Hello from Mrs Wigny,

On Wednesday morning the school was rocking as The Southern Schools Performing Ensemble entertained our P - Year 6 students under the Senior Cola. The ensemble consisted of 45 outstanding performers in years 7–11 from Regional High Schools, and comprised of a Stage Band, Vocal Group and Dance Troupe. As an acclaimed and outstanding performance ensemble within the NSW Department of Education, the group has successfully performed at a variety of venues throughout the state including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Entertainment Centre and the Royal Easter Show. The show was enjoyed by every student at our school and what a great way to start Wednesday morning!

Last Thursday we celebrated School Counsellor and School Psychologist Recognition Day. On behalf of everyone I would like to thank and acknowledge the immense contribution, support and work Michelle George our school psychologist does for students, families and teachers at our school. We know that our students’ mental health and wellbeing is critical to their ability to learn, grow and flourish. Michelle plays a significant role in that and helps our learners reach their full potential by providing assessment and interventions in the areas of wellbeing, mental health and disability. Thank you, Michelle!

CAROLS AT THE FLATS

Preparations are well underway for Carols at the Flats to be held at Oak Flats Public School on Thursday 8 December on the Senior Field, commencing at 5pm and concluding at 8pm.

On the night there will be food vans to purchase food which include woodfire pizza, potato on a stick, dip and dots, fairy floss, slushies and the coffee van for coffees, hot chocolates and sweet treats. A sausage sizzle will also be cooked by the P & C.

There will be entertainment provided from class groups, communal singing of Christmas carols, Santa Photos, glow sticks to purchase, hampers to be won and a major raffle and prize to be drawn of an electric bike and helmet.

Our school will be decorated to celebrate, and we of course invite our families of students enrolled in 2022 at our school to join in a fun filled entertaining night. Stay tuned for more information to be dispersed in the coming weeks.

STAFFING AND CLASSING 2023

We are beginning the process of organising our projected classing and staffing for 2023. Budgets, staffing considerations and class compositions are currently in discussions.

Our school takes great care to ensure the placement of each and every student into the most appropriate classroom setting. To ensure this the school considers the following issues:

social
emotional
academic
behavioural needs
the dynamics of students working together
the teaching team working with each grade
students who are funded for support
students who have identified needs
students are also asked about people they consider to be a good support for learning. (As you can see this is a very challenging task for some 490 students who have enrolled at our school in 2022).
careful consideration has also been given for the students who have either arrived or departed from the school this year.

While we start to consider the composition of classes for next year, we ask that if there is anything that you would like us to keep in mind for your child/ren, please let us know. As you can appreciate, we cannot guarantee that all requests are granted, however, they will most certainly be given careful and respectful consideration.

Please contact the school via email by Friday 18 November to provide any requests or considerations. Requests made after this date are unable to be considered.

LEAVING OR COMING TO OUR SCHOOL

I ask families that may be relocating away from the school to let the office know so that we can support you and your child to move smoothly into their new school. We are able to pass student record cards, enrolment details and reports onto the new school to assist with the class placement at the new school.

Also, if you know of any families moving into Oak Flats and are planning on enrolling their child/children at our school next year, please let us know as grade numbers have a significant impact on the formation of classes.

Please contact the school office and the administration team will only be too happy to assist.

LIBRARY STOCKTAKE

All library borrowing has now ceased this term to allow for a stocktake of books and resources. We kindly ask all students to return all library books by the end of Week 8. If you have a lost or damaged book at home, please contact the school to notify us and return the item. We ask for a small fee in this case to assist us in replacement. Families will receive notification if the school has students registered with books that have not been returned.

SCRIPTURE

Our last date for Scripture this year is Thursday 8 December.

HPAG SHOWCASE

Mrs Blazic was very excited to be able to attend Albion Park Rail PS last Thursday to share in the HPAG showcase. Five of our students Noah H, Chace G, Finn H, Scarlett O and Lilly M have been working hard in this program. We’d like to congratulate them on their commitment, dedication and participation in this program in 2022.

SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT 2024

Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2024 opened on 18 October 2022. Applications will close on 16 November 2022. The due date is strictly observed. Requests for late applications will be approved only under very specific and well-documented circumstances.

Find information about the application and placement process and apply online at https:// shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/

All candidates are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test to be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. The online application dashboard enables parents to log in to make updates and add attachments even after an application is submitted. Parents also communicate directly with the Selective Education Unit through the system’s messages feature. Parents having difficulty completing or applying, should contact the Selective Education Unit through their application dashboard. Keep updated on the selective high school placement process at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high- schools-and-opportunity-classes.html

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Students will now finish school on Friday 16 December 2022. This is due to an additional School Development Day announced for staff across NSW public schools. School Development Days allow our staff to participate in professional learning that was put on hold due to COVID-19 staffing pressures and plan ahead for 2023 to ensure we meet the needs of our students. With this change, we ask that you arrange alternative care for your child.

COVID-19 UPDATES

We have had some cases of COVID in our school recently. It is important that we are aware of the new expectations. The Department of Education has worked with NSW Health to determine the National Cabinet's recent decision to end isolation requirements.

From the 14 October, students and staff who test positive to COVID-19, will no longer be required to isolate, however the following measures are in place.

Students and staff should remain at home when sick.
We should only attend school when we are symptom free
If you or your family have been exposed to COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that you monitor for symptoms and RAT test if you have any concerns.
Wearing a mask is expected if you have tested positive, but is recommended if you have concerns or are at risk.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Have a great fortnight.

Alice Wigny

Kindergarten Enrolments 2023