PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Congratulations....
To our boys who went to the Diocesan 15's Rugby League trials last week
Best wishes...
To our Secondary League Tag teams competing on Wednesday
To our Secondary Chess team who is playing their first competition on Thursday
To our Secondary Swim team who is attending the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Thursday
To our students participating in the Science and Engineering Challenge on Friday
Covid 19
An outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan, China in late December 2019. Cases have been reported predominantly in mainland China, Iran as well as some other countries, including confirmed cases in NSW. There have been no confirmed cases at locations within the area of the Armidale diocese. While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying
symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness—not coronavirus.
The Australian Government Department of Health is providing daily updates in relation to the latest medical advice and official reports. We are, and will continue to be, guided by this advice.
The following staff and students should self-isolate and are advised to stay at home and avoid public settings,
including attendance at schools:
· left, or transited through mainland China in the last 14 days (they must isolate themselves for 14
days from leaving mainland China)
· left, or transited through Iran on or after 1 March (they must isolate themselves until 14 days after
leaving Iran)
· left, or transited through the Republic of Korea on or after 5 March (they must isolate themselves
until 14 days after leaving Republic of Korea)
· been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus in the last 14 days (they must isolate
themselves for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case).
The most effective way to protect against COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. We have soap and paper towel in all toilets as well as soap for use in K-6 class wet areas. We have been discussing good hand washing procedures with our students.
Staff and students that are displaying symptoms of respiratory illness are advised not to attend school. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.
Improvement Plan
Last week I informed families of our goals for 2020. Our first goal is improve students literacy skills. We will do this through:
Continuation of the implementation of Big Write and VCOP
Introduction of the "InitialLit" program in Kindergarten
Introduction of the 120 minute literacy block from Kindergarten to Year 6
Trail of "Spelling Stars" in Year 7-10
Continue the reading targets:
Kinder -PM 8
Year 1 - PM 15
Year 2 - PM 22
Year 3 - PM 24
Year 4 - PM 26
Year 5 - PM 28
Year 6 - PM 30
Investigate Home Reading Programs
Family Conferences
We have changed the name of our Parent/Teacher Interviews to Family Conferences. We understand that students come from diverse family situations and by using "family" we hope to be more inclusion. We would encourage students to come to the conferences with their families. Notes for these events are currently being distributed.
School Photos
Thank you for the support of our school photos. The photographer will be back in a couple of weeks to catch up with students who were absent last week.
Term 1 School Fees
A reminder that Term 1 School Fees are due on Friday 20 March. Please contact me if you have any concerns about payment of fees.
Looking forward to seeing you...
.. tonight at the REAL TALK parent evening from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Child minding and nibbles will be available. The Secondary session will be held in the STEM room and the Primary session in the Library. Please come via the back of the Library Quadrangle as the front way is blocked.