Dear families,

What a busy first half of term we have already had and there is so much more to come.

This week we acknowledge that it is National Reconciliation Week with Tuesday being Sorry Day. It was humbling to hear the discussions from students in the 3-6 space as they discussed the importance of this day and week in working towards a shared understanding and ownership.

We also were lucky enough to have our preschool members of the community join us for National Simultaneous Story time where students got to participate in a shared reading of Luna Roo. As a Dymock Children’s Charities School we were lucky to be gifted two copies of this picture book as part of the program.

There a a number of students who are heading out of school this week as representatives of our great school. Ben, Josh, Eli and Cailin have been travelling to Temora as part of trade taster programs. Alleah is proudly representing both the school and her culture as a member of the Riverina First Nations Dance Group. We know she will shine brightly on stage this week and Mrs Lord and a group of students will be there to support her. Cross Country is again being held in Coolamon and we want to wish all our competitors who have progressed to this level the best of luck.

NSW Public Schools Student Survey - This term we are offering our students the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which was sent home on Tuesday, and return it to the school. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss.

NSW Public Schools Parent Survey - We are inviting parents and carers to participate in the NSW Public Schools Parent Survey. The survey gives you the opportunity to share your experience at our school, including communication, inclusion, wellbeing and how your child’s learning is supported.

Hearing directly from our parents and carers will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made. Participation in the survey is optional, your responses are anonymous, and it takes around 10 to15 minutes to complete. You can access the survey at

https://surveyme.education.nsw.gov.au/sc/6syNLeK41eQpq-Z8-FvFgg2.

Further information about the NPSS Parent Survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss.

Uniform - Again, I would like to state that we have a uniform and that students are required to attend school dressed appropriately. Crocs are not safe footwear and therefore should not be worn. Oodies are also not part of the school uniform. If your child requires additional items please contact the school. Red and black are our school colours. If there is a family emergency and your child is not able to wear full uniform, please try and send them in the appropriate colours.

Upgrades in school - I am sure that many of you have driven past and seen some of the exciting things that are happening to help make our school shine.

Mr Osborne has been shifting a number of the commemorative bricks into a better location at the front of the school. The basketball court is now blue and our backboards are fresh and ready for action, and the timber buildings have been refreshed, with some windows also to be fully replaced as part of ongoing works through the department.

We are still waiting for a start date for the agriculture area and will keep you posted once this has begun.

Mrs Taylor

Merino Wether Challenge Update