Holbrook Public School

Last Monday, we kicked off the week showcasing Holbrook Public School to 50 principals and executive team staff from across the Albury network. It was an opportunity for us to demonstrate our outstanding programs and the dedication of our students and staff. The enthusiasm and energy that filled our school on that day was incredible, and the feedback from all involved in the day was well received by staff, students, and our Director of Education, Leadership Troy Mott, who also attended the day.

Kindergarten Transition Program
Our Kindergarten transition program got off to a great start last Tuesday. We eagerly anticipate hosting our incoming Kindergarten students for 2024 over the next four weeks. We aim to provide them with an enjoyable experience and a taste of what "big school" has in store. We want to ensure a smooth and positive transition for our youngest learners and their families.

Excursions
Our students have been having incredible adventures this term. Our K-2 students travelled to Wagga to watch the enchanting 'Possum Magic' last week. We received wonderful reports of student behaviour and enthusiastic participation during the excursion, highlighting the high expectations Holbrook Public School has for our students.

This week, our Year 3/4 students embark on an overnight adventure at the Borambola Sport and Recreational camp, where they will explore new horizons and engage in exciting activities. I am very excited to join our Year 3/4 students and staff on the excursion for the three days. In Week 7, our Year 5/6 students will embark on an educational journey to Ballarat, further enriching their knowledge and experiences.

Semester 2 Student Reports
Student reports for Semester 2 will be sent home to parents on Monday, December 11 (Week 10). These reports provide valuable insights into your child's progress and achievements throughout the semester. If you have any questions or require further information about your child's progress or achievements, please don't hesitate to contact your child's classroom teacher.

Staffing
At the beginning of Term 4, four of our dedicated staff members successfully transitioned from temporary to permanent positions through a Department of Education staffing initiative. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Judith Mullins (Administration), Wendy Knust and Brenda Jones (Student Learning and Support Officers), and Kimberly Ross (Teacher). This recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication to our school.

Planning for 2024
Over the next few weeks, we will be diligently planning for the 2024 school year. NSW Public School final budgets are currently being sent out to schools. Various factors, some of which are outside our control, must be considered as we make decisions regarding staffing, class planning, enrolments, and initiatives for the coming year.

We understand that this planning process is of great interest to our families and the broader school community, and we sincerely thank you for your patience in this matter. Rest assured that we will communicate the relevant information with you as soon as we can formulate our plan for 2024.

Sport
All the best to Blade Maher, who will be representing the Riverina in Boccia this week at Sydney Olympic Park. This event is the inaugural Representative Boccia Tournament and is an exciting new addition to the NSW school sporting system. Good luck, Blade!

I would like to personally thank our families and school community members who provided our teachers with a ‘special treat’ last week in recognition of World Teacher’s Day. Your kind gesture to celebrate our Holbrook Public School teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring, and supporting our students was very much appreciated.

 Louise Purss-Semple
Principal

Our Tenpin Bowling team, consisting of Ethan F, Harry F, Preston F and Blade M, travelled to Sydney last week to compete at the Inclusive Sports Tenpin Bowling State final. There were 30 teams from all across NSW competing in the final. Our team bowled two games in the final round of the competition with an accumulated score of 735 points. Our team finished 13th in the competition, with the winning team scoring 799 points.

Thank you to the P&C for supporting our team and supplying them with competition hoodies. A huge shout out to our families for getting our students to Sydney and for all the support and cheers as we bowled throughout the day.

Louise Purss-Semple

In the past, the children and families of Holbrook Public School have generously donated gifts to go under our Giving Tree, believing that Christmas was a time to be caring and sharing and reaching out to people.  

Our school community has shown that kind gestures can go a long way, and we have donated more than 140 gifts to children who are not as well off as ourselves. 

This year, our Giving Tree will again go up, and we can again show how caring and generous we are as a school community to our local families.   

Once again, our pupils are encouraged to consider purchasing a small gift to leave under the tree for an unknown student their age. This year, we are asking for the gift NOT to be wrapped.

Mrs Dionysius and Mrs Jones 

School Bytes is an online platform that allows parents and carers to access important school information and make online payments for school events and fees. By registering with School Bytes, you can access online forms for:

• uniform orders
• student health condition support
• students to carry their asthma, adrenaline autoinjector
• change of details
• refund application
• application for extended leave
• declaration for child-related workers
• family education and occupation index

You will also receive notifications about upcoming events, such as excursions and performances, Book Club and P&C meetings, to name but a few. Through School Bytes, you can also pay for these events and other fees, such as school fees and uniform purchases. This saves you time and effort, as you don't have to make payments in person or send cash or cheques to the school.

Don't forget, Audiri will no longer be available at the end of the year, so School Bytes will be our primary communication platform.

Registering with School Bytes is easy - follow the instructions on the image or contact the school office for assistance.

Don't miss out on essential school updates - register with School Bytes today!

Please collect your 10-cent recyclable bottles, cans and fruit boxes and bring them to school for collection in our newly delivered big green drums.  

Please ensure that these items are clean and free of food, liquid or other contaminates. This is a simple, easy way to help raise more funds for our students.  

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