Dear Parents

Semester 1 reports will be sent home with children tomorrow. I encourage parents to contact their child's teacher if they require clarification of any information on the reports.

Last week Stage 2 and Stage 3 Indigenous students across Bathurst had the opportunity to participate in a culture and dance workshop facilitated by Thikkabilla Vibrations Aboriginal Culture and Dance Group at Bathurst South PS. Several of our children attended the workshop at Bathurst South and than the Corroboree at Denison College Kelso High Campus on Friday. This was a huge success and a wonderful event for our students to be a part of.

It was a cold cold day in Geurie last Thursday for the Western Cross Country trials. Nine students represented our school and the district of Bathurst against the best runners in the Western Region. All students put in their best efforts and we had some great top ten finishes from Tom Hamer, Lara Glasgow and Beau Francis. A massive congratulations to Maddy Phillips who finished 4th in the 11yrs girls event and will now represent Western Region at the State Carnival at Eastern Creek. Well done everyone.

This week Hudson Reynolds and Blake Fulthorpe are in Tamworth at the State Opens Rugby League Carnival. They are representing the Western Region over 3 days. Good luck boys.

Bathurst Public School debating teams participated in a 60 minute online incursion implemented by the State Library of New South Wales on Tuesday afternoon. State Library of NSW Education Officer Susan Brawn, delivered an informative and interactive presentation titled ‘Sharpen your debating skills’. Lachlan, Jake, Sadie, Emily, Gwendolyn, Lillian, Eliza, Cordelia and Olivia concentrated on three main skills: defining the topic, strengthening arguments using the PEEL (Point, Explain, Example and Link) structure and the art of rebuttal. Students considered topics such as: We should ban school uniforms, ANZAC Day should be our National Day of celebration and that Australia should become a republic. Bathurst Public School students were engaged and respectful throughout the entire presentation and are congratulated on their wonderful conduct in the wider community. Thank you to Ms. Lloyd and Mrs Rutherford for your coordination of this spectacular opportunity.

Tomorrow, Friday 18th June, the BPS Olympics Day will be held for all children K-6. This will commence with the torch relay and opening ceremony and end with a closing ceremony. Throughout different times of the day, children in K-2 and 3-6 will take part in various sporting activities. Notes were sent home with children earlier in the week regarding the country children will represent. All children are encouraged to come dressed in the colours of the country they are representing. Children will also need sporting shoes and warm clothing. We know we will have a fabulous day.

We have a very busy week next week in the lead up to the school holidays - finishing units of work in classrooms, Green Award Morning Tea, PSSA Netball and Free/Mufti Dress Day on Friday (children dressing in the favourite footy colours).

Attendance is vitally important. Research highlights a clear correlation between student attendance and the achievement of quality academic, socio-economic and health outcomes. This research tells us that students with an attendance rate below 90% are educationally at risk. Please contact the school for any support or queries regarding your child's attendance.

Student Attendance - EVERY DAY COUNTS

Above 95% is our expected student attendance

Current School Data in week 9

510 children enrolled

67.8% of children at Bathurst PS are attending 90% or more of the time

If any parent has any concerns regarding any aspect of school life, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kate White

Principal

In the Spotlight

This week's spotlight gives a snapshot of our Touch Football teams in action this afternoon.