From the Principal
Term 1 Week 2 Matt Mulree
Dear Families,
Welcome back to West Beach Primary School in 2020; we hope that you have had a terrific break with your family and that your children are excited for the challenge of a year of new learning. A special welcome to families who are new to our school, it’s always a time filled with genuine excitement and sometimes a little anxiety to start at a new school, as a staff and school community we are here to support you and your child to feel a valued part of our school.
Principal Kevin Kennedy will be taking long service leave this term and enjoying some well-deserved time with his family. During this time I will be taking over in an acting capacity until he returns. Please do not hesitate to make contact with me as the need arises to help support your child along their learning journey in term 1.
New Staff
We have the pleasure of welcoming new staff to West Beach this term, I know that as a community everyone will help to make them feel welcome and supported.
Tina Watson is in Room 3, with a Reception class, she has joined us from Naracoorte Primary. Jarrad Faehrmann is in Room 4, with a year 1/2 class, he has arrived from Peterborough Primary. James Egan is in Room 10, with a year 4/5 class, he has been appointed from Mulga Street Primary in Mount Gambier. All three are incredibly excited to be a part of the West Beach community and are keen to work closely with families to provide the best possible outcomes for students.
We are fortunate to have Barry Stewart taking over as Deputy Principal in term 1. Barry has had a variety of leadership roles across the state, most recently as Deputy of Henley Beach Primary. He’s excited to work at West Beach and share his expertise with the community.
Wellbeing Coordinator
Tina Mouzakitis will return to the Wellbeing Coordinator role in 2020. This year she will work in a far broader capacity and have the opportunity to engage in the role four days a week. She will continue to work co-cooperatively with the whole school community to create a safe, supportive and respectful teaching and learning environment and be a key figurehead in working to adopt the Interoception program across the school. She will engage with students in a meaningful way through a variety of programs that address wellbeing and also promote student voice.
Acquaintance Night
On Tuesday 11th February we have our Acquaintance Night. All classrooms will be open with teachers available to discuss plans for the year, classroom expectations and to answer any questions you may have. This will be run through a ‘meet and great’ conversational format with no formal presentations; which will give you an opportunity to connect with your child teacher in a more personal manner. Classes will be open from 6:15 through to 7:15. We look forward to seeing you there!
AGM
Straight after Acquaintance Night the AGM is being held in the Library/STEM room. There are several vacancies on the schools Governing Council to be filled on the night. If you are interested in being involved in Governing Council come along. Information on how to nominate will be available in the week leading up to the event.
Change of Bell Times
Another reminder that our day and session times have changed, we greatly appreciate families making the transition a seamless one.
YARD Supervision: 8:30 – 8:50
Classes Open: 8:50 – 9:00
First Session: 9:00 – 10:40
RECESS: 10:40 – 11:00
Second Session: 11:00 – 12:40
Eating Time: 12:40 – 12:50
LUNCH: 12: 50 – 1:20
Third Session: 1:20 – 3:00
END of Day: 3:00
YARD Supervision: 3:00 – 3:20
Staff Car Park
The car park adjacent to the hall is for staff only. Please be respectful of this. We have had some near misses with parents and students almost being struck by cars due to the congested nature of traffic and large amount of people moving past. Again, please do not park in this car park, and keep each other safe during pick up and drop off times.
Premiers Reading Challenge
All students will be participating in The Premiers Reading Challenge. It's an expectation that all students will engage in this program. Staff have access to the forms and will get the students started with this across site the next week.
Swimming
All students from Reception to Year 5 will begin swimming lessons in week 4. Forms have gone out this week to families, please touch base with your child's class teacher if you have not yet received information regarding this. Here's hoping we have some great weather!
Term 1 is always a busy and exciting time to set the foundation for a great year. We are looking forward to working with you to provide your children with the best possible environment for them to thrive and be active and engaged learners in a safe and fun space.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch as the need arise.
All the best,
Matt Mulree
Acting Principal