PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Wild weather and wet weeks are not even fun for ducks, let alone parents, kids and teachers who are stuck inside day after day after day. It has been great to see that our students have been so positive with the persistent pouring of precipitation that has been keeping them indoors for learning and play.
Our Year 5 students and teachers were today meant to be starting their three day adventure at The Great Aussie Bush Camp in Tea Gardens, however, to ensure the safety of all we had to cancel it yesterday afternoon. I spoke with all of Year 5 students to explain our reasons and I would like to thank them for their maturity in dealing with the sad news and understanding of the reasons we needed to take such action. We have been in communication with the GABC this morning and re booked for Wednesday 10th - Fri 12th August. More information will come home about this closer to the date.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Our thoughts and best wishes are with those people and families in communities affected by the current floods and torrential weather systems along the East Coast of Australia. Please be aware that children can see images on the television or hear reports on the radio or through listening to conversations and that can be distressing. As a family please ensure you talk appropriately to your children if they are asking questions or you think they are upset or confused. It is important that children are supported through their learning of life events by trusted family members.
COVID SMART MEASURES - From Monday 7th March
As communicated last week, the Department of Education has lifted some restrictions around schools organisation and COVID Smart measures within schools.
Masks:
Staff will no longer be mandated to wear a mask when indoors. Staff and students will not be discouraged from doing so if they wish.
Staggered Break Times:
Our school will be moving back to our normal bell times for all cohorts during the day.
Morning Session: 8:55-10:55
Middle Session: 11:20 - 12:50
Afternoon Session: 1:40 - 2:55
Students are still allocated particular playgrounds to use in each break times, however, there may be some mixing of cohorts.
All other COVID smart measures such as ventilation, hygiene and cleaning, RATs distributed across the school community for symptomatic testing and mandatory vaccination for all staff and onsite visitors / volunteers are still in place.
SRC REPRESENTATIVES
Congratulations to our class elected SRC Representatives for the first semester 2022. They will be working closely with Ms Smith, Ms Harrington and Ms Fenton to develop leadership skills and support the students and school community.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS
You might have noticed a heavy police and council presence at pick up and drop off times around the school. This is due to a major concern for students safety around our roads. Please choose safety for ALL over convenience. We understand that especially on wet days when more families drive, there are limited places to park, however, this should not deter from the fact that safety of our children should come first, at all times, and we should do everything to keep them safe.
Please remember:
- Drive forward in the kiss and drop / pick up zone - If your child is waiting for you they can walk safely to your car.
- Drive around the block if your child is not visible or you can not find a park.
- Do not park in 'no stopping' zones.
- Stop at the 'Stop' sign when driving through the shared zone of Hampton lane.
- Do not park in the Bus zone on Abbott Rd in the afternoon.
- Do not double park and ask your child to run onto the road and hop in your car.
- Park safely and legally on Barton Rd.
If you are ever unsure, please just ask yourself, is what I am doing safe for everyone and legal.