From the Leadership Team
Dear families,
Can you believe we are almost halfway through Term 1? We have such a great buzz around the school, in learning spaces and out in the yard and it is wonderful to see our students practising their school values each day.
It was fabulous to showcase our school on our recent Open Afternoon and seeing how proudly our students took their families on a school tour was just amazing. It was so good to hear how positively our students spoke about their school, for example:
'Come and see the library, this is the best bit I want to show you',
'Come and see my classroom, it looks so cool' and
'I want to start my tour at Japanese class Mum and then show you upstairs'.
We will draw out the lucky passport at next week's assembly for the winner of the school hat. Thank you to all our families that came to support our Open Afternoon and have your child so proudly share their school with you. It was a lovely afternoon.
To support our ongoing work, could you provide us with some feedback about the Open Afternoon to support future planning:
https://forms.gle/NSzvrGDPqyHjiwM98
Census Day
What a hit Zooper Dooper Friday was. Thanks to all our families in supporting us on Census Day. We had 90% attendance on this day. Well done to all our families.
Pastoral Care Worker
We are pleased to advise that we have a new Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) at Modbury School P-6. Her name is Marianne Chiotis and she will be working at Modbury School on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week. Marianne will also be supporting Marisa with Breakfast Club on Wednesdays. She will get to know our school and be in classrooms with our students and staff.
If you would like to connect your child with our PCW, please pop into the Front Office and fill in a consent form. Additionally, if your child was connected to our 2024 PCW Cameron, and you would like this support to continue in 2025, please let Sara know so we can update this.
Room 11's 'Class of Happiness'
Room 11 is striving to be a 'Class of Happiness' in 2025. We have discussed the 5 habits of happiness which are:
-empathy
-gratitude
-kindness
-service and
-positive reflection
Each week we focus on one of the habits and discuss how it made other people and us feel. For example, each student selected a service that they would undertake at home every day for 7 days. Students were involved in helping to cook dinner, setting the table for dinner or looking after their younger siblings so Mum could have some free time. Each student reflected on how it made them feel when they gave service and how the person receiving the service felt.
Happiness makes us feel good and when we are happy we function better as a person.
Playgroup
Playgroup is a valuable part of Modbury School P-6, offering a unique and valuable experience for our youngest learners and their families. It serves as a foundational step in a child's educational journey, providing a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore, play, and develop essential social and cognitive skills.
Through playgroup, children engage in activities that promote creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation, laying the groundwork for future learning. It also offers parents and caregivers the chance to connect, share insights, and build a supportive community around their children's growth.
Check out last week's playgroup fun!
At Playgroup, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and partnership with families, ensuring that every child has the best start possible. We believe that playgroup is not just a program but a vital part of our school's mission to nurture and educate the whole child.
Open Space Unit (OSU) reopens!
It was amazing to be able to have our students visit the OSU this year for lessons in The Arts as well as visit our new library! We have the library open during lunchtimes on some days and there is a fantastic buzz when our students come in and play games, read a book, or engage in quiet activities. Lachlan the reading bear is a favourite amongst the students!
Emergency Procedures
At Modbury School P-6, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. Regular emergency practice drills are a crucial component of our Work Health and Safety (WHS) strategy. These drills prepare everyone to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency. By practising these procedures, we ensure that our school community is well-equipped to handle unexpected situations, minimising risks and enhancing overall safety. This week we have practised an evacuation and an invacuation to ensure our school community is familiar with our current procedures. Both practice drills ran very smoothly and all students followed the correct procedures.
In-School Psychology (ISP)
We have an update on our status with ISP. At the end of last year, ISP was ready to provide services to Modbury School P-6. However, due to changes in their providers' circumstances, we are now on their waitlist for a new psychologist. We will keep you informed about any developments regarding ISP.
Introducing digital first aid slips via EMS
We are excited to announce a new initiative at Modbury School P-6 to enhance communication and ensure the safety of our students. Starting this term, we will be using the Education Management System (EMS) to send digital first aid slips directly to parents and guardians. This efficient process will provide timely updates on any first aid treatment your child receives while at school. By embracing this digital approach, we aim to keep you informed and connected, ensuring peace of mind. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date in the EMS to receive these notifications.
EdSmart
We are officially using EdSmart and the R-5 Swimming notes were emailed to families earlier this week via EdSmart. This is going to be a valuable addition to the way we provide consent forms and communication for the school. Look out in your inbox for your EdSmart notes from the school.
School Uniform
We expect our students at Modbury School P-6 to be in school uniform and wear it with pride. Our uniform is available to purchase via Qkr! Please look over our Uniform Policy, as ratified by our Governing Council in 2024 to ensure your child is wearing our correct uniform.
Volunteer Training Sessions
We are excited to announce upcoming volunteer training sessions at Modbury School P-6! Volunteering in our school community is a rewarding experience that greatly benefits our students. By dedicating your time and skills, you can make a significant impact on their learning journey and personal development. Our Term 1 Volunteer training sessions on Thursday 13/2 and Thursday 3/4, will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to support our students effectively. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers who are eager to make a difference! Please contact Alysia in our Front office to book in for our next Volunteer session.
Ramadan Mubarak
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, we extend our warmest wishes to all our students, families, and staff observing this special time. Ramadan is a month of reflection, compassion, and community, and we encourage everyone to embrace these values in their daily lives.
During this period, many of our students and staff may be fasting from dawn until sunset. We appreciate the understanding and support from our school community in accommodating their needs. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions that enrich our school environment.
We wish everyone observing Ramadan a peaceful and fulfilling month. May it be a time of spiritual growth and unity for all.
Ramadan Mubarak!
ThankEd
Do you know an amazing staff member who's making a real difference? Every day, those working in public education shape futures by inspiring children and young people to reach their full potential.
ThankED gives you the chance to celebrate and thank public educators, as well as those people who work in support of them.
You can say thanks at any time, to anyone working in public education who has made a difference to you - visit https://www.education.sa.gov.au/webforms/thanked
As always, we are here to support your child to be the best they can be. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to support your child.
Warm regards,
Sara, Jade and Sheila.
Leadership Team