Toolamba Primary School

Principal's Report

Dear Families,

 

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend weather and opportunity to be out and about and connect with family and friends. Peter and I took a quick trip to Swan Hill to deliver some firewood and catch up with the family.

 

NEW ARRIVALS TO THE CHOOK PEN

As many people know, we have had one lonely black chook for some weeks now. The Shaw family have kindly donated 6 chicks to keep her company. I’m sure the children will love watching them grow. 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

Last term, William Richards entered artwork for the Transition Tatura environmental art competition. William completed a short film, poster display and plasticine art titled ‘Tat-Purer’. The effort and enthusiasm he applied throughout this project is to be commended. Congratulations William for your winning entry! 

 

REMOTE LEARNING

It is wonderful to have the F-2 back onsite and have the other grades coming in throughout the week.

As you know, the Victorian Government has made several announcements regarding the safe return to school for Term 4. This week sees:

  • Prep - Year 2 onsite learning from Monday-Friday
  • Year 3/4 students back attend onsite on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
  • Year 5/6 students back onsite on Thursday & Friday
  • Year 3-6 students will continue Remote Learning on the days not specified in the information above.
  • All students will return to onsite learning from Tuesday, October 26th
  • From Monday onwards students in Grade 3-6 are required to wear masks inside unless they have a medical exemption.

CAN PARENTS COME ONSITE?

Current restrictions mean that parents and visitors are not able to come onsite at the moment. We would respectfully ask that wherever possible communication with the school should be conducted through phone or email and if it is necessary to come onsite eg. to pick up your child for an appointment please phone the school office ahead of time and the office staff will assist you. Your child's teacher is always happy to chat by phone or email or may walk out to the car park after school if it is a matter you would prefer to discuss in person.

Please adhere to mask wearing requirements when picking up or dropping off your children. 

 

FUN RUN

We plan to hold our Colour Run on Tuesday 16th November. It is a fun day which is thoroughly enjoyed by the entire community.  Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase texts for the classroom libraries both fiction and nonfiction as well as additional books for the take home reading scheme. We plan to involve the students in the selection of books that they would like to have in the school. Over the past 2 years our supply of reading materials has gradually been depleted. This week students will be bring home a School Fun Run Sponsorship Form which will explain how to get started.

SUNSMART SCHOOL

It is very important to protect our children against the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. Toolamba PS is a ‘SunSmart’ school. This means that hats are worn during Term 1 and Term 4. Please ensure that your child has a school hat for Term 4 as all students are required to wear their school hat during playtime breaks and outdoor school activities such as sport.

 

FOUNDATION HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

Kathryn Bradshaw will commence her annual screening of Foundation children on Thursday 14th October she will conduct eyesight and hearing tests on all children in their first year of school.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO TERM 4

Term 4 will be a critical time for the re-engagement of our children, the re-establishment of school routines and undertaking the steps necessary to prepare for and complete successful transitions into 2022. This term our focus is on providing continuity in learning and support for every child to the fullest extent possible and prioritising both their wellbeing and academic needs. Staff have focused their efforts into ensuring that gaps in essential curriculum areas will be covered over the remainder of this year, while making sure their classrooms are safe, supportive and positive learning spaces for all children. 

 

We are really looking forward to being back together again!

Regards Heather