26 May 2023
As the weather begins to cool down the action at school is only heating up. Lots of sporting, debating/public speaking, cultural, fundraising, excursion and social group activities are still taking place. It is great to see our students take on new opportunities and enjoy time with their peers and friends. Hearing our staff come back from sporting events saying how amazing our students were in their behaviour, attitude and sportsmanship (even when they haven’t won a game) is what really makes me proud of our wonderful students.
Winter Months and Illness:
As we brace for the colder weather and a predicted surge in Covid/Flu and RSV cases I ask that families be mindful of sending students to school when they are unwell. Whilst school attendance is an important part of a student’s academic and social success it does not come at the expense of their health and wellbeing and that of their peers and our staff. Please keep children at home should they be unwell. We have already seen an increase the numbers of Covid cases amongst staff and students across all year groups and the best protection continues to be testing and isolation if symptoms are evident. For more information regarding COVID-smart settings for schools that have been developed and updated in close consultation with NSW Health click the following link. https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
Mobile phone bans in schools:
A key commitment from the incoming government was a Mobile Phone Ban in school from Term 4 this year. What this look like in our school is yet to be decided as we await the resources and tools from the Department of Education. As a school we will invest in promoting alternative activities and strategies for students to interact and communicate at lunchtime rather than be on their phones. We suggest that families begin the conversation with their children about what life at school without a mobile phone may look like and suggest that they begin this transition process prior to Term 4.
Leave:
From Friday the 26 May I will be taking leave for the rest of the term to go on a long-planned holiday overseas. During that time:
· Greg McKenzie will step in as Principal.
· Heidi Metson will be the relieving Deputy Principal.
· Michelle Royle will be the relieving Head Teacher Wellbeing.
I wish our students, staff and families the best for the rest of the term and look forward on my return to hear about all the wonderful things that have happened whilst I have been away.
Relieving Principal
Nicole Kaiserfeld