Acting Principal's Update
Gabriela Tigafua
Book Week
Last week we enjoyed a wonderful celebration of Book Week. These types of activities and events are what school is all about. Dressing up on special days is such a fun way to enjoy and promote a love of reading. It was certainly an amazing parade, and the staff and student costumes were spectacular. A big shout out to all our parents and carers for supporting our students to source or make costumes and getting fully into the spirit of the event. This is not always an easy thing to do but, know that your commitment was worth it. Congratulations to Mr Scollo (English Leader) and the English School Action Team for organising a week full of fun, including some special lunch time activities.
Book week is also a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank Deb Packham, our wonderful librarian for her work in our school library. Not only does she keep our library updated with the latest books, but she also makes it a magical place by decorating it so beautifully and keeping it organised and tidy.
Remember - There can be few things as powerful as regularly reading to a young child. It has astonishing benefits for children: comfort and reassurance, confidence and security, relaxation, happiness and fun. Giving a child time and full attention when reading them a story tells them they matter. It builds self-esteem, vocabulary, feeds imagination and even improves their sleeping patterns. Families who enjoy reading together have more opportunities for discussion, developing empathy and attachment.
It is so important to regularly read to and listen to our children read, even in our very busy lives. Just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
Emergency Management Plan
Each year in August, schools update their Emergency Management Plans (EMP).
The review includes identifying areas where the EMP could be improved and ensuring the whole school community is aware of the plan and their role during an emergency.
Each Term, we carry out an emergency drill, which could include: lock down, evacuation, first aid, shelter in place or evacuation off site.
We will inform parents when we have held an EMP practise but also require parents to assist us with the following in case of a real emergency:
- Sign your child in through the office, if they are late to school
- Sign your child out through the office, if they are leaving early
- Sign in yourself, if you are working or meeting at the school, during school hours
- Sign out when you are leaving
These four practices enable us to have an accurate idea of who to look for (or not) in the case of an emergency.
In addition parents are asked to assist in the following ways:
If we are holding an EMP practise when you are at the school, that you follow all the instructions.
In the case of a real emergency, follow all the instructions that will be provided through COMPASS, particularly if you are not at the school. We will provide instructions to parents with the guidance of the emergency services (if you are asked to stay away from the school, this will be done for the safety of everyone).
Ensure you have COMPASS available either on your phone, tablet or computer, so you can keep up to date with instructions. Check your Compass regularly to ensure you have access.
Reminder
In order for us to support your child both at school each day and in the case of emergency, we need to be aware of their first aid needs. This includes any medical condition, whether we need to manage it or medicate your child at school or not, it may have implications for their support during an emergency.
Please ensure you have provided the school with your most up to date contact details, including address, phone number and email address.
Regards
Gabriela Tigafua