Relieving Deputy Principal's 

Report

Dear Parents and Carers

We have been full steam ahead over the past fortnight. Our students are to be commended for their excellent behaviour and focus on learning despite the very wet weather! Now that we are officially halfway through our term, it has been wonderful to see the many programs we are so fortunate to run at Oak Flats Public School beginning.

Learning Support Groups

Our weekly small group tuition has started from Kindergarten to Year 6. Students who require additional support in English and Mathematics meet three times a week for short, sharp, focused intervention. These groups will run all year to ensure we target as many students as possible and will also include our Preschool in Semester 2. Our Learning Support teachers have been so impressed with their students’ hard work and positive attitudes and we look forward to seeing their wonderful growth.

Enrichment Groups

At Oak Flats Public School, we are committed to identifying and supporting students who exhibit high potential or giftedness across a variety of domains. Our enrichment groups have started from Kindergarten to Year 6 where our students have been given the opportunity to participate in extension Mathematics, STEM, Tournament of Minds and Digital Technology. Enrichment groups will run all year to ensure we give students in all stages the opportunity to excel in multiple key learning areas.

Creative Arts

Now that COVID restrictions have eased, we are very excited to recommence our extra-curricular creative arts programs including drumming, choir, dance troupe and Southern Stars. We are also pleased to have Mrs Kirchmajer back on board, teaching ukulele.

Learning from Home Hub

In the event that your child tests positive for COVID-19 or must isolate due to a family member testing positive, all learning will be provided via the Department of Education’s Learning from Home Hub. Parents and carers can access the 2022 digital learning packs which include easy-to-use activities for each grade level from Preschool to Year 6. Two weeks' worth of learning activities will be published each fortnight. Students will also be able to continue accessing online apps including Maths Online, Sound Waves and Cengage Readers.

In the event that you cannot access the learning packs online, please contact the school office to arrange a paper copy of the learning packs. To support families, our staff will check in regularly during this time. We are here to help!

Attendance

On occasion, children may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

•  being sick or having an infectious disease
•  having an unavoidable medical appointment
•  being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
•  exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

Please remember that following an absence, parents and carers are required to explain the absence within 7 days of the first day of a student’s absence.

Absences can be explained via email, phone, replying to SMS notifications, or via a letter on return to school. After three days absence, a medical certificate is required.

Wet Weather

It looks like the rain is here to stay for at least another week. During periods of wet weather, we aim to keep the school running with as little disruption to routine as possible. In periods of light rain, students are able to access our covered outdoor learning areas to play modified games during breaks. In the event of heavy rain or dangerous weather, students stay in classrooms and participate in inside activities, with teachers buddying up. On wet days, we ask that you send a raincoat with your child and ensure they have appropriate footwear.

Stay safe and dry!

Emily Chatterton