From the Acting Principal

This term seems to have flown by and I can’t believe I’m writing the final newsletter for the term.

It is time to reflect on and acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the term, such as:

The prep children commencing school so confidently
The whole school mindfulness through physical activity sessions
Year 6 Leadership groups running activities including: National Day of Action against Bullying, Harmony Day and lunch time clubs
Our student leaders and classes running assemblies.
Nine out of eleven teams in Interschool Sport making the Summer Sport Finals.

THANK YOU

We would like to thank Mrs Robson and Mrs Maya for their work this term and wish them all the very best as they take family leave with the babies being due next term.

PLAY PROGRAM

Thank you Ms Kepa and Mrs Bongers for organising and running the PLAY program for the Year 4 student leaders. The students had a fabulous time on their training day as they learned a range of games, how to organise and run them , how to make adjustments for students and to consider safety during play. Our new PLAY Ambassadors will be running games for students in Prep to Year 2 during lunch times next term. More information about the PLAY program is later in this newsletter.

TUTOR LEARNING INITIATIVE

This term, several students have been involved in the tutoring program in the areas of writing and reading. The tutors analysed student assessments and identified areas where learning gaps existed (as a result of the lengthy lockdown). Tutors then collaborated with classroom teachers to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP’s). The IEP outlines specific learning goals and the strategies that both the tutor and classroom teacher will work on with students. It has been wonderful to see the students grow in confidence and parents have also reported they can see a difference in their child’s educational growth. Results don’t just happen. It takes a consistent focus on the goal along with determination, encouragement and targeted support. Congratulations to our students and their tutors and teachers for their efforts.

BUILDING UPDATE

This week, members of the School Council went on a tour with the architect to view the maintenance and renovations that have been occurring in the school. It was noted that a great deal of time and money has been invested in the foundations (underpinning, repairing and replacing old services, drainage etc) and while we can’t visibly see these works, they are fundamental.

When we return from the April school holidays, we will be close to classrooms 9 (prep room) and 20 (year 6 room) being completed with windows repaired, walls re-rendered, painted, new pin boards and new carpet installed. We are also hopeful that the administration area will also be close to completion.

Work will continue into Term 2 to renovate the LOTE room and the two tower rooms located on the third storey. While the tower rooms will not be used as classrooms, these additional areas will provide us with much needed space for meetings and small groups to work. We look forward to showing you the finished areas in term 3.

EASTER RAFFLE

A big thank you to the many families who donated Easter treats for the raffle and bought tickets. This fundraiser, our first for the year, raised $4,569.05

Students were also able to wear casual clothes with the gold coin donations totalling $567.30 which will be going to Royal Children’s Hospital-Good Friday Appeal.

SCHOOL RESUMES FOR TERM 2

School will resume on Monday 19th April.

We hope you enjoy a rejuvenating and safe holiday and look forward to seeing you all next term.