Deputy Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to 2024

I would like to warmly welcome our new and existing students and families to Oak Flats Public School in 2024. I hope that you all managed to relax, spend time with family and friends and are ready to embark on another wonderful year of learning. This year, I am excited to be continuing my role as Deputy Principal and working with Mrs Niedermayer, the Executive team, staff, students and our wonderful Oak Flats community.

Creating connections and belonging has been especially important this week as our littlest students began their educational journey. Kindergarten Best Start Assessments took place and commencement of Preschool began. I applaud both Kindergarten and Preschool teachers for all their preparation, the children for how settled and happy they were and the parents for preparing them for the start of their Kindergarten and or Preschool journey. It has also been fantastic to see how settled all our classes have been, from Preschool to Year 6, with students hard at work and focused on their learning.

Attendance

At Oak Flats Public School, we aim for our students to have an attendance rate of 90% and above. Regular school attendance enhances learning opportunities, builds relationships, develops accountability and responsibility, and establishes a healthy routine. We kindly request your support in prioritising attendance, communicating absences, encouraging a positive attitude, and celebrating your child's commitment to attending school. Together, we can create an environment that inspires our students to be present, engaged, and enthusiastic learners.

On occasion, students may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

* being sick or having an infectious disease

* having an unavoidable medical appointment

* being required to attend a recognised religious holiday

* exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

Please remember that following an absence, parents and carers are required to explain the absence within 7 days of the first day of a student’s absence. Absences can be explained via email, phone, replying to SMS notifications, or via a letter on return to school. After three days absence, a medical certificate is required.

As Deputy Principal, I look forward to getting to know students and families of Oak Flats Public School and upholding the outstanding reputation Oak Flats Public School has in and outside of our Oak Flats community.

Warm regards,

Alice Wigny