A message from Margie

Congratulations to us!

Well, we've done it! We've made it to the end of the year. And I say- Congratulations to all of us, students, families and staff. It takes a whole community to result in a successful school experience for children, and I'm so grateful for the efforts of each sector of our school community:

Our staff for caring so deeply about each child and always putting in the extra mile to ensure students are supported and challenged in their social and academic learning;
Our families for trusting us, supporting us and communicating so respectfully with us, for connecting with other families, and for helping students to have a positive outlook towards their learning;
Our students for always trying their best, for showing persistence, for their kindness towards their peers and for showing all of the qualities we aspire to in our school motto Learn Stand Give Fly .

We've had outstanding results in achievement progress and well-being data across the school this year, so let's celebrate together on Tuesday following the End of Year performance. 🥳

Special awards

Two very special awards were presented last week at our assembly:

Congratulations to Lucy Wildy for receiving the 2023 Heysen Citizenship Award from Josh Teague local state member for Heysen:

The Heysen Citizenship Award recognises and encourages those students who have made an extraordinary commitment to their school or wider community beyond the normal level of involvement. It recognises those who have also excelled in some or all aspects of their schooling or extra-curricular activities during the year. This can be demonstrated through volunteering, service for others, sporting achievement or other community activities. This year’s Heysen Citizenship Award goes to a student who has excelled in all areas of music this year. She has been accepted into Marryatville High School music program after completing a strenuous audition process. She has lessons in piano, trumpet, and voice and is also teaching herself violin and guitar. She is also member of the Uraidla School rock band. She loves all things music and she has made it her mission to do it at a high level. She is always happy to volunteer to help out with jobs around the school and community. Congratulations Lucy Wildy!

Congratulations to Lucas Hosking for receiving the 2023 Mayo Community Service Award from Rebekha Sharkie Federal Member for Mayo:

The Mayo Community Service Award recognises student that shows a dedication to their school community and plays an important part in the school’s endeavours to connect with the wider community. They show potential to become a leader in their own community and participates regularly in events to further their community’s interest and takes a keen interest in issues of social justice and displays the traits of an outstanding community member. This year’s Mayo Community Service Award goes to a student who loves to be involved in all aspects of class and school life. He has a positive attitude and respects all students. He supports his community by being part of C.F.S (he is a CFS cadet) which demonstrates a love of his community now but also shows he has a bigger picture view of how he can be involved and support his community in the future. Congratulations Lucas Hosking!

Curious

We've come to the end of our Curious term, where we have learned about the power of curiosity in our learning. Most students were able to find an answer to their questions and posted them on our Curious Wall, although we also learned that sometimes the best questions have no answer!

Here's what the SRC said today about curiosity:

Curiosity is a part of your life. If you're not curious when you get older you'll just be sitting on the couch watching tv!! - Harley
To be curious is to be human. - Victor
If there wasn't curiosity there would not be advanced technology - Harriet
If you're curious you're a hero because you learn about everything! - Margot
If we didn't have curiosity in our minds then nothing would happen in the world - Lucas
Curiosity helps us understand other people rather than making assumptions- Kirrily
If you're not curious you don't get to try new things - Lara

Uraidla Primary School Band

The school band performed at the assembly last week, and I was so impressed by their (our?) sound. It's pretty incredible to think that many of the members only started learning their musical instruments this year! We'd like to thank Sarah Butler for her great work in teaching instrumental lessons and conducting the band this year. We are sad to say goodbye to Sarah, who is moving school districts. Sarah has built up our music program to a high level over the last 6 years, and we'll really miss her skills next year. We hope to have a new teacher appointed soon.

I always think it is such a wonderful program and am so grateful to the Department for Education for providing free instrumental lessons to our students. For many students, it is the only time in their lives that they have tho opportunity to participate in this special experience. If you would like your Year 4-6 child to have this opportunity next year, let me know or just ask for the forms at the front office!

Transition books for new students

One thing we love about our school is that the older students love to look after the younger ones when they start school. This week the Year 5/6 class made books to welcome next year's Receptions and shared the books with the new students. We even had some students with the same name making a special connection (Two Ivys, Finns, Hamishes, and Lucys and four Henrys!).

End-of-year performance

Below you will find the details of Tuesday's performance. We also have a request about siblings and toddlers. We understand that older siblings of students performing love the opportunity to catch up with their former classmates at this event. Before and after the performance is a great time for this! However, we ask that during the performance, they remain inside and sit with their parents/carers, to allow the focus to be on the students on stage without distraction. We also ask that preschool children stay with their responsible adult, and not sit with the school students on the floor. Thank you!

Details about the Performance:

Takes place on Tuesday, December 12 at 6pm.
Students need to be at school in their costumes at 5:45.
School students will be seated on mats on the floor in front of the audience; toddlers and high school students please sit with parents.
The Parents and Friends are putting on a sausage sizzle, no need to pre-order, just pay on the night. $2 per sausage.
The ice cream van will be on site too!
Bring a picnic rug, drinks and other food your family might enjoy, and plan to celebrate the great year we've had with the whole school community following the performance! I'll organise the weather 😬.
The evening performance will be very full. We will be putting on a dress rehearsal at 11am on Tuesday morning (Dec 12) and we welcome any parents, grandparents and other family members to attend this if you would like to be guaranteed a seat.

Other end of year reminders (details in last newsletter) :

Volunteers morning tea Wednesday, December 13 at 9:00 am in the school gym.
Graduation students on Thursday, December 14 at 6:30 pm.
End of Year assembly at 1:30 Friday, December 15, dismissal 2:10pm.

Have a wonderful final week of school, everyone, and a fabulous holiday break! These are such precious years. I wish you all a 'Merry Little Christmas' and some special family time together.

Margie