Dear families,

As Term 2 draws to a close we are pleased to be able to tell you about some of the ways we are strengthening our community focus and re-engaging with families as Covid restrictions ease. This week we have three community focused events for example. On Tuesday 5th July at 9am we invite families with children starting school in 2023 or newly enrolling in the school, to join us in the Purple building for a meet and greet with leadership to answer questions about the school and learn more about the Woodville Gardens Birth to 6 community.

On Wednesday 6th July, 3-5pm, we will be holding a family expo to connect families to a range of service providers and community groups as well as discuss how support services operate in the site.

On Friday 8th July, we invite our families to our end of term assembly in the gym at 12.15.

I am sorry to say that I will not be able to be at school until next Thursday, 7th July, as I have Covid and am in isolation. I look forward to catching up in person with you again at assembly or in the yard on Thursday.

Next term we will continue to explore opportunities to support and connect families in the community in order to improve outcomes for our children and young people. In Week 2 we will be collecting data on the adjustments made for students under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) . Please see below for further information.

All schools are required to collect information about the numbers of students that they provide adjustments to under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and Disability Standards of Education This data is used as the basis for national funding.

The NCCD involves the collection of;

the number of students receiving adjustments to enable them to participate in education on the same basis as other students
the level of adjustment provided to students
student’s type of disability if known

Under the model the definition of disability is broad and includes learning difficulties, health and mental health conditions.

If your child is identified for inclusion in the Collection, the required information will be included in this year’s data collection.

If you have any questions about the data collection, please contact Dee Economou on 8414 8600. Further information can be found at: http://www.education.gov.au/nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability

We have also been offered the opportunity to engage with One Sight to screen students across the school with potential sight problems that may be impacting their learning. Feedback from families has shown that appointments and follow up for eye care can be difficult to organise. One Sight will provide free eye screening clinic on Friday 29th July for children with a completed consent form. Any children identified on the day as requiring further eye testing will have a full eye exam with one of the One Sight Optometrists. If glasses are required, they will be able to choose frames from a range of styles and glasses will be ordered free of charge. These glasses will be returned to the school approximately four to six weeks after the clinic. Any student requiring further follow up examinations, may be referred under the visiting optometry scheme. This is a great opportunity for families and we hope that you will ensure that you complete the consent form from your child's class teacher. Numbers for screening are limited due to Covid restrictions and so if you particularly want your child to access the eye screening where they may not have been identified by staff as of concern then please contact Liz Mitkas and request that they be seen.

OneSight – When the world sees better, the world lives better.

What else is happening in Term 3?

Families will be receiving different consent forms and paperwork from us depending on the year level of your child.

Week 1 - We will be having swimming week for students in Rec to Year 5 in the first week of term and again, consent forms and medical information as part of water safety are vital.

Week 2 - NCCD Data collection

Week 3 - Students in years 5/6 participate in Growth and Development curriculum learning and information will be sent home to parents regarding this.

Week 5 - Student Free Day (Monday), Photos and Book Week!

Week 6 - Concert at Woodville High School involving some of our music students

So What’s The Big Deal About Attendance

Every day matters in the school life of a child or young person. Each day of attendance has a positive effect on their development and future success. Children and young people who do not attend school regularly also miss out on planned learning experiences, sequences of instruction and class participation. The impact of this loss is compounded with each absence. It is also more difficult for them to build positive relationships with others.

Of course we definitely do not want sick children at school. It is not in their best interest and sick children spread their illness to others. At times medical and other appointments can only be made during school time, as long as the school is notified of course this is OK. Don’t forget to let us know by note, txt message, call or email when your child is absent or late.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

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