PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

The staff and students have started the week refreshed after a long weekend. With the school production of School of Rock this week, it was great to be fully charged. What I have seen so far of the production is amazing and an absolute credit to the students for their commitment, as well as Talia Henderson (Production Coordinator) and the many staff, parents, and community members who have helped out. Congratulations to all involved. Do not miss out on the opportunity to see our students shining. Tickets are still available for the Friday evening and Sunday matinee performances.

Cars and child safety around the school

This term I have been scheduled for morning yard duty and it has allowed me to witness the many parents and guardians that are dropping students off in the bus areas, or within the school crossing areas. One student was almost hit this week as they crossed the school crossing by a car reversing into the school crossing. It is illegal to stop in these areas and you are putting students at risk. The safest place to drop off your child, if you cannot park in a designated parking space, is on Rutherford Street. Your child might need to walk further to the entry gates, however, they will be safe and you will not need to park illegally.

In the afternoons, please also adhere to parking regulations. It astounds me how many parents and guardians stop in the middle of the street to collect a child. The school buses move away from the school site at 3:25 pm. If possible, collect your child after this time, again in Rutherford Street, where it will be easier for you to park and safer for everyone.

COVID-19  and Rapid Antigen Tests

We have thankfully seen a reduction in the number of absences due to COVID. Please do not have a false sense that COVID is not still within our community. It is certainly a virus that can peak at any time. Thank you to those in our community that continue to monitor for symptoms, complete rapid antigen testing and stay home if unwell. We have a good supply of RATs at our school, so please collect more when required.

Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 23rd August we will hold our first full Athletics Carnival in three years. These are wonderful community events. I look forward to seeing the participation of our students in events as well as cheering on their respective houses. All students are expected to attend.  

Students are expected to attend on school site for homeroom on Tuesday morning and then students will be transported to the Ken Harrison Reserve. Students will be transported back to school at the end of the carnival for dismissal. Students are not to leave directly from Ken Harrison Reserve at the end of the day without written permission signed by a parent or guardian.

Thursday 25th August - Student Free Day 

Thursday 25th August is a Student Free Day as staff participate in a Staff Professional Learning day, where we will be completing day 2 of the ReLATE program. The modules that the teachers work through are focused on trauma-informed strategies and enhancing teaching and learning environments. After this day we will invite staff to be part of a School Implementation Taskforce. This group will be crucial for the success of the ReLATE model, which the school will continue to participate in over the next two years. 

To learn more about this program go to https://www.mackillopinstitute.org.au/programs/relate/.