From the Principal's Desk
Welcome BBQ
It was great to see so many families attend yesterday afternoon's welcome BBQ. It was a great way to start the year allowing those parents who generally don't get the time to walk around our beautiful school, and an opportunity to meet your child's teacher. A special thanks to the P&C for organising the BBQ.
Zone Swimming
Approximately twenty students will represent Martin's Gully at the zone swimming carnival tomorrow. The carnival will start at 9:00am. Mrs Deiderick will be our supervising teacher. A reminder parents are responsible to get their children to and from the carnival.
Gift from Year 6 2023
Last year the Year 6 students purchased a large chess set for the school. Unfortunately, they did not get the opportunity to officially present the gift, but I can assure them it is greatly appreciated and they children love it.
Orchestra and Choir
This year we have employed NECOM to run an orchestra. This is offered to students in Years 3-6 of a Monday afternoon. This is a great opportunity for students that learn an instrument to extend their love for music and play as a group.
We are also excited to have Ruthie Clendinning back as our choir teacher. This is also for Years 3-6 and is held each Thursday.
One off excursion payment
Last week I mentioned that at Martin's Gully we have a one-off excursion payment for all students. This payment covers all local Armidale extra curricular trips such as excursions, visiting performers, PSSA and sporting events. This reduces the need for parents to be paying small amounts every time something is on. The one-off cost for Kindergarten to Year 2 students is $80.00, and for students in Years 3-6 it is $110.00. This is the same amount as last year.
It is now available in COMPASS for payment under the payments centre.
Assembly
This Friday, Stage 3 will be presenting at our first assembly of the year. The assembly will start at 12:30pm.
P&C Meeting
All new parents are invited to attend Martin's Gully Parents and Citizens Association first meeting of the year. This will be held on Friday in the MPC at 1:00pm (straight after the assembly).
PAX Word of the Fortnight : Punctual
- To be punctual you are arriving or doing something at the right time.
- Being punctual means being ready for learning and is a crucial skill not only for academic success but for life.
- Being punctual means you don’t waste time, or keep people waiting.
- Discussion points: Have you ever been late for school? How did it feel to arrive late? Did you miss out on anything? How can we help others to be punctual?
Attendance matters
It’s been great to have our students back in classrooms and settling into the school year. I know all our teachers are looking forward to a successful 2024 and are excited to work with you to make this a memorable year for your child.
The evidence is clear that consistent attendance is the essential first step for your child to have a positive experience at school.
Every day matters for your child’s learning. In recent years we’ve seen too many students miss a day of school here and there. Missing school for students means missing assignments, time with friends, an important maths lesson or getting picked for a sports team. With days missed, years are lost.
Students are required to attend school every day, whether it’s the first or last day of the term, Mondays, Fridays or days dedicated to sports carnivals, school excursions and incursions.
Help us make sure your child is achieving their best and stays ahead in their learning with regular school attendance. The more time your child attends school, the greater their opportunity to learn, make new friends and improve their wellbeing. Together, let’s build positive attendance habits for a lifetime.
If your child is absent from school, please let us know why as soon as possible, even if it’s just a few minutes at the start or end of the school day. Of course, there will be times when your child is unable to be at school (like when they are unwell). Medical appointments should take place outside school hours where possible and family holidays should be taken in term breaks.
If your child is feeling anxious about coming to school and you need support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or me directly. Our staff are here to work with you and your child to help them attend school each and every day. There are also helpful resources for parents and carers on the Every Day Matters website.
What’s Happening Term 1:
This calendar of events will be updated and published each week. Some events may change, so please access the latest version.
Week 5 (Next week)
Tuesday 27th February - NERAM Visit to school - Stage 2
Friday 1st March - PSSA Tennis
Week 6
Thursday 7th March - PSSA Basketball trials
Friday 8th March - Whole School Assembly - Stage 2 Presenting (12:30pm start)
Friday 8th March - PSSA Cricket Trials
Week 7
Monday 11th March - North West Swimming - Armidale
Tuesday 12th March - AFL nominations - no trial, nominations only
Wednesday 13th March - NAPLAN starts - Years 3 and 5 students only
Thursday 14th March - NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only
Thursday 14th March - Disco K-6 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Friday 15th March - NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only
Friday 15th March - PSSA Hockey trials
Week 8
NAPLAN - Years 3 and 5 students only (all week if required)
Friday 22nd March - Whole School Assembly - Stage 1 Presenting (12:30pm start)
Friday 22nd March - PSSA Touch Football trials
Week 9
Week 10
Thursday 4th April - Da Vinci Decathlon - Year 5&6 students
Friday 5th April - Whole School Assembly - Kindergarten Presenting (12:30pm start)
Week 11
Friday 12th April - Last Day Term 1. School resumes for students on Tuesday 30th April.
Ian Reeves
Principal