Notes from the Principal

Welcome to Term 3

As usual, we have made a settled start to our term thanks to the efforts of the teachers, education support, parents and students. We have a jam-packed term of learning and opportunity to look forward to. Keep an eye on uEducateUs for what is happening.

AUSKICK

We had 13 Auskickers register and join in for our Auskick Clinic. Skye Peters was the lucky winner of the Geelong Cats jersey. It was a great opportunity for our Kindergarten children to come and join in with an activity at “school”. Isaac the instructor said that they were the best group of students he has worked with – great manners and growth mindset.

NAIDOC Celebration – 50 Years Of Deadly

On Thursday 16th July we celebrated NAIDOC – 50 Years of Deadly. We took part in some cooking, games and art/craft activities.

I cooked some kangaroo seasoned with saltbush, and talked to the students about bush tucker, and how aboriginal people hunted and gathered traditionally. Miss Sartain read the dreaming story “How the Birds Got Their Colours” and created a whole school artwork. Miss Lowndes played a range of traditional games – Kai (Torres Strait Islands), Gorri (Central Australia), Keentan (Southern Australia), Kalq (Queensland) and Weme (Northern Australia).

Shelter in Place Project

The Shelter in Place and maintenance works have been completed. To date, most defects have been rectified.

Variety Grant

We have been the lucky recipient of a $3500 grant from Variety to purchase bikes for our students. I am in the process of ordering the bikes. We will be purchasing helmets and possibly more bikes so that we can provide this opportunity to all of our students.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher Interviews have been running in Week 2 to provide parents with the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress in Semester 1 and plans for Semester 2. If you know of anyone who feels they need to speak to someone about their child, or you need extra time, the teachers and I will make ourselves available when we can.

Mathematics Information Session at school - 29th July

On Wednesday 29th July at 7pm, we are holding an information session for families at school. Please come along and learn some strategies for developing number sense at home. The sessions will be aimed at Kindergarten & Junior Primary but the strategies can also be used to support Senior Primary Students as well. We look forward to seeing you on the night.

Fundraising

Thanks to Jack and Carly Behncke, and Ricky Luhrs for continuing to support and run the Sheep Drive.
We have received a donation from the Bunyip Hotel of $217. Many thanks to the Bunyip Hotel for their generosity in donating the proceeds from a recent meat raffle.

Buildings and Grounds

New carpet has been installed in the whole school except for the Music and Art Rooms. We have purchased a protective mat for the cooking area and ordered a soft mat for the F-2 space. We are awaiting vinyl floor covering for the kitchenette space.
Benchtops have been installed by Gary Hearn in Kitchenette area.
We will be organising painting for the Resource Room, First Aid, Kitchenette space and cleaners storeroom, hopefully in the next school holidays.

Thank you

We would like to thank Paul Coates for completing our tagging and testing of electrical items during the school holidays and installing a new security flood light on the north side of the school. You are always willing to donate your time and come and do these jobs for us. We are sincerely appreciative to you Paul.

Coming Up… July & August

Monday 27th July - 100 Days at School Celebration
Wednesday 29th July 7:00-8:00pm - Family Information Session, strengthening Number Sense at Home – Helping your child with Maths
Friday 31st July - Picture Plate templates due back to Kinder for ordering
Monday 3rd August - Sheepvention Student Free Day
Friday 14th August - Sunday 16th August - Coleraine Art and Photography Show
Tuesday 18th August - Year 3-5 Lightning Prems at Coleraine PS (Winter Sports Comp)
Wednesday 19th August - Year 5 Girls joining Dunkeld PS for Netball
Tuesday 25th August - F-6 visit to Monivae to watch their school Performance. Free transport and entry.
Wednesday 26th - Book Week Dress Up Day
Friday 28th - Jolly Socks Day - gold coin donation to Standing Tall Mentoring Program

Have a great fortnight everyone.

Warmest regards

Kate Steele

PRINCIPAL