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Term Four – Principal’s Update

by | Oct 14, 2023

The featured image is of our COLA with the floor partly coated with its new surface.

 

Dear families,

We return to term four with a considerable change to the world that we live in, with both the Referendum for the Voice and the advent of the Israel/Hamas war. There are times when we can feel powerless and rely on each other for support.  At the time of writing this, neither outcome is known though we will know the outcome of the referendum by start of school.

Having worked in aboriginal communities, I understand the need for change and hope that whatever the outcome of the referendum, that it results in progress for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As a school we have a duty to ensure a safe place for children to come and learn and prepare for their place in society. If you have any concerns about how your child(ren) have managed the recent news and social media information about any event(s), please feel free to make contact with leadership to have a chat and share your concerns.

During the school holidays building works continued and after a couple of delays, we are closing in on a date to have the Covered Outdoor Learning (COLA) space and gymnasium return to operation. We have missed having school assemblies with parents, grandparents et al in attendance, and look forward to that happening in the near future. Classes enjoy performing in front of classmates and families which also builds their resilience and confidence. Teachers are looking forward to this aspect of school life that due to Covid and then construction, has been absent for quite some time.

Over the last week, someone entered the school garden and stole several of our treasured scarecrows made by students. I am not sure what the attraction is to take a scarecrow, but the police have been informed and all relevant information is being shared with SAPOL. Fortunately there was no other damage and Dylan has the garden ready for students to use and enjoy from Monday.

The refurbishment of the library has had a few setbacks but once a new roof is installed, we should see quite a lot of progress. The completion date has been moved to the end of February 2024 unless finished earlier. At times there will be heavy machinery in use at the entrance to the staff carpark, so I ask that the carpark double gate entrance is not used as a shortcut to get into or leave the school grounds.  This is most unsafe and we do not want an accident. As parents, if you enter that way instead of using the main gates, then children think it is okay and may copy.

Please keep 11th December evening free in your calendar for the end of year Christmas event (with Fireworks). Many classes will share a short performance and it is always a great picnic evening, finished with a display of Fireworks.

This term we have our amazing STEAM week displays and I encourage everyone who can, to visit the Expo on Friday 20th October. Refer to the shared details for further information. Week 2 we have an author visit and workshops for our year 5/6 classes. Reception to year 2 swimming will happen and the year 5’s will participate in the Bike Ed program.

In week 3 we have our Bully Zero program happening. Information will be coming out to explain further what will happen during that week, including a parent session. Two school wide bully audits are carried out annually with students and identified issues are promptly addressed. In addition teachers regularly work with their classes in the area of Behaviour Education where students have an opportunity to share any concerns and to seek help. There is also a Department Student Perception survey that provides valuable feedback.

Students report a high level of satisfaction with how issues are managed and feel very safe in our school. However, as they are learning to be a member of society, mistakes are made and that is the way learning takes place. This does include specific consequences where appropriate. Hence the name, Behaviour Education rather than Behaviour Management.

The 3rd November is our whole school Sports Day. We look forward to many parents being there enjoying the activities and watching our three school values in action, Care, Community and Respect while students try their best.

10th November we have a Beach Volleyball excursion for all of year 6 which they enjoy each year. Sporting wise we have year 5/6 State Cricket Carnival, Hot Shots Tennis, Year 5/6 Rugby League State Finals and the year 5/6 State Tennis Carnival happing this term.

Keep in mind the Student Free Day on Friday 17th November (week 5). OSHC will be operating on this date.

Several school camps and class excursions are planned for term four. Transition to High School visits by year 6 students are planned and preparation is already underway for the 2023 Graduation to be held at the Revival Fellowship building at Woodcroft on Thursday 14th December.

Our 2024 receptions Orientation visits are scheduled to happen towards the end of this term. Information has been prepared for our 2024 Reception families giving details including dates.

Class placement is a process that happens during term four. On Wednesday December 13th, students visit their 2024 classrooms and where possible meet their 2024 class teacher.

School finishes on Friday 15th December at 2:05pm. OSHC is available if needed.

Looking forward to our exciting and busy Term Four.

Kind regards,
Steve Freeman
Principal