Principals' Page
Welcome Back to Term 3
Welcome back to Term 3.
I hope everyone managed to enjoy a well deserved break, even if it was hard to peel yourself away from your slippers on those cold winter mornings. Winter certainly made itself known over the holidays, but it has been lovely to welcome everyone back and see the school buzzing with learning again.
I spent time visiting classrooms this week and it was wonderful to see students settled so quickly and ready for another exciting term. Term 3 is always a busy one with swimming, Wakakirri, Book Week, sporting events and so many other learning opportunities. I know it will be another fantastic term at Great Ryrie.
Congratulations Dexter
Many of you will know Dexter Bourke, our wonderful crossing supervisor on Great Ryrie Street near Edna Street.
I am delighted to share that Dexter was recently named a finalist in the School Crossing Supervisor of the Year Awards. While he did not take out the overall award, being recognised as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the care and dedication he brings to his role every single day.
I regularly receive lovely feedback from families about Dexter. His friendly smile, warm nature and commitment to keeping our students, families and staff safe are appreciated by everyone in our community.
The next time you are crossing with Dexter, please take a moment to congratulate him and thank him for everything he does, rain, hail or shine.
Outstanding NAPLAN Results
Term 3 has started with the excitement of receiving our NAPLAN results for Year 3 and 5.
As a school we always eagerly anticipate these results as we want to be able to celebrate with both the students and families the learning successes of our students. This year has been no different. With cheers of excitement we looked through all our students' results. Each student should be extremely proud of their NAPLAN results. As a school we are encouraged to see that we are performing above our Network and Similar schools in all areas. We will share these results very soon in the newsletter.
Parents will be receiving these results during the Parent Teacher Interviews next week. The results not only reflect the positive attitude to learning our students reflect but also the tireless work of all staff to support, guide and equip our students to be amazing learners. Although this is just one moment in your child's learning journey, celebrate their successes with them.
Car Park Safety Reminder
Thank you to everyone who has embraced the recent changes in our bottom car park.
The installation of bollards, wheel stops, new line marking and the move to reverse parking only have made a significant difference to both traffic flow and, most importantly, the safety of our students and families.
There are just a few important reminders.
Please do not stop or park on the left hand side as you enter the car park. This is the main thoroughfare for all vehicles entering the car park and must remain clear at all times.
Please also do not park behind the designated disability parking space. This blocks vehicles displaying a valid Disability Parking Permit from accessing or leaving the space safely. Even if you are only stopping for a minute, please keep this area clear.
The emergency access gates must also remain clear at all times to ensure emergency vehicles can enter the school if ever required.
We understand that our car park becomes very busy, particularly at drop off and pick up times and especially on wet days. If the car park is full, we encourage families to park in one of the surrounding streets and enjoy the short walk to school, or simply do another loop and return a few minutes later.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
Baby News at Great Ryrie
There is certainly more than the pitter patter of little feet at Great Ryrie at the moment. It is starting to feel more like a stampede!
A huge congratulations to Miss Edmondson and her partner Ash on the safe arrival of baby Ollie James, who arrived on 27 July weighing a healthy 3.46 kilograms. After keeping everyone waiting, Ollie finally made his entrance and mum, dad and baby are all doing wonderfully. We are sure Gus and Willow, their two golden retrievers, are enjoying having a new little mate at home as well.
That now brings us to four girls and one boy born to our growing Great Ryrie family, with Mrs Pratt's little one still to arrive.
And just when we thought the baby announcements were over...
Congratulations to Miss Akaruru, who is expecting her third child in November.
We are also thrilled for Miss Hamilton, who is expecting her first baby in January.
Congratulations to all of our growing families. We are so excited for each of you and cannot wait to meet the newest little members of the Great Ryrie family.
Welcome Megan Bishop
Although Megan Bishop is officially joining our Performing Arts team this term, she is already a very familiar face around Great Ryrie.
Megan has been a regular Casual Relief Teacher at our school and has also been working alongside our staff and students in preparing for this year's Wakakirri performance.
Because of this, she already knows many of our students, staff and the routines of the school, making the transition into her new role a smooth one.
We are delighted to welcome Megan to the team and know she will be a wonderful addition to our school community.
As the sunshine finally makes an appearance, I hope you all have the opportunity to spend some time outdoors with your family and friends this weekend.
Karen Rouda
Principal
Jean Maxwell and Jess Steer Assistant Principals