Principal's Update
Angelika Ireland
Flying to Foundation
Our new students, who will be in Foundation in 2020, have attended their first two sessions of the ‘Flying to Foundation’ transition program. At this stage, we have about 117 new Foundation students, in 6 Foundation classes, who will be starting their school life at Greenvale next year. Amongst the families who already have older children at Greenvale, there were many families who are new to our community and we welcome them.
All children were given a special ‘Flying to Foundation’ T-shirt that they wear to each transition session to give them a sense of belonging. Students will attend six sessions of one hour duration over the remainder of the term culminating in a ’Meet Your Teacher’ session at the end. This will give all new Foundation students an opportunity to get to know their teacher and the children who they will be with next year. It also allows staff to get to know the new students so that when they begin school, their needs can be catered for.
Starting school is a major life transition for children and their families. It is a period of change that can be both challenging and exciting, in which children and families adjust to new roles, identities and expectations, new interactions and new relationships. Transition to school is not a point-in-time event, but rather an experience that starts well before, and extends far beyond, the first day of school.
Many children will start school after having attended kindergarten; while others will have attended child care; while others may not have attended any formal prior-to-school service. However, all will have developed a range of skills and abilities that form the basis of positive school experiences.
Thanks to Caitlin Maher who led the organisation of this year’s ‘Flying to Foundation’ program with the support of the current Foundation team.
Alongside the children attending ‘Flying to Foundation', a ‘Parents as Partners’ program was again organised for the parents each week. This program has the mantra of ‘Enrolling Your Family and not just your Child’. The parents of our new students attended the first parent session in the staffroom led by Michelle Pucar and the second session led by Gabby Tigafua, while their children were in their transition program.
Parents were asked to reflect on their hopes for their child’s schooling and for their future. Following are some of their responses.
I hope he /she will……………
- settle in well to school
- love learning
- grow up as a person who sees everyone with respect and love
- make good friends who treat her well
- be happy
- become educated, independent, confident and smart
- learn the values of life
- make amazing memories
- have a great bond with their teacher
- enjoy their learning journey
- be successful in life
- become resilient, responsible and honest
Parents were able to meet other Foundation parents, ask questions and hear information about getting their child ready to begin school. We look forward to working together with all of our families of our new Foundation students for 2020.
Thank You for your Support
This year we have again been able to make many improvements to our school grounds and make purchases to support the learning environment. The costs for these are very much supported by family involvement in fundraisers and with each family’s Building and Grounds contribution when paying fees.
Some significant improvements and purchases this year have been – replacement of sections of our Colorbond roofing, installation of 9 bench seats in the playground, installation of 7 refrigerated air conditioners in the portables and main building, new seating in the canteen area, an electric sweeper for the synthi grass, values signage and the purchase of 300 seats for the Gym and a container to house them. Future fundraising is for a shade cover over the Junior Playground equipment and the tables and seats alongside the Community Room. Can I encourage all families to continue their support.
Reminders
FOUNDATION ENROLMENTS FOR 2020
Do you have a child who will be a Foundation student in 2020? Have you enrolled him/ her yet? If not, please do so immediately by phoning the school office or dropping in to complete the enrolment form.
ARE YOU MOVING??
If you are leaving our school and will not require a place at Greenvale Primary School for 2020 can you please let the office know immediately? We are currently organising class structures for 2020, so it is essential that we are informed of any students who are leaving.
COMMUNITY LINKS MEMBERS / PARENT VOLUNTEERS MORNING TEA
We would like to say “Thank you!” to all our Learning Helpers and Community Links Parent Reps in 2019! To show our appreciation of all the support you have provided, you are invited to a morning tea in the staffroom on Wednesday, 11 December, at 11:00am.
COMMUNITY LINKS MEETING - ANGIE TO CONFIRM DATES
Are you interested in being part of the Community Links Committee for 2020? We need lots of parents to join this group. Sometimes in a large school, it can be assumed that there are lots of helpers. This is not always the case. We will be having a meeting Thursday, 5 December, at 2:30pm to organise our Family Fun Night in Term 1, 2020 and allocate the other special events and fundraisers during the year. Look forward to seeing you there.
COME AND JOIN IN..................
It’s that festive time of year again! Our Christmas Concert is scheduled for Thursday, 12 December starting at 4:30pm and finishing at 7:00pm. Bring your picnic blankets or chairs. Sausages and drinks will be on sale. The concert will again be located in the courtyard with picnic blanket space only at the front and chairs further back. Every class will be performing in front of the audience between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. The photo pit will again be located in front of the performers for parents to take their photos. It will be sitting only in the Photo Pit – no standing! Look forward to seeing you there!
Food for Thought:
Regards
Angelika Ireland