Winter is here

It's almost the end of term 2 which will mark the half-way point in the year! The time seems to have flown - yet so much has happened at GEPS. We have seen some COVID restrictions ease - but the impact of cold and flu season has hit hard, with many student and staff absences and lots of masks back on!

Through all of the ups and downs we have continued to focus on high quality learning everyday. We prioritise daily small guided reading groups (where students are taught at their point of need); structured writing experiences everyday; maths that focuses on the big conceptual ideas kids need to master; and building curiosity and wonder in key learning areas. We are proud of the Inquiry processes we have here at GEPS - ask your child about Learning Centres, CTC or Grapple!

Staffing News

I would like to officially congratulate Mrs Nicole Tainsh who has been successful in gaining a promotion to Principal of Vaucluse Public School. She starts her new role in term 3 - so we have only 2 weeks to acknowledge and farewell her. She will be an amazing principal and we wish her well in her new position - but we will miss her dearly as she has been such an inspiration at GEPS for the past 10 years.

I would also like to acknowledge Miss Goh - who will be relieving for Mrs Hill as Assistant Principal of Kindergarten. Miss Goh stays on her Stage 1 class but will also lead the Kindergarten team.

Mrs Delvecchio has started maternity leave - we wish her well for the up-coming birth. We will be finalising a replacement for her position over the next 2 weeks.

And - Mrs Yee (the Office manager) was presented with a certificate from the Director, John Kennedy, for 20 years of service to public education!

MCA

2 weeks ago 16 students from Stage 3 went on an excursion like no other... They didn't just visit the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) - they worked there for 4 days!

They were given staff passes; worked with Artist Educators; explored the gallery; made artworks and participated in art experiences; and on the final day - they hosted a group of parents (and myself) - touring us around the gallery and talking about art. It was a wonderful opportunity for students and I'm sure, they will be taking their families to the MCA in the July school holidays!

PSSA

Many of you know, our PSSA season has not gone well so far. Fields are constantly closed by the council - due to wet weather or fear of players churning up the soil. It has been hard for the Auburn PSSA President (the principal from Lidcombe PS) to manage such disappointments. One solution that is happening next week is offering Gala Days.

So - Friday 24 June will be a gala day for netball and soccer. This means that students will leave school at 9am and return before 3 - using the whole day to play a number of shorter games against different schools. The following Friday (1st July) league tag will hold a gala day. Stay tuned for more information on these.

What's coming up?

Date	Activity
Monday 20/6	Stage 1 excursion to Sea Life and Wildlife
Wednesday 22/6	Playgroup; 1/2T Learning Conversations; Police forum
Thursday 23/6	1/2T Learning Conversations; 4Cs network day (Ms Reynolds attending)
Friday 24/6	PSSA gala day for netball & soccer; Bring your dog to work day; 4Cs network day (Ms Reynolds attending with 2 students); Camp money is due!
Monday 27/6	Celebration Assembly & Gold badge (in person in the hall)
Tuesday 28/6	The Opera is coming to GEPS 9:45 in the Hall
Wednesday 29/6	Playgroup; Kindy visit the Farm
Thursday 30/6	Pyjama Day
Friday 1/7	PSSA gala day for league tag; Last day of term 2.

Stage 1 Focus

with Mrs Mellish