Principals Report
Over the past two weeks there have been lots of fun and engagement for our students through excursions, incursions and sporting events. These extra-curricular activities play an important role in helping students learn beyond the classroom. They encourage teamwork, independence, and confidence while giving students the chance to explore new interests and real-world connections.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff team for organising all of these events. This requires significant extra time, especially around all of the administration requirements including risk assessments etc.
A special shout out to all of our parent and carer helpers. There are strict ratios when schools travel to excursions and we really appreciate all those helpers who have given up their time to assist our staff and students.
2026 Foundation School Visits
Our new foundation students have now had four classroom visits. Next week is their final transition session where they will meet their class for 2026. Their families also attended an information night on Wednesday night where they learnt about school life in their child/children's first year at Wales Street.
Arriving at School Before 8:45am
We kindly remind families that students should not arrive at school before 8:45am, unless they are attending TheirCare. Staff supervision in the yard begins at 8:45am, and students arriving earlier are not supervised during this time, so this is a child safety issue.
Ensuring children arrive within supervised hours helps us keep everyone safe and supports a calm, positive start to the school day. If your child needs to arrive before 8:45am, then they need to be booked into Theircare.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to keep our students safe.
Parent Teacher Interviews
We will be conducting Parent Teacher Interviews next week on 17th and 18th November. Bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are now open via the Compass portal.
Both days are normal days of attendance for the students. The class teachers will be released to conduct the interviews, and the students will be supervised by staff for each afternoon.
Interview days:
Grade 3-6 -Monday 17th November
Foundation to Grade 2 - Tuesday 18th November
Information for the Parent Teacher Interviews has been sent out via Compass and will be held virtually over Webex. We will have virtual meetings as they allow us to conduct interviews while the students are in attendance, are more time efficient and provides working families options to log on rather than having to take time out of the working day to attend the school.
The Semester 2 report will be released for families in the last week of the year and will reflect your child’s achievement and progress for all curriculum areas taught across the semester.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, an important part of Australia’s history was recognised and acknowledged on Tuesday 11th November.
On Tuesday we observed a minute of silence in respect for those who have served our country in the past and current wars. Our school captains provided a brief service over the public address system so that students gain a better understanding of Australia’s part in the historical Armistice Day and why a red poppy is worn. A big thanks to our School Captains, Henry, Ava, Pak and Emma for their beautiful words and confident speech.
Changing Circumstances
Please remember to let the office know if any of your contact details have changed. It is important that the office has current phone numbers and home addresses and the person you have listed as an emergency contact (in the event we can’t get hold of you) is also up to date.
Please also let the office know if your child is moving schools next year as early notice assists with class placements.
School Hall
The school hall is getting a much needed facelift. Preparation work started last weekend. The painting will be completed over the next 3 weekends.
Social Media Restrictions
As you may be aware, the Australian government has taken action to reduce online harms experienced by young Australians through the introduction of social media age restrictions, taking effect on 10 December 2025 for Australians under the age of sixteen years. From 10 December, under 16s won’t be able to have an account on a number of commonly utilised social media platforms. Under 16s will still be able to use messaging services and online games, as well as a number of other apps and platforms that support health and wellbeing. Statistics state that over 7 in 10 young Australians have seen content they shouldn’t be exposed to online. If any child under the age of 16 already has an account, they should be deactivated. The law is intended to capture social media platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat, X, Facebook and YouTube.
Below is a link that has information to support families
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions