News From the Principal -

Mr Tate

Dear Families,

As we come to the end of the first 2 weeks I am very proud of the way in which the children have settled back into school routines. These 2 weeks have been very much about “setting the scene” through our success & learning program and providing the children with strategies and tools to maximise their learning. As from next week, our literacy and numeracy blocks begin. We have very high expectations for all our children and will continue a number of strategies and structures to support their learning.

My Photo

Due to the scariness of my photo on the front of each newsletter, we have decided to replace it with “drawings of Mr. Tate” by the Reception children. Much easier on the eye I think!!!

Playgroup

A reminder that our Playgroup has commenced and will run each Tuesday from 8.45am – 10.20am.

Once again, Tania Schwenke will be our Coordinator and we look forward to seeing some of our existing families as well as new families utilise the service.

Acquaintance Night / AGM

This coming Monday 15th February is an opportunity for families to meet their child’s teacher and gain an insight into class expectations and routines. I would urge you to come along and support your children.

Following the classroom meetings, we will be running our AGM where you will have the opportunity to nominate for Council if you are interested.

The meeting will go no longer than 30 minutes and will be finished by 8.00pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

OSHC News

Towards the end of Term 4 2015, Largs Bay Out of School Hours Care (OSHC ) undertook their first National Accreditation process. It was a very nervous time and OSHC had set a very high goal for themselves hoping to receive the best possible grade.

The accreditation involves a visit from an Assessor from the Education and Early Childhood Services Registration and Standards Board of SA, over 2 days, who observes the staff working, their interactions with the children, the program available to students and goes through all documentation policies and procedures at the service.

The service is then graded against seven quality areas.

I am very pleased to announce that our OSHC Service received “Exceeded National Quality Standard overall”. This is the highest achievement a service can obtain.

Congratulations to Jess and all the staff for such an excellent service they provide.

Year 6/7 Roles

Once again, we have set up leadership roles for our year 6 & 7 students. The Largs Bay Leadership Program enables the students to apply for positions such as School Photographers, Canteen Monitors, Student Mentors, Student Voice Executive, Environmental Officers & Public Relations Officers. Applications include addressing the job criteria as well as providing referee statements. We have been overwhelmed by the number of applications. This is a very clear indication of the pride that these students have in their school and their passion to be school leaders. Congratulations to all of them. Choosing the students will be a very difficult task.

Traffic & Car Parking

It is not unusual that traffic around the school is congested during drop-off and pick-up times. However, regardless of this, we need to ensure that our children are safe when entering or leaving the school. There are ways that we can reduce the bottlenecks if some simple steps are followed:

1. Abide by all signage around the school

2. Kiss and Drop Zones have a maximum of 3 minutes standing time (parents should not leave the vehicle)

3. Traffic should flow in an anti-clockwise direction around the school

eg Fletcher Rd Junction St Lincoln St

4. Do not stop in the middle of roads to pick up / drop off children

I cannot stress enough the importance of always being vigilant and respectful of others when dropping off or picking up children. Thank you for your co-operation.

Dress Code

A reminder that we have a compulsory School Uniform / Dress Code Policy. This is available on our website www.largsbayr7.sa.edu.au. If you require a copy of the Dress Code, please ask at the front office.

I am extremely pleased to say that the first 2 weeks have been very impressive with students meeting the Dress Code requirements.

There are some articles of clothing that are unacceptable, including anything that does not cover both shoulders, denim, snap pants (including shorts), clothing deemed by staff to display offensive or suggestive comments, shoes that may easily slip off, jewellery and make-up. Students with long hair may be asked to tie it back. Thank you for your co-operation.

Breakfast Program

A reminder that our breakfast program is up and running and operates each Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 8.15am to 8.40am in the Green Room. The food is provided by the “Kick Start for Kids” program and community volunteers will serve the children.

Pupil Free Days 2016

All schools in SA are entitled to 4 pupil free days and 1 school closure day per year. Two of the pupil free days are specifically for Australian Curriculum and the others at the discretion of the school.

Our dates for pupil free days this year are:

Term 1 – Monday 22nd February (Week 4)

Term 2 – Monday 2nd May (Week 1)

Tuesday 14th June (Week 7)

Term 3 – Friday 23rd September (Week 9) – School Closure

Term 4 – Friday 9th December (Week 8)

Please note that for our first pupil free day this month, OSHC will be open subject to reaching our minimum attendance requirement. Forms are due back no later than Monday 15th February.

Please see OSHC staff for further details.

Regards Mike

Dates to Remember

Acquaintance Night

Governing Council AGM

Pupil Free Day

Room 32 & 33 Excursion

LB SAPSASA Swimming Trials

Newsletter & Assembly