From the Principal

It's been a very busy start to the term & so sad that so many illness has been around. Thanks to all those families that are keeping their children home when they are unwell.  A reminder that next Monday 10th is our EKKA holiday, stay home,  eat strawberries & dagwood dogs in memory.

We have welcomed more new families to our school over the last couple of weeks & numbers have reached 194 at our 'little' school.  I hope all our new families love being part of the GGSS community.

Absences

While we appreciate  you keeping your child home if they are unwell, please ensure you let the school know if they are away.  Our preferred method of contact is to ring the school or leave a message on our Absence line - 5466 6160.  Unexplained absences letters will be sent home for you to complete & return.

Student Resource Scheme

So many wonderful families have come in and updated their payments, thanks so much for that.  We still have a few outstanding accounts.  If you could contact the office to organise payment ASAP that would be appreciated.  If you are having financial difficulties and need support we can work out a payment plan.  Please ring and speak with Cheryl Jensen.

School Photos

School photos have been booked for Thursday 20th August.  This is a day that we would love to see students from Prep to Yr 5 in their sports house shirts. We have about 15 sports shirts left from our last order, please see the uniform shop now for purchasing of these. Year 6 students are to wear their senior shirts.  Envelopes have also been sent home & payment details are listed later in this newsletter.  If you would like a sibling envelope please contact the office & we will send one home.

Step up into Education

Our Pre-Prep program "Step Up" started on Tuesday this week in the Administration Building.  We welcomed 12 pre preppies to our first session.  We have 6 more sessions this term.  This program is for all students that will start Prep in 2021.  Our current Prep teachers will run this 1 hour session to build familiarity with the school & prepare children with this transition.  Sessions run from 9am for 1 hour.  All 2021 Prep students are welcome to attend.

COVID

We are requesting that parents still stay out of school grounds as much as possible.  Please continue to social distance at drop off & pick up times.  We will continue with the early Prep pick up out the front also.  If you have had a COVID test please let the school know your test outcomes.

Acting Principal

I will be having 3 weeks long service leave at the end of the term.  I was heading to Bali for 50th birthday celebrations for my husband and other friends, but that is not happening now.  Instead we are trekking north to Airlie Beach where my children were born & to show my Kiwi husband more of Qld.  During this time Mrs Jordanna McDougall will be acting principal.  I know that she will do an amazing job as she has in the past & will be well supported by staff and the community.