Relieving Deputy Principal's Report

Hello Everyone,

Another school term is upon us and in full swing. I hope you all had a relaxing and safe Easter break and spent time with family and friends. Last Wednesday was a special day watching the hundreds of smiling faces return to school meeting up with friends and sharing stories of their holidays.

This term, I am very privileged to work in the role of Relieving Deputy Principal and supervising the Early Stage 1 Team of teachers, staff and students. I also look forward to continuing to work with parents, teachers and children across the school.

We have had a busy start to Term 2, with students participating in a variety of activities. In less than two short weeks we have hosted a successful cross-country carnival, students in Stage 3 have attended a three day camp to Canberra, Aboriginal homework group has recommenced and some students participated in the PSSA Rugby League Gala Day. This has occurred at the same time as quality teaching in classrooms and learning spaces, and variety of extra-curricular activities including Acapella Group, Choir, Year 2 Dance and the Tournament of Minds team.

Attendance

This Term, we are once again aiming for students at Oak Flats Public School, to have an attendance rate of 90% and above. As always, the teaching staff at OFPS are here to support you and your child in any way we can regarding attendance. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

On occasion, children may need to be absent from school. 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.

Bike Safety

We have several students who ride their bike to and from school.

Below are some tips to help keep your children and others safe when riding their bike to school.

Teach your children to be safe bicycle riders by getting them to always:

■ follow bicycle road rules including:

- ride to the left on footpaths

- give pedestrians right of way on footpaths

- watch out for cars entering or leaving driveways

■ wear a correctly fitted bicycle helmet – it’s the law

■ wear bright-coloured clothing such as a vest so other road users can see them.

Learning Labs

Learning Labs, an enrichment program for high achieving students presented by the Outreach and Widening Participation Unit at the University of Wollongong. Workshops run over one and two-days and are a great opportunity for students to explore their areas of interest. There will be diverse and innovative workshops presented by academics and teachers with specialist training or a specific interest area. Each workshop will be pitched at a flexible two years above their grade level. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Year 5 Opportunity Class 2024

Online applications for Year 5 placement in an opportunity class in 2024 are open and close on Monday, 15 May 2023. 

Parents and carers must apply online between Thursday, 30 March and Monday, 15 May 2023 at https://education.nsw.gov.au/oc

You must use your own email address and not one belonging to your child. 

Late applications cannot be accepted except where some very stringent conditions are met. The Opportunity Class Placement Test will be conducted on Thursday, 27 July. 

As we move forward into Term 2, Oak Flats Public School will continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn and grow.

Have a great fortnight!

Alice Wigny