Principal's Report 

Dear Parents, 

Welcome back for another exciting term here at Mackellar Primary School. I trust everyone had a restful break and that your children have had a chance to re-charge their batteries. Thank you to those parents who came to the Easter Bonnet parade on the last day of term.  Whilst a simple affair, it was our first chance to have parents participate in a school event for some time. I know the students were very excited to have family and friends come along. In relation to all things COVID, last term we underwent a COVID audit.  I am pleased to say that for the most part the audit went very well.  We do have some additional hand sanitising stations to install and some additional signage has already been put in place. Other than that we are providing a very COVID safe environment for all students, staff and visitors to our school. 

We are slowly returning to a new normal in relation to COVID-19 with assemblies resuming this term, however they are for students and staff only. Our first assembly was today commemorating ANZAC Day with our student leaders leading us through a simple, yet poignant service. In weeks to come, student involvement will increase as staff involvement takes a backseat.  This is a great example of students having agency in their learning, and leadership in their school. It can be daunting standing up in front of 400+ people and speaking.  Today they did an outstanding job and I am sure this will continue into the future.  

Recently I sent out a message to parents whose children receive a form of therapy here at school provided through an external agency, and the need to limit times for this.  This year we have seen an extraordinary increase in the number of parents requesting therapy at school for their children. As was mentioned in previous correspondence, we understand the need for therapy for some students, however at present this is coming at the cost of disturbing a great deal of classes throughout the week for both students receiving therapy and for those who are not. Feedback from teachers indicates this is having a detrimental impact on the running of classes.  We are working with DET personnel and providers to find ways to manage this, with the aim being that students are not removed from class before lunch for therapy thereby privileging that time for the teaching of English and Mathematics. We know this is a difficult change, however for the equity of all students to receive a teaching and learning program free from major disruptions, it is a change that has to occur.  We will continue to work with parents and providers to ensure we do all we can to meet the needs of all students.

In the last newsletter, I mentioned the need to be a HERO.  Here, Every day, Ready to learn, On time. Thank you to those parents who have made a concerted effort to arrive well before the 9am bell.  From this week, we will be reminding students regularly of the need to arrive on time and the importance of being ready to learn.  Your continued support with this is appreciated.  Along a similar vein, can I ask all parents to log into Xuno and please explain any absence your child had during Term One that hasn’t yet been recorded?  It is a requirement that all student absences be explained and the Department regularly sends request for information regarding high and unexplained absenteeism. 

In a coming newsletter we will provide you with information regarding the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) which all year 3, 5 , 7 and 9 students across the state take part in during May.  For our school, our Grade 3 and 5 students will be preparing for NAPLAN through solid teaching and learning practices, and by ensuring the students know what to expect to limit their concern around the assessment. NAPLAN is an important tool to determine our progress as a school and to determine progress for individual students. Whilst we do not teach to the test, we certainly try to ensure students are well prepared to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding regarding the areas of assessment.  Parents with queries relating to NAPLAN are encouraged to talk to their child’s classroom teacher. 

Finally, a reminder to parents wishing to use before or after school care.  It is important to note that you will have to register with TheirCare to attend this program.  To do so, please use this link. 

Regards, 

Simon McGlade

Principal