Relieving Deputy Principal's 

Report

Dear Parents and Carers

Although we are getting close to the end of the 2022 school year, we haven’t stopped yet! It has remained a busy time at Oak Flats Public School with teachers and students completing final units of learning across the curriculum. The school is busily preparing for our special end of year activities including the whole-school Year 6 fundraiser Rainbow Fest, Carols at the Flats, class parties, Presentation Day and the Year 6 Farewell. It is hard to believe that in two short weeks we will be saying goodbye to our Year 6 students, but after hearing the speeches of our aspiring school leaders this week, I know OFPS is in good hands!

TRANSITION

Next week, our Kindergarten and Year 2 students will be participating in transition activities. The jump from one stage to another can be daunting for some students, especially in a school that is designed like ours with separate junior and primary areas. To ensure our students feel supported in their transition, they will be spending time with the current teachers and students in the grades above. During transition, students will be participating in team building, cooperative and creative activities. They will also spend time exploring their new learning and play areas, and sharing lunch and recess together. 

P&C DISCOS 

A huge thank you to our wonderful P&C volunteers who helped run the very successful Christmas-themed discos last week. It was wonderful to see our students enjoying this fun event and dancing together to celebrate a successful year of learning. Thank you also to our parents and carers who embraced the holiday theme! Not only did we see an abundance of green and red, tinsel and sparkles, Santa hats and reindeer antlers but also spotted was Mr and Mrs Claus, Christmas angels, elves and even a Christmas tree. 

CAROLS AT THE FLATS

We are gearing up for an AMAZING night of family fun and entertainment at Carols at the Flats next Thursday, 8 December 2022. On the night there will be:

- Christmas carols from students P-6 and performances by the school choral group and choir 

- a variety of delicious foods to purchase including a sausage sizzle, Dippin’ Dots, slushies, twisted potatoes, woodfired pizza, hot and cold beverages from the coffee van and sweet treats

- glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, rings and glasses to purchase from $1 - $5

- free family photos with Santa

- our Christmas raffle draw with the major prize worth over $1000!

So, bring your picnic blankets, camping chairs, best Christmas outfits and spare change and come along to enjoy our school community event.

Please note: Carols at the Flats is an alcohol and smoke free event. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

We are very excited to be running a Christmas raffle this year with the major prize of a children’s electric bike and helmet kindly donated by Carr Brothers Motorcycles. Other fabulous prizes include a $50 C1 Speed voucher, $50 IGA gift voucher, 1 month Anytime Fitness membership and merchandise pack, Naveen Beauty spray tan, Bendigo Bank hamper with a $100 Coles Myer gift voucher, and hampers of Christmas foods, art supplies, toys and beauty products. We have been truly touched by the generosity of our community. Tickets are $2 each and can be purchased via https://rafflelink.com.au/ofpsxmasraffle2022... or at Carols at the Flats. Prizes will be drawn at the Carols so get your tickets and support your children’s learning!

ATTENDANCE

Research shows a clear link between student attendance and academic achievement. Above 95% is the expected student attendance from the NSW Department of Education.

It is important that students attend school every day. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

• being sick or having an infectious disease
• having an unavoidable medical appointment
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
• exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

Please remember that following an absence, parents and carers are required to explain the absence within 7 days of the first day of a student’s absence. Absences can be explained via email, phone, replying to SMS notifications, or via a letter on return to school. After three days absence, a medical certificate is required.

Have a fantastic final school fortnight!

Warm Regards

Emily Chatterton