Dear Families,

MATHS MASTERS:

Congratulations to all out ‘Mathletes’ or ‘mathmagicians’ who competed in the Annual Maths Masters competition this week. Again, our families supported in the audience and the spectators (students) were also trying to calculate in their minds while the competition was running. A special thanks to Alyce Graham who is our Learning Specialist in this area of the curriculum and leads the school through all the changes and latest information/research to help teachers improve their practice.

R U OK?:

This Thursday we will be recognising R U OK? Day, reminding students of the importance of checking in with others, listening, showing kindness and speaking to a trusted adult when they need support. Students who would like to help share the message are welcome to add a splash of yellow to their school uniform.

FATHERS AND SPECIAL PERSONS DAY:

Gillian and her team have done an outstanding job once again, in the lead up to Father’s and Special person’s Day. The gym was a hive of ‘business’ with students purchasing their wares. I hope that all father’s and special people in the lives of our students, had a wonderful day.

GORDON INSTITUTE:

Just today, the GI team came back onsite to do their final tidy up of the new retaining walls on the north side of the Art room. The walls look fantastic and we appreciate the work the GI students do around the school. The GI team have also added so much value to the amphitheatre area too. Please look around when you are onsite or playing with your children in the grounds, out of school hours.

YARNING CIRCLE:

Yesterday, Kim Kenny, Emma Halliday and Kate Chadwick added new plants, mulch and gave the Yarning Circle a little spruce up in time for spring. We are appreciative of the work our families do around the school and the biodiversity in plants has significantly increased over the years. We hope the plants can mature and Kim has added stakes to define paths to give the plants the best chance at establishing.

CASUAL RELIEF TEACHERS (CRT’s):

CRT’s are an integral part of ALL schools and help keep the school functioning when staff are away. The majority of our staff are an experienced group, and many have leave entitlements that recognise their career. Some staff will use them in blocks of time and others may save them for an early retirement! When staff are away, we do our best to replace them with high-quality teachers, either through an agency or via those who have visited the school seeking employment opportunities.

PERFORMING ARTS:

Last Friday afternoon, the wonderful Performing Arts team volunteered to run 4 x 30 min plays of “Alice in Wonderland for the students who have committed to rehearsals and share their talents! Congratulations to all involved and we do have some fantastic Performing Artists among us who have taken this opportunity and thrived on it. Special thanks to the audience for attending and supporting the students and to Emma, Meg and Becky (The PA team) we thank you for providing this opportunity for the students.

BRAINSTORM THEATRE:

Tomorrow, we welcome Brainstorm theatre to school to work with Foundation – Year 5 students. This exciting theatre in education program provides practical strategies for bullying prevention, online safety, social skills, and emotion regulation – all important aspects of contemporary life.

(At the time of writing, we have been notified that a performer has been unwell. The show has not yet been postponed, but if so, we will let families know – otherwise the show will go on!)

ASSEMBLY:

This Friday from 2.30pm will be the final assembly for Term 3. We look forward to seeing the school captains plan and organise these events and hope you enjoy their presentations.

END OF TERM:

Next Friday 18th September, school finishes at 2.30pm and classes will be dismissed from their classrooms soon after lunch. Their Care will be available too.

TERM 4:

A reminder that SunSmart hats become compulsory in Term 4 and we encourage families to even start providing hats when the UV index is increasing this term. SunSmart hats available via DC Uniforms Please consider sunscreen and even mosquito repellent at the moment.

HOLIDAY WORKS:

As usual, over the holidays, schools organise as much work as possible to minimise disruptions to schools. There will be a range of tradies onsite from Electricians, Synthi grass maintenance, pest controllers and more. If you are around over the break, please give the tradies the space they need to complete their work safely.

SCHOOL RESUMES:

Term 4 begins Monday 5th October at 9am! Don’t forget your hats!

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Scott McCumber

Principal

Hot Dog, Disco and Footy Colours Day!