Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School

Principal's Report

 

Welcome Back to Term 2!

This term I am really excited that our school production of "Under the Big Top" is happening. The students have started their STOMP dance classes and we can't wait to see them in action. So make sure you save the date for production Thursday 21st June! It is set to be a spectacular show. For parents who are new to production every class performs one or two songs. The grade 5 and 6 students have the lead roles and are very excited about sharing their talents!

School Swimming

School swimming has started and it is great that we have so many students joining us. I know that our students are very fortunate as many of them do private swimming lessons and so do not attend the lessons. It is great for the students that are able to attend to be in groups with their peers and the instructors are doing a great job at all levels.

New Playground Equipment and Working Bee

Our new playground will be installed in early June. We will have a working bee shortly after so that we can build the retaining walls around it. I am also looking for any volunteers to assist in making the front garden look amazing! Having had the big trees removed it really needs a bit of work including new retaining walls and some new landscaping. Keep an eye out for dates for working bees this term.

ANZAC DAY

Next Wednesday is ANZAC day. We do encourage you to take your children to an ANZAC ceremony on the day to pay their respects. While it can be difficult to explain ANZAC day to young students here are some simple ideas to focus on when discussing ANZAC Day and what it means:

  • Focus on the collective pride of the country.
  • The spirit of ANZAC through courage, mateship and sacrifice
  • Talk about the freedom we have to feel safe because of their sacrifice
  • Talk about caring for each other and the world as a whole
  • Let them ask the questions, be open to their ideas on what they think it was about and guide them gently to the truth
  • Numbers can be overwhelming, especially for school-aged kids who learn how many soldiers lost their lives. Follow this sad realisation with the reinforcement of how they did this to keep our country safe, that this is why we live in such a peaceful place today, how thankful we are to them.
  • Have a moment of silence in honour of those who fought so hard for our freedom, holding hands as a family.
  • For older children, a dawn service may also be appropriate or the city parade to see the collective pride of the community.

We will be conducting an ANZAC Day assembly on Monday 23rd April at 2:30pm.

Parents are welcome to attend.

 

We will have ANZAC badges available at school from $2 staring tomorrow. 

Reminder no morning assembly next week due to swimming. Back to normal on Monday 30th April.

 

Special ANZAC Day assembly on Monday 23rd April at 2:30pm all welcome.

Have  a great week everyone.

Tabitha