Welcome back to the start of Term 2. I hope that you and your family have managed to have a safe and enjoyable break. It was lovely to see the smiling faces of the students when they returned on Wednesday and the even larger smiles on the faces of some parents.

School Development Day

On Monday, all staff were involved in professional learning around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. This was a fantastic opportunity for the staff to dedicate an entire day focusing on improving outcomes for our First Nations students. Topics included strengthening our Personalised Learning Pathways and developing a school wide Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Anzac Day

Many of our community joined us for an early start for our Dawn Service on Tuesday morning. It was a very sombre affair which was proudly led by students from our leadership team. The Last Post and Reveille rang out in the still morning air played by an ex-Woodland Road student. A big thank you to all who attended the service and to Mr Berger for his organisation.

Staff Changes

This term we welcome a new addition to our Woodland Road family. Mrs Sunita Kochar has joined our staff as Assistant Principal in our Support Unit. Sunita is a wonderful and experienced addition to our school. I would like to thank Mrs McKenzie for her dedication to K-6M and to Ms Kuit for her leadership.

Fence

The front of the school has received a new inner fence. This is to help improve the safety of our students around the carpark. This has seen small changes to how our students load onto “taxi transport”. As always, student safety is our main priority.

Opportunity Class

Opportunity classes cater for high potential and intellectually gifted students. They help students learn by:

• grouping them with other gifted students

• using specialised teaching methods so students can learn concepts in more detail and more quickly

• supporting their wellbeing needs.

Most students in opportunity classes enjoy learning more when their classmates have similar abilities and interests. Opportunity classes are unzoned so you can apply no matter where you live.

More information is available at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5.html

Apply online: http://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/

Attendance

Attendance Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. NSW public schools work in partnership with parents to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.

What are my Legal responsibilities? Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age of 17 years. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the NSW Education and Standards Authority for home schooling. Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for them.

The Importance of arriving on time Arriving at school and class on time:

ظ Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled

early in the day

ظ Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine

ظ Gives students time to greet their friends before class

ظ Reduces classroom disruption Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

What if my child has to be away from school?

On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school.

Justified reasons for student absences may include:

ظ being sick, or having an infectious disease

ظ having an unavoidable medical appointment

ظ being required to attend a recognised religious holiday

ظ exceptional or urgent family circumstance (e.g. attending a funeral)

Easter Hat Parade 2023

On Thursday 6th April, 2023, we hosted our annual Easter Hat Parade. Despite the venue change, there was a smile on everyone’s face as classes paraded in the school hall showcasing their wonderful hats!

An overview of our term's events.