Dear Parents/ Carers,

WELCOME

Welcome back to the new school year. I’d like to especially welcome the new families that have enrolled at Fairvale PS across the school. I hope your time at our school is very rewarding. We also welcome sixty-three Kindergarten students so far this year!

STAFF NEWS

We welcome back many familiar faces back to Fairvale in 2021:

Miss Vicky Lee—teaching 5/6 Lychees
Miss Despina Michael— EAL/D specialist teacher
Mrs Talita Terzian—support teacher
Mr Kim Tran—support teacher
Miss Monika Rosic—support teacher
Miss Diana Yousif—support teacher
Mrs Erica Nak—Music (RFF) Teacher

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

Thank you once again for your patience and understanding. All visitors to Fairvale PS need to scan in using the QR Codes along the fences. We prefer you to drop your child/ren at one of the gates – there is no need for you to enter the school. Once the children enter, the playground is supervised by teachers and the area is safe and secure. In the afternoon, the gates open at 2.45pm, before parents/ carers can enter, the QR Code must be scanned. Then you need to wait outside in the playground for the bell. Physical distancing at this time is essential. A more detailed plan of the school COVID-19 guidelines and the department’s guidelines can be found by visiting our school app – head to the ‘notes’ section.

SCHOOL APP

Unfortunately, we continue to have technical difficulties with the School App. It works, it is just not sending you notifications. I suggest you check the School App each morning and afternoon for updates – the bell in the top right-hand corner is for notifications, and the notes section can be found on the left-hand side, along with the newsletter link. We are endeavouring to have a better service for you very soon – watch this space!

PARACHUTE VISITS WITH MR PITT

I am looking forward to continuing my parachute visits in 2021. This is a great opportunity to spend some time in classrooms speaking to the children about their learning – it is my favourite part of the week! I will also include a few photos of my visit in each edition of the school newsletter. My visits commence next week.

SCHOOL LEADERS

I would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome our new school leaders for 2021.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS – Josiah Epati and Valentina Arcaba

PREFECTS – Austin Nguyen, Declan Nguyen, Christian Tobar, Ashley Tatar, Shahad Saad, Isla Ngo

MEET THE TEACHER AFTERNOON

I would encourage all families to attend the ‘Meet the Teacher’ afternoon. We are hoping the afternoon will be like last year, where parents can meet their child’s teacher in classrooms. Further information will be shared with you soon. This is not an interview, rather an information session.

2021 CLASSES

Thank you to everyone for your support with over the last week with students returning to 2020 classes. We did this because our student enrolment numbers change from year to year and this impacts on classes. For example, in 2020 we made significant changes to the classes and as a result many children were a little upset. We do not like to see this at any time, but particularly, not at the start of the year. I am happy to announce that we are ready to commence in 2021 classes next Monday 8 February. Tomorrow, children will visit their new classroom, meet their new teacher and class friends. Parents/ carers will receive a note as well – this note will tell you about your child’s 2021 class.

CLASSES 2021

This year our classes are named after Fruits and Vegetables. This theme has been selected to coincide with the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. When writing your child’s name for different things you can still use the initial of the class. For example, Miss Chmaisse’s class is called 5 Cherries. You can still write 5C. Children will be learning about their classes fruit or vegetables throughout the year.

We also have many teachers in specialist roles in 2021.

NON-TEACHING STAFF

An important part of our school is our highly valued staff that work in the office, in classrooms, taking care of the school grounds and generally making sure that everyone in our school is well looked after.

COMMUNICATION

If you have concerns about any issue, and it is classed based, please make contact with your child’s teacher. Remember an appointment may be necessary as teachers cannot speak to you during teaching time. We also have an executive team who guide the teaching and learning programs and wellbeing of all members of our school. At times you may find it necessary to organise to meet with one of the executive members of staff. During COVID-Safe times, a phone interview is encouraged.

REMINDERS TO START THE YEAR

We are just about over the most busiest time of the year so I thought it was important to remind families of a few important issues—updating of details, family court matters and allergies/ medications. You will find information regarding these issues on the last page of the newsletter.

STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

All adults on site will be healthy and ready to work and we expect the same for our children and their families. If they are unwell at school you or your nominated emergency contact will need to collect them immediately. Please make sure your contact details are up to date. Check out the link below.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infectious/influenza/Pages/default.aspx

Have a great fortnight,

Anthony Pitt

Principal

I respect and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land on which I work, live in visit.

FAIRVALE SPORT PAGE

Swimming Carnival