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Dear Families,

Governing Council Representatives

At our first meeting of the year, we formed our new Governing Council team. I am pleased to announce the following people as our members for 2015.

Chairperson – Kerrie Stewart

Deputy Chair – Hamish Parsons

Secretary – Sonia Searles

Treasurer – Terrie Wilson

Staff Rep – Karen Smith

Parent Members - Fiona Scoffield, Sarah Nash, Petta Day, Sharon Mair, Nathan Wright, Karen Martin, Paul Watson, Caroline Cowen, Kylie Baker, Elizabeth Hudson, Nicole Hodder, Tina Quitadamo. It is great to see some new faces and the passion that all members have for our school and the children. If you have any questions regarding school issues, please feel free to approach any of our members. I am hoping to have their photos in the next newsletter!!!!!!

School Policies

As a part of the agreed process for keeping our community informed, you will find copies of our Policies relating to Grievance, Dress Code, Behaviour, Bullying & Harassment and Attendance on our school website at: www.largsbayr7.sa.edu.au

Please take the time to have a read of these.

Canteen

Just a reminder that we have an excellent canteen with quality fresh & nutritious food available for recess & lunch daily.

The menu is available on our Skoolbag app, school website,  from the front office or click attachment.

Grounds

We have recently upgraded the garden section at the Fletcher Road entrance with seating and paving. Over the coming weeks, members of our student environment group will look at options for planting out the area.

The new work will provide additional shaded seating for the students and should be ready next week.

Pupil Free Days

Governing Council recently approved our Pupil Free Days for this year. Having had one already, the other three are on the following dates:

Term 2 – Monday 2nd May, Tuesday 14th June

Term 3 – Friday 23rd September (School Closure)

Term 4 – Friday 9th December

Child Safety

With the recent number of attempted abductions and assaults, it is timely to mention some strategies that parents can use to help children stay safe and avoid dangerous situations. They include:

• Know where your children are at all times. Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Give your children your work and cell phone numbers so they can reach you at all times.
• Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
• Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult. Tell them that sometimes adults they know may make them feel uncomfortable, and they should still get away as fast as possible and tell another adult what happened. Reassure children that you will help them when they need it.
• Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s okay to say no to an adult and to run away from adults in dangerous situations.
• Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!

Parent Facebook Page

We have been overwhelmed by the support of people wanting to be a part of our Parent Help Group/Fundraising committee. However, we always welcome new members. If you are interested in helping raise funds to support school initiatives, please have a look at the Facebook Page at:

https://www.facebook.com/Parent-Help-Group-Largs-Bay-Primary-School-416812965196674/?hc_location=ufi

Regards Mike