Principal's Report 

Dear Parents, 

Hasn't winter hit with a vengeance! It has been bitterly cold of late, quite a difference to the mild weather we seem to have been accustomed to. With the cold weather of course comes colds and viruses for students and staff, as well as the ongoing effects of COVID.  Some grades have had up to 50% of students away on any given day due to such. Of course it has also had a dramatic impact on our workforce, which is not unique to Mackellar, or schools for that matter. 

With high numbers of staff taking leave due to this, which is expected and appropriate, we have had to rely on casual relief teachers, however they too are in very short supply. Hence, we have been collapsing (or splitting) grades, we have had other staff covering grades in the short term, asking staff to work on their regular days off, and even seeking support from the Department's Regional or Central workforce to cover shortfalls. This situation looks likely to continue for sometime, and your understanding, patience and cooperation is highly appreciated during this difficult time.  

In our work to limit the spread of viruses, we do encourage parents to keep their children home if they are unwell. Stopping the spread of such viruses is crucial to reducing the impact on the school, and those within it.  Once here however, sanitising stations are available widely throughout the school.  Ventilators are in every learning space, with more than one in larger spaces. Masks wearing is always an option for staff and students if they so wish as we all try to come to terms with this dramatic increase in illnesses. If your child is away, please be sure to mark this on XUNO. 

Separate to all things illness related, staff have been busily writing reports ready for distribution via XUNO before the end of the term.  As was the case last year, parent-teacher interviews will be held early into term three to allow parents time to digest the contents of the report, and come ready for a detailed discussion with teachers after the break.  Once ready, we will inform our community of when they can make bookings for interviews next term. 

On a sad note for us, but a happy note for Dionne in the office; Dionne is leaving us to take up a career in a new field. Many of you will know Dionne as one of the friendly faces of Mackellar greeting visitors upon arrival.  Later this week Dionne will commence a career working for Western Health. Whilst we wish her all the very best in this new role, we will certainly miss her infectious laugh and her hard work. Dionne, on behalf of all of the Mackellar community, thank you for your time here at Mackellar Primary School and we all hope this next step is a wonderful journey for you. 

Thank you for your cooperation with our five day break of pupil free days, weekends and a public holiday.  We understand that this can be challenging for families for one day, let alone multiple. As it currently stands, there are no pupil free days scheduled for term three. However, as with the recently added day this term, the Department may change this. If they do, we will of course keep you updated.

Finally, a reminder that the last day of term 2 is Friday June 24 with school concluding at 2:30pm. 

Regards, 

Simon McGlade

Principal