Dear Families,

I want to acknowledge the fantastic way our students have started this year. I honestly can’t remember a time when routines were established so quickly, and it’s been wonderful to see the positive energy throughout the school. There’s a real sense of enthusiasm and engagement both in the classrooms and the playground, which I know sets us up for an excellent year ahead.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’d like to revisit the topic of reading at home. Reading with your child is one of the most impactful ways to support their learning and development. A few years ago, we made the decision to reduce the amount of homework students received, in the hope that it would open the door for more opportunities for families to prioritise reading.

It’s not just about developing literacy skills; it’s about creating meaningful connections and nurturing a lifelong love for reading. Research shows that children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, a richer vocabulary, and greater comprehension abilities.

Making reading a part of your daily routine, even for just 10-15 minutes, can make a world of difference. My four-year-old daughter and I read together every night, exploring all kinds of stories. Although I found it quite tedious at the start, it is now the highlight of my day and I look forward to reading with her all about sharks, princesses and everything in between. I know as I have spoken to some of our older students, that children remember the warmth and connection of those shared stories long after they’ve grown.

Let’s continue building confident, imaginative learners — one book at a time in 2025.

Morning Drop-Off Reminder: While we love building relationships with our families, we also need to ensure smooth and productive mornings for students. We kindly ask parents to adopt a “drop and go” approach during morning drop-off.

Mrs. Davila and I are present in the playground each morning to help new students settle in, and our buddies have been doing a fantastic job supporting their peers. Brief goodbyes often lead to a smoother transition for children. Staying for extended periods can sometimes have the opposite effect, making it harder for students to settle into the day’s activities.

Swimming Carnival: Our annual Swimming Carnival will be held next Wednesday, and we’re looking forward to another great day of friendly competition and school spirit! This year, we’re excited to be at a new venue, Wentworthville Swimming Centre.

Please ensure that students come dressed in their house colours. If your child doesn’t yet have a house shirt, they are available for purchase from the uniform shop. Sunscreen is also a necessity!

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton

HopePoint Christian School Newsletter

Growing Minds | Shaping Hearts | Developing Purpose

Term 1 Week 2 · 04 Mar 2025

In this issue