Positive start to the new school year

We have had a great start to the year this week!  It has been so great catching up with all the students and hearing what they've been up to over the holiday break.  We will have our annual Welcome Back BBQ next Wednesday 7 February at 5pm.  Please drop in to meet your child's teacher as well as other staff.  I hope to see you there.  Your child will be bringing a flyer home with more details of this event.

Student Support Group meetings are scheduled for the week of February 19-23.  The first SSG of the year is very important and it does take some time to get through all of the content.  For this reason we have scheduled a curriculum day on February 21 so parents have more options for SSG appointment times.  You will receive information on how to book an appointment in the coming weeks.

Setting your children up for success

A positive partnership between home and school gives students the best chance for success over their school lives.  There are a number of things that parents and carers can do to set up your children for a successful day of school.

1. Sleep - a consistent routine that gives children enough sleep so they can be at their best.
2. Healthy food habits - a good breakfast in the morning and a healthy lunch to take to school that avoids sugary snacks.
3. Proper school uniform - ensure your child is in school uniform every day and include a hat for sun protection.  You can find our Uniform Policy here.

Good communication is key.  Please download the Sentral app for parents.  This will be used to receive news from you child's classroom teacher.  It is now also our preferred method of completing payments and permission forms for excursions.  If you have any problems on using Sentral please contact the school for assistance.  

School Council nominations

I am seeking nominations for 4 parent and community members on our School Council.  You can get a nomination form from the main office.  The School Council meets twice each term on a Tuesday starting at 6pm.  If you have any questions, please give me a ring at school to discuss.

After school pick up changes from February 12th

The major school building project is finally scheduled to begin construction very soon.  A builder has been appointed and will take possession of the site on February 14th.  The back gate of the school on Alexander Crescent will be the access point for the project.  This means we will have a new location for after school pick up of students for the duration of the building project.  Next week, I will be at the back gate with information for families on the new pick up location and procedure.  Parents and carers will use the parking lot next to Ballam Park Primary School and pick up their children at the gate which faces McClelland Secondary College.

I'm very much looking forward to working with our parent and carer community this year in the best interests of the children and young people who attend our school.  If you are at school for any reason, my door is always open- pop in and say hello.

Kai Pukarinen

Principal