Dear Parents and Carers

NAIDOC Week
Students enjoyed daily lessons and activities during NAIDOC Week last week. They listened to stories, explored this year’s theme and artwork, and learned more about the significant contributions of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuous living cultures, dating back more than 65 000 years. A big thank you to our Deadly Kids, Ms Koursaris, Aunty Louise and Ms Parkes for a wonderful week of celebration and education.

Congratulations
Four of our wonderful and hard-working teachers have achieved their accreditation which recognises their proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Congratulations Ms Acevski, Ms Grimes, Ms Williams and Ms Boufeas.

Student Bathrooms Upgrade
It has been years in the making but we finally have our toilet upgrade (at no cost to the school or P&C) and the students are thrilled. Here’s a selection of some of their feedback:

• Everything is so clean and new!
• We can see ourselves in the mirrors now!
• There is more privacy in the cubicles because there are no big gaps between the door and the partition.
• It is so much lighter now.
• It feels more welcoming and clean.
• The floor looks like cookies and cream!
• The floor is non-slip - even more than the old tiles.
• The colour scheme is calm and like a hotel.
  
  

Sensory Garden Upgrade
During the holidays we had contractors install a deck next to the waterplay zone in our sensory garden. The deck replaces the old sandpit which was a plumbing nightmare being so close to the water trough!

School Bytes
Thanks for registering for School Bytes. All but 8 families are registered which is a great outcome. If you are having difficulties, please contact the office. Our administrative staff have assisted a number of parents to register for School Bytes. We are all here to help.

Asphalt Drainage
Drainage works were happening during the holidays to address historic flooding in the asphalt playground. Today’s weather is its first test.

Aboriginal Outdoor Learning Area
Just a reminder that the very special and culturally sensitive Aboriginal Outdoor Learning Area is out of bounds for children and adults unless under the supervision of a staff member. 

Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN Reports to Parents
NAPLAN reports went home with students last Tuesday. Please check your child’s bag if you have not received the letter in a sealed envelope. If you have any questions about how to read the report or your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a meeting.

Tracy Considine

Principal