I begin this newsletter by acknowledging that it has been an eventful summer break with devastating bushfires, wild storms and now concerns in our community about the coronavirus. Each one of us will have been affected by these events in some way. I am confident together we can support each other to deal with the challenges associated with these events.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to all members of the Syndal South community for the 2020 school year. I hope all families had an enjoyable and restful break, whether it was away or at home with family and friends. I do enjoy the break, but I am always ready to return to work. The fun, joy, and the satisfaction of working in our school are like no other and it is the children who make it this way.

A special welcome to all new students and their families into our school community, including our 48 Foundation students who commenced their first day of school today. As I walked between the classes after the initial goodbyes, I could not believe the way the new Foundations were so engaged, working together in small groups, listening well, working with care and being just GORGEOUS! Parents, you should be very proud of your child’s start to school. They have exceeded expectations.

Congratulations to everyone for a smooth start to the 2020 school year. All students have settled in well and the 2019 Transition Program has enabled students to move to their new classrooms feeling very positive and well supported.

Meet and Greet Conferences

This year’s meet the teacher evening is scheduled for next Wednesday 5th February. These meetings will give parents the opportunity to meet their child’s 2020 teacher and to communicate anything pertaining to their child’s learning and social wellbeing. This year all bookings are being made online through the COMPASS parent portal. The booking system will be available from this evening. I look forward to seeing as many parents/carers at these important exchanges as possible.

Building Works

The asbestos removal program that was carried out over the holidays has definitely worked to our advantage with our renovated corridor giving more space to the students and the addition of new bag hooks has definitely made a great difference. There are still a couple of things that need to be completed, one being the replacement of the lino in the entry to Block B and the addition of pinboards in some classrooms, these have all been ordered. We have had discussions with the builders to complete the same renovation to the corridor in Block A plus to change the main entrance doors to glass doors.

Finally, I wish you all the very best for the 2020 school year!

Enjoy your week.

Helen

OSHC - Limbo!!

2020 Enrolments