Relieving Deputy Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers

We have had a wonderful start to the school year at Oak Flats Public School. It has been fantastic to see how settled all our classes have been, from Preschool to Year 6, with students hard at work and focused on their learning. This term, I am thrilled to be continuing my role as relieving Deputy Principal and working with Mrs Wigny, the Executive team, staff, students and our wonderful Oak Flats community.

ATTENDANCE

At Oak Flats Public School, we aim for our students to have an attendance rate of 90% and above.

Although in 2022 our whole school attendance was 83% the number of students attending 90% of the time was only 38%! This year, we look forward to introducing some new attendance incentives and rewards to ensure that students are at school every day when they are well.

I am VERY EXCITED to announce that this year, the percentage of students who are attending above 90% of the time is currently 90% of our 501 students with a whole school attendance rate of 96.5%!!! Congratulations Oak Flats Public School, what an incredible start to 2023.

On occasion, students may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

* being sick or having an infectious disease

* having an unavoidable medical appointment

* being required to attend a recognised religious holiday

* exceptional or urgent family circumstances.

Please remember that following an absence, parents and carers are required to explain the absence within 7 days of the first day of a student’s absence. Absences can be explained via email, phone, replying to SMS notifications, or via a letter on return to school. After three days absence, a medical certificate is required.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

Thank you to the parents and carers who were able to attend the parent information sessions this week. We understand that with busy lives and jobs, the days and times are not always suitable for all families. Letters with organisation and structures for each class or stage have been sent home. If you have any further questions or would like to meet with the classroom teacher, please contact the school to arrange a suitable time. 

Please note that Miss Walker-Lau’s parent information session will be held on Tuesday, 21 February at 3.15pm in 4W.

SCHOOL PHOTOS 2023

School photos will be held on Tuesday, 7 March 2023. Photograph order envelopes will be sent home shortly and again, this year, payment is online. Students need to wear full school summer uniform with yellow and green shirt, black shoes and white socks with no logos. For any enquiries regarding payment or packages please contact MSP photography at illawarra@msp.com.au or 02 4261 3009.

We look forward to another great fortnight ahead!

Warm regards,

Emily Chatterton