A message from Margie
Self-Aware
This term, we are all learning to become more self-aware. Self-Aware sits under the category of Stand in our school values Learn, Stand, Give, Fly.
We are helping students to recognise and understand their own feelings and behaviours, so that they can manage their emotions, build positive relationships and make thoughtful decisions. During this theme, we build on our Zones of Regulation work to encourage students to be aware of how their emotional states affect others around them. This might be something you'd like to explore at home! 😊
We also want students to become aware of their interests, and what makes them special. In learning, we want students to identify their strengths and areas for growth, which helps them to set goals for improvement and celebrate their achievements at all levels.
We've started by looking at what students already know about themselves by decorating T-shirts with a design that reflects their unique personality.
JAM Band
A highlight of the year is always the Just Add Music (JAM) band, who visit our school each year to perform for and with the students. Students from each class volunteer to be part of the performance, and this year, a group of Year 5 and 6 students also choreographed and performed their own dance to one of the band's songs. What a talented bunch! 🙌
OSHC congratulations
We'd like to congratulate Andrew and all of the OSHC staff for a successful accreditation process during the school holidays. There has been a HUGE amount of work done to get ready for the accreditation, and we came through with flying colours. It's rewarding to be recognised in this way but hardly surprising; we have an absolutely top-notch OSHC!🎉
Remember, we are here to help!
Part of my role is to help students and families through tricky times. If your child is having friendship issues, having trouble coming to school, or even showing some difficulties at home (such as grief, anger, refusal, rudeness, sleep issues), we're here to help. I can't always promise to fix things, but I'd certainly like to try.
Please let me know of any challenges your child is going through by email or Frog message, and I will get in touch for a chat to see how we can support you at school.
New staff this term
We are lucky to have 2 terrific new teachers working with us this term: Zoe Walker-Roberts replacing Stephen while he is on leave this term, and Izzy Richards taking HASS and Year 2 on Fridays for the rest of the year. Here is some information about our new staff:
Hi, my name is Zoe and I’m excited to be part of the Uraidla community and to
formally introduce myself in this newsletter. I am a recent graduate from Flinders University and currently play basketball for the NBL1 Sturt Sabres, a sport I’ve enjoyed since I was young. I have been working at Hawthorndene OSHC and St John’s Grammar School, Belair, as both an SSO and OSHC educator since 2021. This is where my love for being in the classroom began and where I made the decision to change my studies from nursing to teaching.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my loved ones, travelling, reading, and more recently, relaxing around the fire while enjoying the feeling of being in the Adelaide Hills. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and supportive school. This workplace truly feels like home. The community has been so kind, the students have been amazing, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the term.
Hi everyone, my name is Izzie Richards and I’m excited to be joining Uraidla Primary
School, teaching HASS on Wednesdays and Year 2 on Fridays. After spending the last year and a half teaching in the UK, it feels lovely to be back at Uraidla, where I spent 5 years as part of the OSHC team from 2019 to 2023. It’s been wonderful to see lots of familiar faces and meet new students and staff as well.
I’m an Adelaide Hills resident, living in Bridgewater, so I love being part of the community and supporting the amazing things that Uraidla PS is a part of. Outside of school, I love to crochet, hike, travel and play netball.
I’m looking forward to developing the HASS program across the school, and engaging students in learning about their surroundings, the world, history, and how we can take care of the earth and be responsible citizens. I’ve already enjoyed teaching the lovely Year 2 class on Fridays and getting to know students across the school through teaching HASS!
Reports
In the final week of this term, all students will receive a formal assessment report. This report outlines the Semester 1 learning program for most subjects and provides a snapshot of your child's achievement, including grades for effort and achievement for students from Years 1-6.
This year, the report will be sent online, in a slightly different format, through the Department's new EMS (Education Management System). Reports will be emailed home on Wednesday, 1st July.
Walk Safely to School Day
Next Friday, the 15th of May, students will have the opportunity to walk to school in groups from four different locations.
- The corner of Gully and Greenhill Roads, Carey Gully at 8.10am with Jaya and Katie.
- The Summertown Church at 8.10am with Kelly, Alex, Emma and two parent helpers.
- The corner of Swamp and Parish Hill Roads at 8.30am with Troy and Sam.
- The bus shelter in the Uraidla main street at 8.30am with Sallie.
Parents are encouraged to walk with the children. Please ensure your child only rides a bike if you are also there to accompany them. In previous years, we have found it too difficult to ensure the safety of students riding to school during this event without one-to-one supervision.
In order for the children to enjoy a fruit snack in their classrooms when they arrive, could you please provide a small extra fruit snack for that morning in your child’s lunchbox.
Any late changes will be notified through Frog. Thank you!
Have a wonderful fortnight, everyone! 🚶➡️😊