Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

Road safety is important for everyone to ensure the safety of student and parents as they walk to and from school each day. We have crossing supervisors on crossings at Gilba Road, Targo Road and Bando Road. Parents and students must follow directions from crossing supervisors at all times. There is a need to stop pedestrians crossing and allow traffic to pass when it builds up. These are much safer road crossings for all students and parents when pedestrians follow the supervisors directions. Crossing are managed to ensure safety for everyone.

Use of the pedestrian crossing will be incorporated into our school evacuation safety drills held twice each year.

A number of students in our school suffer allergies that can produce serious reactions to nuts, seafood, dairy products and dust. To manage the safety of our students, parents are requested not to include nuts in any food brought to school. No food should be shared while at school.

Parents are requested to inform the school of any allergies their children have and if there are any changes to their child’s health care requirements. All staff are trained in emergency health care procedures and the use of epi pens to treat serious anaphylaxis, the allergic reaction to nuts and seafood. Epi pens are on hand at school and included in first aid kits taken on excursions and to sporting events.

COVID-19 vaccinations have begun in NSW This is a big step towards returning to normal life for all of us. While restrictions are being reduced, schools still require measures to ensure we do not allow transfer of infection. We will manage access to the school grounds each morning and afternoon. Parents should communicate with teachers via Seesaw and not approach classrooms. Messages can be left at the school office.

Parent - Teacher meeting sessions were held on Wednesday evening. Teachers were able to outline class operations, routines and programs for the year. I have received lots of positive feedback form parents and teachers. This was a COVID safe event. Different from previous years. Information discussed is available on our school website. Parents who were not able to attend can contact their child's teacher on Seesaw for class specific information.

A reminder to all parents that the annual contribution fees for this year will not be collected. To support all families managing recovery from COVID-19 we will not collect this money in 2021.

Our P&C meets on Wednesday 17 March at 7pm for its 2021 AGM. A nomination form for elected positions is included in this newsletter. If you are interested in nominating someone for an Executive Position, please complete this and return it to the school's office.

GPS P&C Constitution by-laws state that an individual will not serve more than three consecutive years in the same position. This means that for 2021 we will need a new President, one Vice-President and Secretary.

To be eligible for an Executive Position you must be a current member of the P&C. On 17 March anyone wishing to continue as a member of the P&C for 2021 will need to complete a membership form and pay the membership fee (which is currently $2).

Our P&C is an important link between the community, parents and the school. I highly recommend parents being involved in our P&C. There is strong support for anyone taking on a position in the P&C.

Years 3-6 will begin PSSA interschool sport competitions this week. This is a significant return to normal school activities. COVID safe restrictions are in place to ensure safety. I am sure our students will enjoy the return of competitive sport.

Enjoy the weekend everyone,

G. Walker