Primary School News

From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers

“It’s the little things in life

That make me smile, that I don’t want to miss

Like eyelashes that give the people I love

A special butterfly kiss”

                                                Diana Smith, My Gratitude Book

After exploring messages in the Bible story, The Good Samaritan, over the past fortnight and how we can care for all, not just our friends, the Primary students are turning their reflections during Chapel services back to gratitude. As Head of Primary, I am grateful for too many things to list in this newsletter! However, I would like to share my thanks with the families of our school community. Whilst we have navigated the constantly changing circumstances this year, the patience, trust and empathy of our community has been amazing. 

Term 3

With restrictions due to COVID-19 easing, I am hopeful that Term 3 will see us embark on a new semester with a greater sense of normality. Whilst we have tried to build on the ‘silver linings’ during this period of change, we are no doubt looking forward to the return of many things that make our community strong. Having parents able to participate more fully in the life of the School once again, will be a most welcome change. I know that for parents of our youngest students, the ability to meet and get to know other parents has been hindered during this time. It is often in Kindergarten or the early years that we, as parents, create a support network that can last a lifetime. 

Morning Arrivals and Afternoon Departures – Pre Primary to Year 6

We would like to remind families that it is important students do not arrive at school before 8:00am. Staff supervision on school grounds commences at 8:00am, classrooms open for students in Pre Primary to Year 6 at 8:15am and classes begin at 8:30am. If your child arrives later than 8:30am, parents are asked to sign their child in at Primary Administration or ELC Reception. 

In the afternoon, staff supervise the pick-up zones (ELC and BDISC Kiss and Drop) until 3:30pm. Students who have not been collected by this time are taken to Primary Administration or ELC Reception and parents are contacted. 

It is important for the smooth operation of the School that students arrive and depart in a timely manner and that parents and families communicate with us if there are any unforeseen circumstances. Student care is always paramount and we thank you for your cooperation.

Encounter Program 2020

The purpose of our Encounter program is to provide opportunities for students to be challenged to go outside their ‘comfort zone’ and build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills. Given the year we have had so far, and in discussion with Primary staff, we feel that the normal Encounter experiences are not as appropriate in 2020. For some year groups, the experiences were cancelled or continue to not be possible in the current climate. For other year groups, the students have already been well outside their ‘comfort zone’ at many points in the year. There is also a sense of fairness in how we move forward for the remainder of 2020. Therefore, during Semester 2 we aim to plan and implement modified or different experiences that are age-appropriate, engaging and fun. We envisage our normal Encounter experiences will resume in 2021. 

Charter Day

Under the leadership of Primary Charter House Coordinator, Shannon Akers and in collaboration with the Secondary Head of House, Pauline Galley, Charter Day on Wednesday 10 June was a great success with students across the School having the opportunity to join in. Some traditions were not possible under current restrictions, but the redesign was a success. In Primary, the ELC students were able to participate in a range of fun activities with the help of Upper Primary Charter students. Charter students in Years 2 to 6 were able to join their House peers from Years 7 to 12 in a range of sports and games. Primary students were able to enter a colouring competition for a gold coin donation to Charter House charity, Kanyana Wildlife. The winners of the competition will be announced during the virtual assembly on Friday 26 June. 

Tracey Rogers

Head of Primary