Gulgos

From the Principal's Desk

Bushfire Season

Unfortunately, it looks as if we're going to be in for a long dry summer and need to be prepared for bushfires. The Department of Education continues to monitor, review and provide support and advice to all schools regarding bushfire and grassfire risks and events. This involves regular consultation and liaison with emergency services to ensure the most up to date and relevant information is delivered to schools.

 

Australian Warning System Alert Levels

There are four alert levels related to bushfires. These are updated regularly in the Hazards Near Me appExternal link and the NSW RFS websiteExternal link:

  • Emergency Warning - the highest level of Bushfire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.
  • Watch and Act - there is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your school community.
  • Advice - a fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
  • Incident registered – A white triangle indicates an incident (bushfire or other) has been registered and is currently under investigation. There is no action to be taken at this time.

Remember to download the Hazards Near Me appExternal link and set a watch zone which will alert you to a new fire in the area. Visit the  NSW RFS Stay up to Date webpageExternal link  – see the ‘Help with our applications' section.

 

Fire Danger Ratings

 

Bushfire_Information_for_Parents_Carers_FACT023.pdf

 

State Athletics

This week we have several boys competing at the NSW PSSA State Athletics Championships in Sydney. This will be something the students will remember for the rest of their lives. At school we will be cheering them along while watching the live stream.

 

Here are some happy snaps of Harry, Nixon and Oliver at the opening ceremony today.

 

 

Swimming and Gymnastics

Last week students had their first gymnastics session. Gymnastics will be held again today, and then on Wednesday 1st November.

 

Swimming starts tomorrow for all students, and will then be held on Thursday 2nd, 9th, 16th November for all students K-6. Students in K-2 will then have two extra sessions on the 23rd and 30th November.

 

Selective High School and Opportunity Class Applications

Applications are open now for Year 5 students entering high school in 2025 to sit the Selective Schools Test. This test allows students to access the selective stream at Armidale Secondary College. Applications close on the 20th of November 2023. Please speak with your Year 5 student's class teacher to help you decide if this is right for your child.

 

For further information, please visit the link below.

 

Kindergarten Transition

Next Tuesday we will be holding our first Kindergarten Transition morning. We have 22 kinder enrolments for next year. Transition will be held from 9.30am to 11.00am.

 

PAX Word of the Fortnight: 

   EMPATHY 

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Being empathetic is part of our PAX Visions at Martin’s Gully PS. 

 

 

 

 

Every Day Matters: 

 

We want to do all we can to be sure your child achieves their potential and enjoys being in school. We know that school is the best place to learn. By attending school every day your child will get the most out of their learning and improve their career and life options.

 

When your child is absent it is important you let the school know, including the reason why, on the day or the day before. This helps make sure we know where our students are and offer support for you and your family if needed.

 

If you are having trouble getting your child to school every day or on time, please talk to our school staff so we can work together, because every day counts. 

 

Missing a day here or there may not seem like much, but absences add up and can negatively impact your child’s learning and wellbeing. When your child misses one day a week that’s 40 days of school and 8 weeks of learning in one year. Over an entire school journey this adds up to 2.5 years of lost learning.

 

Set your child up for success at school.  Good attendance is key to your child being able to fulfil their potential and make good progress in school. #EveryDayMatters 

 

 

Let's do this together. 

 

 

 

 

Ian Reeves

Principal