From the Principal's Desk

 Welcome Back 

Welcome back to the new school year.  We've had a great start to the year with students settling in quickly to their new class and routines. It was great to welcome our new Kindergarten students and families to our school.  They have adapted well to big school, making friends and enjoying school life.

Staff Changes

There are only a couple of staff changes at Martin's Gully this year.  We welcome back Mrs Polson.  Emma has been working as a Lead Specialist in Numeracy, working across the North West area supporting schools through professional learning.  Emma returns to our school as the Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction. 

We have two new staff members, both School Learning Support Officers (SLSO) - Star Shing Kelly and Travis Murdock.  Star and Travis will both be working as SLSOs in Stage 1.  It's great to have them at our school.

School Leaders

I look forward to working with our student leaders for 2024.

Captains and Vice Captains

Lane (VC), Lilly (C), Harry (C), Sophie (VC)

House Captains

 Charlotte, Quade, Eily 

Student Representative Council

Nicholas, Jed, Pippa, Greyson, Eevee, Sophie (Absent)          

Communication

This week you should receive a letter from your child's class teacher about what is happening this term. 

The Gulgos is published each Wednesday via COMPASS and is our main form of letting parents know what is happening at school. We also use COMPASS extensively, sending out permission notes and news feeds from both the office and classroom teachers.

Martin's Gully Public School has a Facebook page where staff regularly publish photos etc of what is happening at school and is open to the public.  You can use this QR Code to access our Facebook Page. 

The Martin's Gully P&C have their own Facebook page.  Finally, you can visit our website where you can find copies of our newsletters plus other important school and Department information.

But as always, if you are unsure about something that is happening at school, please contact the office.

Swimming Carnival

Yesterday we had a very successful swimming carnival.  As you know the weather ensured students were happy to get in the water.  Congratulations to the students who competed in the formal part of the carnival.  Congratulations to the students who will be invited to represent the school at the zone carnival to be held on Thursday 22nd February.

Once again the carnival cannot happen without the support of parents on the day.  Thanks again for your assistance.  It is most appreciated.

Yesterday we announced the age champions. They will receive their medallions at the first assembly on Friday 23rd February.

  What's happening in 2024!

Students have already had the opportunity to participate in extra curricular activities outside the classroom with the Life Education Van at the school yesterday and of course our annual swimming carnival.  Below is a list of some of the opportunities our students can look forward to in 2024:

• Orchestra with New England Conservatorium Of Music 
• Choir
• Chess club, Art club and Drama/Dance clubs at lunch times
• Swimming and athletics carnivals, cross country, PSSA, Northwest and State representation and other sporting opportunities
• Da Vinci Decathlon (Stage 3) - inter-school academic gala day designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students
• Overnight excursion - Stage 2 at Thalgarrah, Stage 3 Great Aussie Bush Camp - Tea Gardens (Term 4).
• Dance at a disco after school while parents can learn more about some of our learning programs
• Digital Technology/STEM lessons with 3D printers in Term 1
• Inquiring Minds camp at Thalgarrah (Stage 3)
• Assemblies - Classes presenting, Creative Art assemblies, Grandparents, Easter Hat parade, Celebration of Learning and lots more each term
• Visiting performances such as Musica Viva and Zoo Mobile
• The Armidale Eisteddfod and New England Sings
• And of course lots of amazing learning!

Looking forward to a great year.

Ian Reeves

Principal