The past two weeks have been very busy ones here at school. Two weeks ago, we had our autumn Working Bee and I was blown away by the number of families who signed up for the Friday night community event – 31 all up and it was 31 degrees when we started! A very warm night for the hard work that was put in. There were also many apologies from families with other commitments. So much was achieved in the three hours, including pruning, painting a new pedestrian crossing, carpeting the soon to be reopened (next term) creation station, power cleaning the play areas and paths, cementing our new Indigenous totem poles, cementing trip hazards, spreading 3 truckloads of mulch, weeding, removing dead foliage from the garden, building new sleeper garden beds, raking up a million leaves and cleaning out the sandpit. What a spectacular effort by the dedicated crew. Thank you so much for all your work – what a difference it has made. We also enjoyed some pizza and drinks when all the work was done.

Annual Improvement Plan

Each year, the leadership team, in conjunction with feedback from the teachers and our Catholic Education Performance Improvement Leader, formulate an ‘Annual Improvement Plan’. This was done in Term 4 of 2023 with the plan made for 2024. These are set out as three goals that we want to focus on as a priority for the year. The three goals for the Annual Improvement Plan for 2024 are as follows.

1) Establish a collaborative peer coaching model involving leadership and teachers

2) To develop a culture of consistency of practice for teachers and students

3) Strengthen existing CATALYST initiatives for improved student outcomes

The teachers have spent time analysing what these mean for them and formulated their own personal and team plan for bringing them to fruition. 

The full plan is available on the school website for your information.

Year 5/6 Camp

81 excited students accompanied by 6 teachers and 6 supporting adults set off on Monday morning for school camp. This year they went to Sydney for a Sport and Recreation Camp at AGH camp. Our students (and the grown ups) had an unforgettable time at this Sports and Recreation camp! For the next 3 days our young adventurers immersed themselves in a world of fun-filled activities, team challenges, and outdoor exploration. From zip lining and archery to friendly sports competitions and raft building, every moment was brimming with laughter and learning. Our campers had the opportunity to build new friendships, develop teamwork skills, and embrace the beauty of nature. With memories to cherish and stories to share, our students returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of unforgettable experiences. Huge thanks to the dedicated staff and parent support who made this camp a roaring success.

Harmony Day and Grandparents Day

Although this week is the official Harmony Week, we are celebrating it in Week 11 along with Grandparents Day. This will be on the last day of Term 1, Thursday 11 April. All students are encouraged to dress in the national dress of a country their family may have ties to or to simply wear orange to signify harmony and unity.  We are expecting many of our wonderful grandparents to join us for Mass, an activity in the classroom and a shared morning tea and finally an assembly item presented by the Year 2 students.

We did get a taste of Harmony Day on Thursday with a spectacular presentation of a Chinese Lion Dance. This was led by one of parents, Nicholas Chan, and his two talented daughters, Winter and Edith.

Easter

This Sunday sees the beginning of Holy Week with the celebration of Palm Sunday. Today, our Kindergarten and Year 1 children shared a vibrant presentation with the school recounting the events of Palm Sunday. They sang with such passion as they waved their palms. Next week Years 3/4T and 3/4M along with, 5/6KP and 5/6F will share more of the Easter Story and Years 5/6G and 5/6BR will help us celebrate the Resurrection when we return after the Easter weekend.

Please see the flyer further on in the newsletter with details of our Easter Raffle. Tickets go on sale on Monday.

Smart Watches

Parents and carers are reminded that smart watches are treated the same as phones at school.  Smart watches, fitbits and similar devices with cellular, photographic and film capabilities pose a risk to student wellbeing and safety. When these technologies are misused by students, they can be very disruptive to student welfare, socialisation and in some cases cause various levels of harm. Any messages for students must be received via the Front Office. We want to ensure that students are not being distracted from their learning. As a school, we also want to be able to guide and support students in being able to solve problems with the support of peers and school staff whilst at school. For those reason I would ask that students don’t wear smart watches with to school the aforementioned capabilities. Fitbits that monitor movement and steps can be used as they are promoting health and movement.

School Community Council

Our next meeting is this coming Monday night, 25 March. The SCC will be discussing the structure of our new model and how to have parents involved in a more active and fulfilling way. The first meeting next term will be an open meeting where all parents will be invited to attend and have an opportunity to be involved in a capacity that interests you and where you know you can make a difference.

Yours in partnership,

Ursula Jamieson
Principal