Principal's Report

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe that summer is over and we are rapidly heading towards Easter and the school holidays. As the weather is getting cooler, it is an ideal time to check that your child has school clothes that meet our Uniform expectations. Please have a look at the General Information page in this newsletter for Uniform expectations and details. Uniforms can be purchased through the front office. Please note that the office will be closed from Friday 15th - Monday 25th April and will reopen on Tuesday 26th April.

We recently held our Annual General Meeting and shared some highlights from 2021 and reported on the progress we have made against our school priority of reading. At the end of last year, all schools reviewed their priorities and achievements and established their next 3 year plan. Our new plan identifies reading and writing as our priorities for the next 3 years.

We also had the opportunity to hear from our 2021 Governing Council Chairperson, Tanja Pfitzner, as she reflected on the work and achievements of the Governing Council in 2021.

I have included her report below:

In 2021, with some interruption to general business by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Governing Council was able to:

assist the OSHC service with implementing measures to streamline processes and make the business more compliant and financially viable. These measures included the Fully Booked booking system, which so far has been a great success, a review of debt recovery policies and procedures, staff contracts and monitoring general compliance, just to name a few
help with the review of the school's mobile phone and attendance policies
lodge an objection to the proposed (and inopportune) development of a child care facility on a neighbouring property. This proposal was subsequently refused by Plan SA and the proposed development will not proceed
undergo and update required training for Governing Council members/volunteers
assist university students with their OT research project, conducted at Clovelly Park Primary School, by providing feedback and suggestions for desirable outcomes
A highlight this year was the fantastic efforts by the Fundraising Committee who not only organised a number of fundraising events such as a Mother's Day and Father's Day stall, but also spent numerous hours organising special school lunches which were greatly received by both the children and the school community.

We thank Tanja for her leadership as Chairperson of the Governing Council and all outgoing members for their support and positive contributions to our school.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to impact on schools, families and communities. As you may be aware, Temporary Relief Teachers (TRT's) are in short supply at the moment due to the impact of COVID in schools. To date, we have been very fortunate that we have managed to get TRT's to cover most staff when they are absent. On occasions when this has not been possible, we have utilised Specialist Teachers and Leadership staff to work with classes. We thank you for being diligent and keeping your children home if they are unwell and getting them tested if they have COVID symptoms. Please ensure that you communicate with us if your child becomes COVID positive.

You will notice that schools are no longer sending home Classroom Contact letters to individual classes. This communication has been replaced by a communication to all families reporting on the number of COVID positive cases and the year levels impacted. We are sending these out via email and Skoolbag.

As this is the last newsletter for Term 1, we thank you for your ongoing support and wish you a relaxing and healthy holiday break. For those travelling over Easter and the holidays, please take care and stay safe on the roads.

A reminder that the last day for students this term is on Wednesday 13 April as staff are attending a Professional Learning Day on Thursday 14 April.

We look forward to seeing you all on Monday 2nd May for the start of Term 2.

Kind regards,

Terena Pope