From the Principal
Welcome
A warm welcome to our 2019 students and staff. This year we welcome 80 new Preps and their families. They have made a wonderful transition to Primary School and their first few days have been very calm and positive. We have also enrolled new students from Years 1 to 6 giving us a total enrolment of about 480 students.
We also welcome our new teaching staff – Catherine Waters, Ayana Hibi, Virginia Shaw and Katharine Tsoucalas. All our staff have worked hard to be well prepared for the start of the school year. Hardly a day went by in January when there wasn’t at least one staff member in school preparing – and often a teaching team preparing their classroom or units of work. To them I say thank you very much. A particular thank you is extended to Jane McClelland, our Business Manager, and the Administration Team who worked so diligently completing our end of year financial roll over and completing the myriad of administrative tasks necessary for a smooth start to the school year.
January Works
As can be seen building works have been extensive over the holidays. The frame and concrete panels have been installed for the gymnasium, the community room of the kindergarten has been demolished to make way for the creation of an additional kindergarten room, the PAC has been cleared for renovation and plumbing and electrical work have also been carried out. Currently all works are ahead of schedule.
Flexibuzz
Our Flexibuzz ‘app’ gives all parents the opportunity to be contacted immediately for notices, reminders and any emergency situation. It is essential all parents and carers sign up to our school app. Included in this Newsletter is information regarding how to access the ‘app’. If you cannot access the Newsletter via the app please contact Susan Close in the school office to arrange an alternative method.
Recent media alerts have reminded us of the importance of procedures in case of an emergency. In the extremely unlikely event where the school needs to be evacuated it is vital we have a quick and effective method of contacting all parents and carers. During the building program it is also an effective way to let you know if any works being undertaken mean that some gates to the school are temporarily closed.
Parking
The lack of car parking around the school continues to be an issue that require parents to give due consideration to the way they get to and from school. Where possible families are encouraged to walk or ride on scooters or bikes to ease congestion.
The 2 minute drop off zone in Logie Street is monitored by Council Parking Officers. Many parents have been fined for parking there, even for a short time, and walking into the school. Parents also need to be aware students can only alight from a vehicle if it is parked within the parking bay. Should students exit a vehicle on the side of the road they are likely to be fined. It is also illegal to do a U turn and all vehicles who use the drop off zone must turn left into Warrigal Road.
Lunch Orders
A local external provider, AJ Bakery provides lunches to the school each Wednesday through to Friday. Orders must be given to the teacher at the start of the day. The lunch order menu is attached to this Newsletter as well as being on the school’s website.
Signing In
A reminder that students who are late to school are required to have their parents escort them to the office and complete a late pass for the class teacher.
Being late is a great inconvenience to the class teacher and the rest of the class for whom instruction has begun. Your child will also miss teacher modelling and instructions about how to complete the task. From 9.30 our office staff begin ringing the parents of students who have not turned up to school, unless you have notified us that they will be absent. It is very important that you let us know if your child is going to be away. You can do this by ringing the school on 9568 0558 and leaving a message on the absence line
Michele Nolan
Principal