From the Principal's Desk
Welcome to Week 4!
After an extremely busy week last week, we have slowed down slightly and got our teeth back into the classroom and continue being engaged and excited learners.
Just a reminder to parents and carers, that all students need to be be signed in and out of the office. Parents and carers must not go to classrooms or the playground without first seeing the office. This is to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We have adjusted our bell times slightly to reflect our students need for a small amount of extra eating time. Recess will now be fro 11:05am -11:35am and lunch will be 1:05pm - 1:50pm.
This week is Bullying No Way Week of Action.
Bullying No way: National Week of Action is a bullying prevention initiative, connecting schools and communities to find workable solutions to bullying and violence.
The objective of Bullying No Way Week is to encourage whole-school communities to work together to implement evidence-informed, positive and proactive solutions to prevent and address bullying and violence.
This year’s theme is Everyone Belongs. Belonging keeps us connected and is a powerful protection against bullying. There are five focus areas that we use PAX and YCDI at Martin's Gully to focus on:
1. Challenge stereotypes
2. Promote empathy
3. Embrace diversity
4. Foster positive relationships
5. Provide support
This is a link to the eSafety Advice for parents and carers to help kids stay safe online. This is a terrific one stop shop to help parents and cares navigate safe online use and to help you start the chat about online safety issues and strategies with your child.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Northwest Gymnastics
On Monday 6 students, Lola, Pippa, Darcy, Aayla, Ted and Talon participated in the Northwest Gala Gymnastics day. All students represented our school with wonderful sportsmanship. Congratulations!!
PSSA Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Armidale District PSSA Athletics carnival on Friday. Our students continue to make me so proud with their comradery and sportsmanship. I witnessed so many of our students congratulating their fellow athletes after races and cheering on not only our school but also others. This is what sport is about!
We also had a very successful day, with 8 students making it through to the next level and our Junior Girls, Junior Boys and Senior Boys relays all going through, with the Senior Girls just missing out with a fourth.
Overall, Martin's Gully shone coming 3rd in the overall school points and a huge congratulations to Nixon who has been awarded the Junior Boys Champion.
All ribbons and medallions will be sent to the school and handed out at an assembly.
You Can Do It! RESILIENCE
This fortnight we will be focusing on what it looks like to use a positive habit of the mind when being resilient.
Things to Say to Encourage Emotional Resilience
When you catch a young person being emotionally resilient, say:
“That was great. You didn’t let yourself get too angry.”
“You seem to really have learned how not to get too nervous and to relax before exams. That will help you be successful.”
“You really controlled your nerves when you gave that speech.”
“You see, talking with someone about the problem can help you feel less upset.”
“You didn’t let that setback stop you from trying. Great!”
“You seem not to have blown that event out of proportion. That helps you to be in control.”
“Even though you haven’t made the team yet, you seem to have a really positive outlook.”
Book Week 2024 is in Week 5!
Next week we join the Nation to celebrate reading! Reading truly is magic and opens so many doors.
Book Week is an exciting time in Australian schools, celebrating books, authors, and illustrators.
The theme "Reading is Magic" opens up a world of possibilities for dress ups and costumes for Book Week parade. You can choose from witches, magicians, fairies, unicorns, and more!
Students may consider dressing up as a character from a book that has inspired you or someone you aspire to be, whether it's a scientist, astronaut, explorer, doctor, or superhero.
So join in the fun kids, and come on a magical journey through the pages.
Come dressed up in the fancy dress for the MGPS book parade on Friday 23rd August at 9:10am in the Cola or hall if it wet.
ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE
Ensure your child always gets in and out of the car through the Safety Door, even if it means shuffling across the seats. This is the rear kerb-side door of the car. Never allow your child to get in and out of the car on the traffic side.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Dates for your calendar:
Term 3
Week 4
Thursday 15th August - Gymnastics K-2
Friday 16th August - Assembly Stage 2 - 12:30pm
Week 5
Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th August - Stage 2 Overnight Thalgarrah Excursion
Wednesday 21st August - Gymnastics Stage 2&3
Thursday 22nd August - Gymnastics K-2
- New England Sings rehearsal
Friday 23rd August - Book Week Parade 9:10am in the Cola or Hall if it is wet.
Week 6
Tuesday 27th August - Tennis skills – all classes
Thursday 29th August - Kinder Thalgarrah Excursion
- ASC Taster Day 9.30am to 12.30pm – Year 6
Friday 30th August - Assembly Stage 1
Week 7
Tuesday 3rd September - Tennis skills – all classes
Wednesday 4th September - North West Athletics
- Stage 1 Thalgarrah Excursion
Week 8
Tuesday 10th September - Tennis skills – all classes
Thursday 12th September - New England Sings Rehearsal
Friday 13th September - Assembly Kindergarten
Week 9
Tuesday 17th September - Tennis skills – all classes
Thursday 19th September - Taster Day ASC – 9.30am to 12.30pm
Friday 20th September - Slime Fest Day
Week 10
Tuesday 24th September - Tennis skills – all classes
Friday 27th September - Last day Term 3