our first meeting of the year will be on the Monday 21st of March. At the meeting we will table the annual report. Once approved our annual report will be placed on our website so that everyone has access to it.

Have a great week!

And remember when life gets a little difficult escape to the wonderful world of a book!