A message from Margie    

Welcome to a new school year! 

We'd like to welcome all families to a bright and shiny 2024.  We have a record number of 34 new Receptions joining us this year, plus we are expecting another 10 or so mid-year. 

We've had a great start this week, with 167 students in 7 classes. It was wonderful to see the smiles on everyone's faces as they entered the school yard on Monday morning. 

This is just a quick 1-page newsletter to welcome you all and keep you informed about important dates for the term; our usual newsletter will be published next Friday, February 15. 

A very warm welcome to all of our new students

Reception students

Manny ALLEN, Annabelle ALMEROTH, Indiana BURNS, Tobias COLQUHOUN, Klaus EVERTS, Cooper FLETCHER, Isabella GEORGIOU, Jayden HILL, Lucy PAGE, Grace PARKER, Henry PAYNE, Maggie PEAL, Hazel SMITH, Seamus SPELLACY, Ada SZABO, Hartley THOMAS, Jonathan WEBB, Eden BOVINGTON, Ivy FITZPATRICK, Finn GETTY, Ari HELBIG-RIES, Elliot HILL, Thomas HOFMEYER, Leo MCDONALD, Hamish MILBURN, Darcy MONCK, Archer MOULDS, Edie PETERS, Henry PRIDHAM, Henry REEVES, Rupert SMITH, Henry WHAITE and Sage WISKIN 

Year 1: Pearl SIZE  

Year 2: Zadie GEERS                                             

Year 3: Ryder HILL                                                 

Year 4: Jobe SIZE                                                  

Year 5: Maud  THOMAS

Year 6: Sammy MOREIRA CRISTOFALI  

... and to our new staff for 2024! 

Jaya Thomas -Year 1

My name is Jaya Thomas and I am super excited to be the Year 1 teacher at Uraidla

 Primary School in 2024! I graduated in 2022 and spent last year doing some short-term contracts and relief teaching at different schools. I love travelling to different countries, being crafty, baking and spending time outdoors, and I am an avid op-shopper! I have always lived in the Adelaide Hills and I am looking forward to becoming part of the wonderful Uraidla community. 

Philippa Callaghan - Science 

I taught in independent schools before switching to the public system. Since 2018, I have

 enjoyed doing both contract and relief teaching at various hills and city schools. I love teaching science and have tried and tested all sorts of science experiments over the years. I am looking forward to sharing some of these with our lovely Uraidla students.

I lived in Stirling for many years but recently moved to Whitmore Square in the city. I enjoy walking and exploring the Parklands and city fringe suburbs on weekends. I have three children and two granddaughters, aged twelve and fourteen.

Emma Grosvenor- Reception and Year 1PE

Hello, I am so excited to take on a P.E. (Physical Education) teaching role with the

awesome Uraidla Primary Students. My background includes Outdoor Recreation, Personal Training and Physical Education. I have spent time working and gaining experience in Alice Springs, Broome, Townsville and now within the beautiful Adelaide Hills, our home. My enthusiasm and love for the outdoors and movement in any form inspires my teaching practices. I have two energetic boys who attend Uraidla Primary School. As a family, we love being a part of the school and the greater Uraidla community.

Troy will be teaching Years 2-6 PE  this year. 

Acquaintance Night Tuesday 13 February, 5-7pm 

We would love to see you all at our Acquaintance Night, taking place next Tuesday 13th February. There will be a 15-minute presentation for parents and carers by class teachers and specialists, as well as a presentation by Assistant Principal Troy Welfare on how to best support your child with maths at home (see the timetable below).

Students will be supervised by school staff on the playground while you are exploring your child’s classroom and meeting the teachers.  We ask that you keep preschool children with you and keep them on your lap or a chair next to you as we are unable to supervise that age group in the yard, and it is difficult for teachers to present information if toddlers are moving around the classroom. Thank you! 🙏

Information sessions (in classrooms unless indicated):  

5:00-5:30         Troy Welfare – ‘I was never good at maths!’ How to support your kids in maths in Stephen's classroom (formerly the Hall)

5:30-5:45         Reception (Katie Martin and Kelly Charlton) and Year 5/6 (Sallie Griffin) 

5:45-6:00         Year 1 (Jaya Thomas ) and Year 2 (Sam Irvine)

6:00-6:15         Year 3 (Stephen Tsiaprakas and Troy Welfare) 

6:15-6:30         Year 4/5 (Alex Berry)

6:30-6:45         Specialist teachers in GYM (Susan Lewis, Philippa Callaghan, Emma Troy Welfare and Suzie Tume)

The Parents and Friends would like to invite you to a Family Picnic during the evening of 

Acquaintance Night, from 5-7 pm. There will be sausages and drinks for sale.  Please bring a picnic rug or chairs and any other food and drinks you'd like for your family. 

Would you like to join our Parents and Friends group? They have their first meeting of the year next Tuesday here at school and all are most welcome! 

Term1 is such a great time for kids to get stuck into their learning, and is full of exciting events too, like Sports Day and the Colour Run (see attached Term Planner). You will have a chance to meet with your child's teacher in week 8 when we have Learning Discussions, but please do not hesitate to reach out earlier if you have any questions or concerns. 

Have a wonderful term, everyone! 😊

Margie