Primary News

With the summer holidays now a distant memory and the sand that was between our toes all but washed down the sink, we have all come to the realisation that the school term has now started.

With a great flurry and immeasurable excitement our Primary students headed down the paths, or up the steps from Sandy Bay Road, along the back streets of Sandy Bay or jumped out at Kiss and Drop.  Some students took off at a rate of knots with parents or carers lagging behind carrying heavy bags full of books, carefully positioned lunch boxes and dreams of what the term and the year will have in store for their son or daughter.  

For some students this walk was easy as the sight of a familiar face eased the stress of the morning routine.  But for others, the wander down the path was a little difficult as it brought with it some anxious moments and questions about not what the day would hold but maybe what the next 10 minutes would - it was safer to hold on to mum’s hand.  

A new school year for anyone can be tricky.  Whether it is the start of the final year of Primary, starting in Kinder, or moving schools, it can take time to settle.  Be reassured however, that as a Primary community we hold dearly and close to our hearts, the importance of welcoming and ensuring all feel a sense of belonging.  It may not have felt like it on day one, but as this week unfolds, and weeks ahead progress, what seemed daunting will have drifted away behind us.

Let us move forward in the spirit of faith which inspires confidence and courage.

Mary Aikenhead foundress of the Sisters of Charity

Welcome to our Primary Staff 

The school year has started with absolute gusto and it has been so rewarding for me as Director of Primary to watch in awe at what staff have done over the holidays and the first week back. With pride in their job and passion for learning and how it is delivered, staff have been creating and planning engaging units, inspiring classrooms and considered spaces for all our learners to enjoy.  As educators we have a strong, dynamic team and we are so excited to work with you throughout the year. 

Teams do change, and in 2023 we welcome a number of new staff to our community and I am sure you will join me in making them feel welcomed.  

New staff joining our Primary team are:

• Megan Richardson - Principal 
• Natasha Cormie - Kindergarten Teacher Assistant (starting in late February) 
• Julie Smith - Year 1 
• Katie Harper - Year 6 Navy
• Susie Allan - Japanese 
• Demi Harding - Teacher Assistant
• Jess Trost - Dance

We also welcome back some familiar faces to our Primary team:

• Kate Murphy - Year 1 
• David Wierenga - Year 6 White
• Anna Cazaly - Primary Teacher

Thank You

For many the holidays bring joy and well spent time with family and friends.  But it can also present itself with the juggle of working and finding care for your son or daughter.  The Primary staff recognise that it can be difficult and appreciate all that the holidays challenges can afford and thank you.  

Primary Staff Gatherings

Throughout last week the Primary staff gathered on numerous occasions to work either as part of the whole College community, with other staff from the Catholic sector, as a Primary team or within collaborative planning teams.  The time together was important as it allowed us to build on and celebrate what is important for us as not just a College but as a Kinder to Year 6 staff.  Part of the Primary Staff meeting last week saw staff put in teams and compete in a Scavenger Hunt around the school.  This allowed those who were new to get to know others as well as get to see the school ground in a different light.  Who knew we would all be so competitive!   

Sourcing Information

We live in a society that is constantly on the GO and often we miss information or need to ask someone quickly.  Often we find that this is not always correct. The same can be said when parents are wanting to find out what is going on at school or what may be coming up.  

It is important to recognise that the main sources of information that parents need to access are The View which is published fortnightly on a Thursday, the College's Facebook page and the electronic calendar.  

Other ways of providing parents with information is through EdSmart correspondence, which provides information about excursions, upcoming events or changes that are required to be made.  You can also email your child’s classroom teacher.  However, please be mindful that they will not be able to reply straight away given that they are teaching all day, and often on duty and then attending meetings - there is a 48 hour window.  And of course the other source of information is through contacting the Student Services team in the front office who are always a wealth of knowledge. 

The Morning Routine

It has been so wonderful to see so many of you dropping off and collecting over the past week.  It is certainly a far cry from the start of last year where we were not allowed to have any parents/carers in any of our spaces for such a long period of time.  Week 1 has allowed you time to see the physical spaces, meet teachers and recognise routines, all of which assists in future drop offs. 

In Week 2 we go back to what we started last year with students playing in the playground until 8:25am and then lining up when the bell is rung. 

Students line up:

• on the basketball court (Prep - Year 4)
• near the steps to the Music Room (Year 5)
• on the grass outside Providence House (Year 6).   

Please remember you are always welcome into classrooms and we love to see you as it allows partnerships to be formed and subsequently maintained. If a conversation, however, is about learning or anything social and emotional, it is recommended that you email and book an appointment.  It is hard for the class teacher to have what is often a personal conversation, when trying to get students ready for the day. 

Ice cream and Icy pole order

Parents are asked, if possible, to order ice creams or other extra items through Qkr!, the online lunch ordering system, or have them written on their lunch order bag.  This is especially helpful in our Early Years classes.

Parent Connections Evening 

On Tuesday 14 February all parents/carers are invited to attend our Parent Connections Evening.  This is an opportunity to meet the class teacher as well as other parents or carers within that class.  Information about curriculum taught, routines within the class itself and an opportunity to participate in a Q&A are just some elements of the evening and you are strongly encouraged to attend.  Information was sent electronically to parents and carers on Tuesday, and a small change to location for Years 5 and 6 has been made. Year 5 is starting their presentation in the Drama Studio and Year 6 in the Cahill Centre (Hall) before heading to your daughter’s classroom.  

Schedule of Year level meetings (held in classrooms - except for Years 5 and 6) 

Primary Swimming Carnival

Information about our upcoming Primary Swimming Carnival went home to all families from Prep to Year 6 on Friday 3 February. Please ensure that you have read the documentation and completed the consent section no later than today.  If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Ms Nikki Stuart or myself.