From the Principal's Desk
Welcome BBQ
Next Tuesday, 20 February all families are invited to a welcome BBQ at the school from 5.00pm. From 5.00pm to 5.30pm we encourage families to visit their child's classroom and meet their teacher. At about 5.30pm the free sausage sizzle will be available under the COLA area near the hall.
We hope to see all families.
One off excursion payment
At Martin's Gully we have a one-off excursion payment for all students. This payment covers all local Armidale extra curricular trips such as excursions, visiting performers, PSSA and sporting events. This reduces the need for parents to be paying small amounts every time something is on. The one-off cost for Kindergarten to Year 2 students is $80.00, and for students in Years 3-6 it is $110.00. This is the same amount as last year.
Next week, the payment will be available through COMPASS.
Attendance matters
Unfortunately, the dreaded COVID and other flu like illnesses have hit the school. As I mentioned in a news item on Monday, students should stay at home if they are unwell. Thanks to the families who are very diligent at letting the office know when their child is away. There's a couple of ways this can be done:
- Go to the COMPASS app and complete an attendance note
- Phone the office
- Send an email to the office
It is your responsibility to contact the school. We will follow-up though if you forget.
PAX word of the fortnight
Our PAX word for the fortnight is HAPPINESS. I must admit, most days, most children come to school very happy. I know the staff, just like me, come to school every day happy.
Happiness is about being nice and spreading love all around. When family and friends are playing and engaging in fun activities, it makes our hearts sing and gives us that inner glowing feeling. Being one with nature and forming a connection with the environment, stimulates happiness as well. Some ideas you can discuss at home include:
- When do you experience happiness at school and at home?
- Sometimes we don't know the struggles another person might be going through. How we talk to them and share our happiness and be understanding of them?
- At Martin’s Gully and in the community, PAX Leaders spread happiness to those in need. What are some ways we can spread happiness?
- Did you notice anyone spreading happiness this week and filling up other people's buckets?
What’s Happening Term 1:
This calendar of events will be updated and published each week. Some events may change, so please access the latest version.
Week 4 (Next Week)
Tuesday 20th February - NERAM Visit to school - Stage 3
Tuesday 20th February - Welcome BBQ - 5.00pm
Thursday 22nd February - Armidale Zone Swimming Carnival
Friday 23rd February - Whole school assembly - Stage 3 presenting (12.30pm start)
Friday 23rd February - P&C Meeting - 1.00pm
Week 5
Tuesday 27th February - NERAM Visit to school - Stage 2
Friday 1st March - PSSA Tennis
Week 6
Thursday 7th March - PSSA Basketball trials
Friday 8th March - Whole School Assembly - Stage 2 Presenting (12.30pm start)
Friday 8th March - PSSA Cricket Trials
Week 7
Monday 11th March - North West Swimming - Armidale
Tuesday 12th March - AFL nominations - no trial, nominations only
Wednesday 13th March - NAPLAN starts - Years 3 and 5 students only
Thursday 14th March - NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only
Thursday 14th March - Disco and Parent Information sessions
Friday 15th March - NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only
Friday 15th March - PSSA Hockey trials
Week 8
NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only (all week if required)
Friday 22nd March - Whole School Assembly - Stage 1 Presenting (12.30pm start)
Friday 22nd March - PSSA Touch Football trials
Week 9
Week 10
Thursday 4th April - Da Vinci Decathlon - Year 5&6 students
Friday 5th April - Whole School Assembly - Kindergarten Presenting (12.30pm start)
Week 11
Friday 12th April - Last Day Term 1. School resumes for students on Tuesday 30th April.
Ian Reeves
Principal