From the Principal's Desk
Week 9 Update
We have a busy week at MGPS this week with many students representing our school and engaging in many exciting opportunities.
On Monday we had many swimmers represent at the PSSA Swimming Carnival. We would like to congratulate everyone who participated and especially recognise Lia and Nixon who have made it through to State level. You may have even caught Nixon's interview on the local news. We are so proud of each and every one of you!
Tuesday - Jeb and Josh attended the Northwest AFL trials. In speaking to the boys, they said they had a fun day with approximately 50 students trying out.
Stage 2 students had the privilege of learning from Aboriginal guest speaker, Dave Widders, who shared valuable insights about the deep connection Aboriginal people have with the land and their sustainable practices over thousands of years. Dave also emphasised the importance of using respectful and accurate terminology when discussing Aboriginal culture.
Today, Olivia B, Xanthe, Lucinda and Olivia participated in the Kids Lit Quiz Australia, at Armidale City Public School accompanied by Mrs Bull. It was a fun trivia quiz style competition, we had lots of chatter, for kids who are into reading. We had 10 rounds of ten questions each which were themed. The Martin's Gully team had a great time.
Lia, Pippa and Josh also represented MGPS in PSSA hockey today in Tamworth. Pippa and Joshua were successful in making the NW team to attend the State Championships in Newcastle next term. Lia also played extremely well and is first reserve.
Tomorrow 6 students will take part in the New England Junior and Senior Drama Workshop. These fun and interactive workshops provide students with the opportunity to explore and refine their skills in specific drama styles and techniques. We look forward to hearing all about it from Rikki, Olivia O, Lucinda, Abbie, Lia and Alana.
And on Friday, Newling Public School has invited Years 5 & 6 to join them to celebrate Harmony Day and provide a valuable social opportunity by participating in the Slime Fest! I look forward to some great photos and stories from the day!
What wonderful opportunities our students have to extend their learning, learn with others and make new friends and skills. Thank you to all of the teachers who accompany and organise these events for your children and for your support in helping to ensure students get there and back.
Staff Professional Learning
In the coming weeks, all staff will engage in learning focused on vocabulary, utilising data to guide our classroom decision-making, curriculum, and planning for next term. This offers valuable opportunities for collaboration, discussion about teaching practices, and celebrating our successes. We look forward to sharing the wonderful learning with you and your children throughout the year.
P&C Support
A big thank you to the P&C for the fantastic Harmony Day morning tea last Friday! It was wonderful to see our students celebrating one another, appreciating their differences, and being part of our amazing MGPS community. Thank you to our community who supported this fundraiser for our school.
Our next P&C event is the Easter raffle, easter bun orders and lunch order day. Donations of Easter eggs for the raffle are welcome at the front office. Please drop ticket books and chocolates to the office by the 10th of April. Hot cross bun orders are closing 1st April with orders made on the Qkr app. Again, we thank you for your continued support. These events will coincide with our K-6 Easter Hat parade on Friday 11th of April.
Picking up and dropping off at school
A reminder that safety is our priority when picking up children from school. Please do not park near the bus collection area and call your child across the road. Instead, kindly exit your vehicle and walk with them to ensure they cross safely.
Additionally, the parking area at the front of the school is designated for 5-minute pick-up and drop-off only. It is not intended for waiting or parking for extended periods. We understand parking can be challenging, but your child's safety is our top concern. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.
Wellbeing - Zones of Regulation
What is regulation and how can it help us?
Regulation means being able to adjust or control something, so it works well. There are different things we can regulate, such as the speed of a fan or the temperature of water.
We can also regulate our body in a variety of ways: Eating a snack to regulate hunger, drinking water to regulate thirst, taking a nap to regulate being tired, putting on a jacket to regulate temperature, using deep breathing to regulate feelings and behaviours.
Some things in our body are easier to regulate, like temperature or hunger, while others take more time to learn, such as being able to regulate our feelings. In fact, adults continue to develop these skills as we work to manage the stressors in life.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Regulation is an important skill that helps us manage life’s ups and downs. It supports our ability to work, to interact with others, and to feel more comfortable throughout our day. To put it another way, regulation supports our well-being. Please find attached the glossary of terms used within the Zones of Regulation program that you can incorporate into your talk at home.
Martin's Gully official Facebook page
If you are on Facebook here is the QR code to access our official Martin’s Gully PS Facebook page. Our school puts up new photos on Facebook most days of different classes and their learning and activities. This is different from the MGPS Parents page, and we would love to see more engagement so feel free to share it to ensure further opportunities for communication between home, school and the broader community. Updates to changes in our calendar are often shared here along withWhat's Happening on COMPASS.
Please keep checking our What's Happening for events coming up next week and for the remainder of the term.
Wishing all families a wonderful week!
Mrs Polson