From the School Leadership Team 

Chère communauté de CJC,

Dear parents, carers and extended community,

Building Work

You may have noticed that our school resembles more of a building site, rather than a school at the moment! The portables arrived in the school carpark this week, the contractors have been busy putting the shells of the buildings together. They are brand new, off the factory line. Work will commence on the internals next week, fitting out whiteboards, WiFi, power and everything else that goes with a classroom. At this stage, students in the junior building are expected to begin their learning in these spaces in the first week of March.

The new ramp to the junior playground has been installed with some fake turf on one side. The area is now fully accessible to use. 

A reminder that the senior playground will undergo an upgrade in two weeks’ time, they have informed us that it should take no longer than a week to install. 

Mr Chant

Mr Chant will return from his well-deserved break on Monday. We are looking forward to his return, as I know you are. 

Student Shoes

We have noticed an increase of students wearing casual runners (smooth sole) to school. Students need to wear sport runners, as this ensures there is grip underneath the foot and will minimise the chance of a slip, trip or fall.

Linda Golding – Literacy Consultant

Linda returned to us this week to work with our Year 3 – 6 teachers for the implementation of the Orton Gillingham Approach. She modelled lessons, observed teachers and conducted professional learning for our staff. Linda will be returning in week 7 to continue this work and to ‘check-in’ on how we are going and to monitor student progress.

Once we are through the implementation phase over the next year or so, this will be a consistent approach to teach fundamental literacy skills.

If you would like to read more about this approach you can do so here:

 https://www.ortonacademy.org/resources/what-is-the-orton-gillingham-approach/

Resources for parents can be found here:

 https://www.ortonacademy.org/for-parents/resources-for-parents/

Coby Reynolds – Digital Technologies Consultant

Coby returned to us this week to continue providing our staff with support and learning in the technologies space. The work focused around how to ensure digital literacy skills were being taught across P-6 and how these skills can support and enhance learning. He will return to us later in the term to conduct lessons in classrooms for teachers to observe and for them to implement. 

Magic Classes / SOCCERWISE

Two of our most sought after extra-curricular activities began this week. It’s great to see a high number of students involved in these sessions developing a vast array of skills.

French National Assessment

I must apologise for my mistake in last week’s newsletter, I wrote the wrong date for these assessments. They will begin on the 24th February. Again, they are a diagnostic test and families do not need to do any preparation with their children for these assessments. 

Cyber Safety

Our Year 5/6 students will attend their first Cyber Safety session for this year next Tuesday. We value these sessions, as they support the responsible use of technologies and provide knowledge and skills for students to be aware of potential dangers online. 

An online parent session is scheduled for Thursday Night at 6pm. We will send out a reminder next week with the relevant information. 

SuperSwim Update

A huge thank you to everyone for your support, I have reached the target of raising $1000. I’ve swam 15km so far, just under halfway! Many sick children have been supported through everyone’s generosity and my belt buckle has gone down an extra notch! 

I wish you all an enjoyable weekend, keep dry and enjoy your family time.

Mr Borg