A Word from the Principal

A Warm Welcome to our Weeden Heights Community

Prep Information Night

Thank you to those community members who attended our Prep information night. This one was historic because for the very first time it was held via a video conference.   Luke, Gracie and Zoe, our school captains, shared their school experiences and spoke amazingly about our school.  Thank you captains!   Our School Council President, Kirsty White, encouraged involvement in our school and Nishani from the PFA shared about her role and support in the school. It really does help to make a difference to welcome the new preps to our school and their families. 

The orientation day for our future preps is this Friday.  They will be meeting as two groups attending at different times in line with our Covid-plan and Department regulations.

You will see many new faces around next year when we are all back on the school site (I’m crossing my fingers right now) so I am very confident that you will be most welcoming. Our PFA will run their regular welcome morning tea on the very first day for the preps (Monday 1 February) which is also our swimming sports day for the rest of the school.  The 2021 calendar is filling fast. 

Communication and Reporting Absences

Just a reminder that now we have returned to school our usual processes fall back into place.  To report your child’s absence, please use the school telephone app, School Stream, instead of emailing the teacher directly moving forward.  This allows our office staff and teachers to access this information.

Also I have heard that there are a few parent chat groups operating through the ‘What’s Up’ app.  While we like our community to stay connected, parents need to recognise that this is not an official communication tool used by the school and often there can be inaccurate information and sometimes ‘negative talk’ which we do not condone.  Information coming out to parents will come through our newsletter, notices, School Stream, email, your class representative or directly from the teacher.  Please stay positive and if you have any questions, deal directly with the school as we will be able to give you accurate responses.

Lastly, if you have not downloaded the School Stream app to your phone, please do so as this is a major form of communication. 

2020 Fees and Parent Contributions 

The parent contribution documents have been distributed to all of our families. We do rely on student stationary and subject fees to deliver our curriculum and wellbeing programs at school. We are always most appreciative of the voluntary contributions as they support the development and maintenance of our school.  Please take the time to read the accompanying letter as it will outline some of the ways we have used the contributions.    

We have continued to keep excursions/activities out of the parent contribution structure.  Therefore, parents are charged as the event occurs to ensure that we can cost each event accurately.  This has worked very well the last couple of year.

School Magazine

Don't forget that if you missed out on a school magazine, you can still purchase them from the school office.  They really look amazing, are very informative and showcase the development of the school over time.  All of the student's work is featured in the magazine and these were contributed during remote learning time.  This year's special edition is exceptional!

Whole School Transition Sessions

The school year is ending soon and one of the wonderful things that Weeden does is allow students to work in their class, classroom and potentially with their new teacher for a couple of sessions.  This allows for the teacher to begin some of the work for next year and establishing the new learning environment and connecting with new peers is the goal.  The number one priority is to create a productive and positive learning community! 

These transition sessions days are critical for students to be involved in.   Our sessions are being held during the last 2 weeks of school on December 10 and 14 from 11.30 to 1.10pm.  Students will also have an opportunity to have lunch with their 2021 class which will further strengthen their relationships.  As we are a great size school and know each other well, it can also be about reconnecting with students who have previously been in the same class in a past year.

Christmas Concert 

Hopefully you are seeing the dance moves and maybe hearing the sounds of your children rehearsing at home for the up-coming Christmas Concert being held in the Google Classroom on Thursday 17 December.  Yes, this is another ‘different’ celebration that will be broadcast for the very first time in the comfort of your own home.  History is being created once again!

Please join us with your family to get into the ‘Christmas spirit’ and also to celebrate the achievements of the school and individuals.  The 2021 student leadership team will be announced as well and we also acknowledge our exiting families through the ‘honor roll’. It is always an exciting night and a great way for our community to come together once again!

PS Don't forget to check out the Lion's Club advertisement for Christmas cakes in our community section of the newsletter.  The Lion's Club were so gracious in providing most of the money for our school's defib machine in conjunction with the PFA, that it would be lovely to support them if you need a Christmas cake.  

Until next fortnight…..

Ms Kylie Campbell

Principal

Futures are Bright at Weeden Heights!