Principal's Patch

Unidentified Mysterious Object 

Over the past few weeks there has been much excitement around our school about the Unidentified Mysterious Object (UMO) that appeared in our front garden.  We still have not been able to work out exactly what it was, however there has been high levels of engagement and creativity from students using their imaginations to write about this object. 

I look forward to sharing some of our students writing with our school community. 

NAPLAN 

Next week our Year 3 and 5 students will begin NAPLAN testing. Each year students across the country in Yr. 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN testing. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake. A brochure was sent home to Year 3 and 5 families last week with further information regarding the tests. These assessments are online assessments and students have been exposed to the testing platform and explicitly shown how to access support tools within the platform over the past few weeks. 

We do not want any student or parents feeling anxious about this testing. We encourage all of our students to just try their best and ‘have a go’. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress. 

School Costs

This is a friendly reminder that school costs for the year are due now. We appreciate those who have already settled their payment promptly. However, if you haven't done so, please be advised that student's online accounts will be disabled starting this coming Monday 11 March for those with outstanding costs.  We kindly ask you to ensure timely payment to avoid any disruptions to your child's access to school resources.  Thank you for you cooperation and understanding.  If you have any personal financial concerns, please contact the school office.

Cross Country 

Following our very successful Cross Country on the Beach in 2023, we are again hitting the sand for our whole school cross country this year. This will be held on Friday 22nd March and we look forward to seeing the beach lined with our school community again this year. More information will be sent home in the coming weeks. 

Easter Raffle 

Don’t forget to support our P&C Easter Raffle. Donations of eggs or Easter items such as stuffed bunnies can be dropped off to the uniform shop each morning between 8 and 8:40am. These will then be made into Bunny Baskets and prizes will be drawn on March 26th. Thank you to our P&C for their continued support of our school.

Clean Up Palmy Day 

Student Council in conjunction with LEAP Club will be holding 'Clean Up Palmy Day' on Wednesday 27th March. On this day students are encouraged to wear free dress, bring a gold coin and help keep our school beautiful.

Funds raised will go towards buying some new buckets and grabbers for students to use at lunch time as well as other projects around the school.

Waste Free Wednesdays 

Our LEAP Club do an amazing job around our school finding ways our school can contribute to sustainability and looking after our environment. This year they have introduced ‘Waste Free Wednesdays’. Students are encouraged to bring their lunch with no food wrapping, plastic and paper bags. An alternative is to use reusable containers instead of wrapping. 

Please support our LEAP club and remember to not send lunches with wrapping on Wednesdays. 

Helmets 

Student safety is our number one priority and it has been noticed that there are increasing numbers of students not wearing helmets when riding to school. We kindly remind all students and parents to ensure the use of helmets whenever riding bikes or scooters. Helmets are vital in protecting against head injuries, and wearing one significantly reduces the risk of serious harm in case of accidents.

Dogs on School Grounds 

Please remember that animals (including dogs and puppies) are not allowed on schoolgrounds. While we appreciate the value of interactions with animals, safety and hygiene are our top priorities. If your child wants to share their pet's joy, consider options like show-and-tell. Thank you for ensuring a secure and inclusive environment for everyone. Your cooperation is greatly valued.

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Information will be sent home this week in relation to Term One Parent/Teacher/Student interviews which have been scheduled for Tuesday 19th March from 3:00pm – 7:00pm in the PAC (Performing Arts Centre - Townson Avenue). We will be using the School Online Booking System (SOBS) to make appointments. 

We encourage your child to accompany you to the interview as this often assists with the discussion and clarification of outcomes. We look forward to seeing you at the interviews.

Kiss n Go and Disabled Parking

Please remember the Kiss n Go zone along the school fence on Nineteenth Avenue is not a parking zone. There are some designated parks in this area, however the Kiss n Go lane needs to remain free flowing to allow pick up time to run smoothly.  This includes stopping to strap children into car seats. 

Also, there is a no standing zone on Nineteenth Avenue near the school library. Parking in this zone disrupts the flow of traffic into the Kiss n Go lane and causes traffic chaos and frustration for other road users and parents. Please don’t park in this zone. 

It is very important that designated disabled parks are left free for those students and community members requiring the use of these to safely access our school. If you do not have a disabled parking permit, please do not park in these parks.   

Kind Regards

Scott