Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Families

The country has been buzzing with excitement over Paris 2024 and the remarkable achievements of Australian athletes and their international counterparts. The Olympics offer a unique chance for students to witness an extraordinary sporting event featuring human efforts, triumphs, dedication and the success that comes with it. These games have been sensational from start to finish and our students have really enjoyed being immersed in relevant rich learning linked to this global event.

Staffing

Maramba Primary School welcomes Robert Tolliday as the Leading Teacher for Inclusion and Wellbeing. Robert comes with a range of experience and a brilliant attitude, demonstrating a keenness to continue the wonderful work at Maramba Primary School. Here is a little introduction from him:

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Dear School Community,

My name is Robert Tolliday and I would like to introduce myself as the new Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teacher at Maramba Primary School. It is an honour to take on this important role within our diverse school community.

With a passion for fostering a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported, I believe that every child has the right to feel safe, happy and empowered to achieve their full potential. I have always been committed to creating a school culture where diversity is celebrated, and every student’s unique strengths and recognised and nurtured.

In my role, I will be working closely with staff, students and families to endeavour to ensure that all students have access to the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. I aim to enhance our inclusive practices so that every child, regardless of background or ability, feels a sense of belonging and purpose within our school.

I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every child can flourish. Please feel free to make contact if required and I look forward to working alongside each of you to support our wonderful school community.

Warm Regards

Robert Tolliday

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On a seperate note, today we say farewell to Mrs Pettigrove who has been a wonderful Year 1 teacher and has built many positive relationships with families in her short time here. We thank Mrs Pettigrove for all her efforts and wish her all the best for the future!

Fathers and Special Others Stall and Afternoon Extravaganza

In Week 7, we will be celebrating our fathers and special others by offering our students the opportunity to purchase items from our annual stall on 29th August - stay tuned to XUNO for more details!

On Thursday 29th August, we will have our whole school sports extravaganza to honour our fathers and special others. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the term's learning around Olympic Games. Everyone is welcome! Hopefully the weather is great and we can be outside for a fun filled afternoon. Theircare, our Out of School Hours Care provider, will provide a coffee cart for the attending families.

Shrek the Production

On Thursday, September 5th, we will be performing our whole school production of Shrek Jr. the Musical. There will be two performances and it is school requirement for all students to attend the matinee and evening performance unless already discussed with the classroom teacher.

This is a valuable chance for them to showcase and celebrate the hard work they've put in this year with their classmates, friends, and families.

Please ensure you have given permission via QKR for your child to attend the whole school rehearsal and matinee performance on September 5th. For more information, please contact your child's classroom teacher.

Student Spotlight

To link in with our production, this fortnight's student spotlight is on three amazing Year 2 students who shine when performing on stage! Congratulations to Elly, Lexi and April for being outstanding role models in performing arts, receiving numerous medals and certificates between them in competitions outside of school. The girls were interviewed about their passion in dance.

Question: Tell us a little bit about what you do outside of school to develop your talent?

Elly, April and Lexi: We participate in musical theatre, jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, elite dance, acrobatics and stage productions. This involves intense training and at least 3-4 sessions a week but we really enjoy it. (Their schedule is busier than most adults!)

Question: What do you enjoy most about your dance classes?

Lexi: I enjoy being flexible, learning the different techniques and we get to participate in many competitions and exams. I love the opportunities to showcase our talents at school and in these classes.

April: We have a lot of fun and my favourite thing is to perform on stage for a production. It has helped boost my confidence.

Elly: The dance classes help build flexibility and develop your confidence for when you perform on stage. I can share everything I learn back with my class and help them improve their practice.

Elly, Lexi and April: The competitions place you from first to third, and it is really fun to see so many people watch you showcase your talents.

Question: Is there any advice you would like to give your fellow peers?

Elly, April and Lexi: Believe in yourself and try your best! It does not matter if you get it right or not, it just matters that you have fun. We are always happy to help others learn new dances and techniques.

Please let Mrs Ehsan know if you have been involved in something fabulous for our next 'Student Spotlight'.

Science Week

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running from 10-18 August 2024, the week aims to encourage an interest in science among the community and to encourage students to be fascinated by the world we live in.

Students have explored a range of topics, conducted different experiments and completed a range of activities through the week.

Assemblies and Newsletters

Please see the schedule below for our assemblies and newsletters:

School Newsletter	Whole School Assembly
Friday, 16th August	Thursday, 22nd August (Book Week Parade)
Friday, 30th August	NO ASSEMBLY on 5th Sept due to Production
Friday, 13th September	Thursday, 19th September (Two weeks of awards to be presented)

Curriculum Day - Friday 13th September

A reminder that our next Curriculum Day is on Friday, 13th September. No students at school on this day as the staff will be undertaking professional learning.

OSHC (Theircare) will be available.

Attendance

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.

If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school. There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes. Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing and reading. Every day counts. attending school every day is vital for all children. We can work together to achieve the best outcomes for yoru child!

If your child is unwell please let the classroom teacher know or contact the office.

We wish all families have a fantastic weekend, and look forward to seeing you at the Book Week parade on Thursday, 22nd August at 9am.

Kind regards,

Moniba Ehsan and Stephanie Sharp

Principal and Assistant Principal

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the Students and Staff who will celebrate their birthdays last and this week.