Dear Parents,

What a beautiful day Harmony Day was. It was wonderful to see our children dressed in the colour Orange and Traditional dress. It was also amazing to listen to stories about the cultures in other countries. Thank you to the many parents for sharing your stories and customs - we are all the richer for the experience. Thank you to everyone that came along and visited our classrooms. The children absolutely love having family visitors to their rooms. Thank you Ms Roberts, Mrs George and Ms Hall for their coordination of the day and the decorating of the front of the school. 

Congratulations to the School Cricket Team and Mr Thackray on a terrific win in Round 1 of the NSW PSSA Cricket Competition against Bathurst West PS. Our next game will be held on Thursday 7th May against Boorawa Central School.

Congratulations to our Year 4 children who attended the 'Year 4 Come and Try' day at Bathurst and Kelso High Campuses yesterday. From all reports the Year 4 children had a wonderful day. Thank you, Mrs Francis, for your organisation of the day and thank you, Mrs Burns, Ms Chifley and Mrs Mitchell, for supporting the children at both schools.

Congratulations to Lucas Hurford who has been selected in the Western Region Boys Hockey Team. Lucas will represent Western at the PSSA State Hockey Championships in late May in Bathurst. A great achievement. Well done, Lucas!

Good luck to our Swimming Team representing Bathurst Public School and Bathurst District at the Western Trials in Dubbo today. We know the children will all try their very best.

Next Monday our School Cross Country will be held on the school grounds. The children have been training on the course this week to become familiar with the track. Its actually a lot harder then it looks! We welcome everyone to come along and cheer us along from 11.30am on Wednesday.

We can't wait for our Easter Hat Parade next Tuesday 31st March under the COLA commencing at 11.40am. I know the children are eagerly making their Easter Hats at home and will bring them in and parade them next week. The children have also been busy practicing their Easter dances that they will perform for everyone. We are so eggcited! See you next Tuesday.

Athletics Carnival Field Event Trials - Children in Years 3-6 and Year 2 children turning 8 this year are eligible to participate in the Athletics Carnival Field Event Trials to be held on Wednesday 1st April on the oval at school. The children have now nominated for the events they wish to compete in. The events that will be held are:

• Junior (8, 9, 10yrs) girls and boys Shot Put, Discus and Long Jump
• 11yrs girls and boys Shot Put, Discus and Long Jump
• Senior (12, 13yrs) girls and boys  Shot Put, Discus and Long Jump

If any parent requires further information, please contact the Athletics Convener Mr Thackray.

In recent days we have had many issues with Pokemon cards at school. We have informed children today that Pokemon cards should be kept at home and not be brought to school please. This will ensure that cards are not lost, traded or damaged.

General Reminders:-

• Food Allergies - We do have several children at our school who have peanut allergies and have severe reactions if exposed to this food. Parents are asked to be mindful of this when packing recess and lunch and are encouraged not to send products which contain nuts in them to school. 
• All items of clothing and personal belongings should be clearly marked with your child’s name.
• All children require a broad brimmed hat each day as our school has a “No Hat, No Play” policy.
• All gates around our school are kept closed during the day. This is a to ensure our children and staff are able to learn and play in a safe and happy environment. When parents and friends come to the school during the day, please come to the gate in George street and press the buzzer. The office staff will then open the gate. Please ensure you QR code in (QR code on the gate area). All parents and visitors should present to the front office on arrival.  This is a Legal and Workplace Safety requirement and is followed for the safety and security of all children and staff.

If any parent has any concerns regarding any aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kate White

Principal