by Marie Wright, Principal.
Dear all,
We have nearly made it to the end of our first term for 2024. It has been a BIG term in so many ways.
We started the year with a large Reception intake – Sixty nine 4 and 5 year olds make a big impact but we have seen so much growth in the group. The staff, families and the students themselves need to be commended for their efforts, persistence and learning.
There are another 19 Reception students starting at the school in Term 3 and they will begin their transition in Term 2. We are very lucky that we have had their teacher, Yovani Pillay, here.
Term 1 was active with exciting incursions/excursions, Outdoor Education, water safety lessons, SAPSASA sport, and our first full term of Auslan learning.
Staffing
There has been a staffing challenge this term with Caitlin McClay, Student Wellbeing Leader, being absent from 18th March and then ending her tenure here on the 2nd April. This has meant that we have had 2 leaders doing the work of 3 for a while. We are hoping that one of our existing teachers will take a risk and join the leadership team in Term 2 but we may need to look outside of the school. This is a process and it means that we probably won’t have news about this until during the holidays. I will let you all know as soon as I can.
Student Wellbeing Leader
It’s also timely to clear up some misunderstanding about the role of Student Wellbeing Leader in a primary school. This is not a counsellor role but a teacher leader role. We provide wellbeing support and advice on where to go to get more targeted support. Unfortunately, we do not have a qualified mental health professional on site. If you require further parenting support, we recommend seeing your GP as a first step and then getting a referral to the most appropriate specialist.
We have been utilising our Cocoon to support wellbeing particularly when some of our children are having challenges separating in the morning, or some of those who need help regulating through the day. The Cocoon is a quiet sensory-safe environment for students to utilise when an adult is available to supervise and support. Jacqui is to be thanked and commended for her set up and up keep of this vitally important space.
Uniform
As the weather gets colder we start seeing a range of different jumpers at school. Please ensure that your child wears school colours and no tops with commercial logos.
Please have yourselves a wonderful break and we will see you all back here in Term 2.
Take care,
Marie
