What a wonderful start to the new school year. Shoes are shiny, all the lunchboxes still have lids, students have settled into their new classes and the school is still buzzing with that start of year energy. The summer break appears to have done its job in enabling everyone a chance to recharge their batteries and return with an attitude of endless possibility.

For me, the summer break was a welcomed opportunity to catch up with family and friends and to think about what I want for our students, staff and the school overall in 2023. About where we’re all heading. The vision of the Education State has at its foundation a deep belief in the potential of our young people, and in educators’ potential to make a real difference. I share that belief look forward to leading the school in 2023 as we continue working towards making a real difference in the education of our students. Our emphasis this year will focus on the learning growth of each student with a real emphasis on students working at their individual point of need with challenge and persistence. I would like to continue building a learning culture where students push themselves to always do their best and seek to grow as learners. We will also focus on school connection and continuing to grow a strong student and community connection with our school.

Welcome to new Students, Staff and Families

In addition to welcoming all our new Prep students this week, we have also excitedly welcomed other new students in various classes across our school. I have been so delighted to watch the way all new students have been warmly welcomed by existing students. I love listening to the way our students explain our norms, values and routines to the new students and love watching the efforts they make to ensure their new friends feel included. It has also been a pleasure meeting all of our new families and I thank you for the strong support you have provided with Reading Circles and the like with Mrs Guy in the Prep Room.

We welcome Miss Kate Stoll into the Grade 1/2 Team this year and Mrs Maree Evans into the Specialist Team teaching Art throughout Term 1. Both these teachers have made an impactful start to the school year with their respective classes and we a grateful to have these fantastic teachers join our team.

Building Works

As a school we have dedicated significant resources to enhancing our school grounds over the holiday period and look forward to continuing this with other upgrades throughout the year. We have pressure cleaned all of the concrete surfaces and the tiled roof of our main building. Those that can picture it last year, please take a moment to look up when you are next at school and admire the beauty of a newly cleaned 140 year old roof. (Unless that is just me that enjoys that type of thing.) We have been able to clear many of our gardens, install new mulch and also update the painted line markings on our courts. I would also like to thank all of our staff that gave time in their holidays to ensure their rooms were looking fresh and inviting for their classes.

Meet the Teacher’s Afternoon

We will be holding a Meet the Teacher’s Afternoon on Tuesday 21 February from 3:45pm. This will be an opportunity for your child to show you through their classroom and for some introductions and informal conversations with your child’s teacher. We will be running a BBQ during the afternoon and really encourage you to bookmark the date and attend the afternoon for a chat and sausage in bread. I look forward to having the chance to speak with many families across the afternoon too.

Some Logistic Updates

Compass and Events

All events for our students are published via Compass with details of the event and payment details. The due date for final payment will be on the event details. All events must be consented and paid for by the date to allow for both Office Staff and Classroom Teachers to undertake essential processing and planning. Please contact the Office if you are having difficulty in making payment before the due date to discuss this with our Business Manager, Kate. To avoid any child's disappointment in being unable to attend an event, we ask that you regularly look at Compass and make yourself aware of payment details. Late payments, without prior discussion with the Office, cannot be accepted.

Parent/Carer Contact Details

If you have moved house, changed your telephone number or emergency contact details over the school holidays can you please ensure that you have updated this information with our Office Staff, it is essential that we are able to contact all parents/carers in the case of an emergency.

Sun Smart

A reminder to all parents that Term 1 is a Sun Smart Term. Hats must be worn outside at all times. If students are not wearing their hats, they will be asked to sit in the shade.

School Attendance

It is a legal requirement that all students attend school on a daily basis. We all understand the benefit of attending school and how a large amount of time away from school can be detrimental to learning and social friendships. We do understand that from time to time students are too ill to attend school, and in the case of a necessary absence, parents must provide an explanation of their child's absence. We ask that parents log their child's absence in Compass or contact the office prior to 9:30am on the day of absence.

Daniel Webber

Principal

Gardening & Cooking Club