Holbrook Public School

SASS Recognition Week

Monday, 4 to Saturday, 9 September was School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) Recognition Week, a time to acknowledge and thank the often-unsung heroes in our public schools. A huge thank you to our amazing SAS staff: Tracey, Judith, Mark, Sonja, Brenda, Liz, Wendy and Dani. Our SAS staff play an essential role in the school community. SAS staff work in school offices, classrooms, and libraries and maintain and care for school grounds and buildings. They are often the first people you see when you enter a school, they are often the ones to tend to students when they are unwell, and they ensure the efficient management of school financial and administration functions. Our SAS staff are essential to maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and the community.

Tell Them From Me Parent Survey

We value your feedback and input in shaping the educational experience for your child. The "Tell Them From Me" Parent Survey is now open and will remain accessible until 20 October 2023. Your responses provide valuable insights into our school's strengths and areas for improvement. Please take a moment to complete the survey, as your input is instrumental in helping us better understand and meet the needs of our students and families. Prizes can be won for completing the Tell Them From Me Survey – please see more information in the newsletter.

Whole School Production Week

We are thrilled to announce that Whole School Production Week is finally here! This event is a celebration of the immense talent and creativity of both our staff and students. It promises to showcase drama, music, and creative skills. If you haven't already secured your tickets, it's not too late! Contact the front office for more information.

Trent Barrett Shield

On Tuesday, 5 September, we had two boys' rugby league teams and one girls' league tag team head to Jelbart Park for the Trent Barrett Shield. The boys went through undefeated, and the girls' team also had some success on the day.

Staffing

We warmly welcome Mrs Henderson, returning from maternity leave to take on the role of release from face-to-face teaching, and Miss Barraclough, returning from her overseas travel in Term 4. Miss Barraclough will work with our Year 5/6 Quokkas class for Term 4. We are delighted to have them both back with us.

Trial of New Bell Times

 In Term 4, we will implement a trial of new bell times to better support student learning, particularly in literacy and numeracy. An analysis has informed these adjustments of student well-being data around play breaks. We aim to create a schedule that maximises student engagement and academic achievement while ensuring adequate time for breaks and relaxation. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we test these changes. We look forward to hearing feedback from our school community voice (students, staff, and parents) at the end of Term 4.

With the holiday break approaching and warmer weather on the horizon, we encourage all students and families to take the time to relax and spend quality time together. We appreciate your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back at school ready for the exciting challenges and opportunities that Term 4 will bring.

Go the Blues!

Louise Purss-Semple
Principal

We are now live with our new program - School Bytes.  We are so excited to launch this new program, which is more user-friendly for parents and carers in making payments for school events and other sundry payments. We ask that you set up your School Bytes account ASAP. Here is the link:

Parent Portal: Set up your parent portal account - School Bytes

Please don't hesitate to call the office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Do you have some free time on your calendar during Term 4? If so, we would value your time to help with lunch orders on Monday and/or Friday mornings. The process is simple:

1. Sign in at the office,
2. The students will put their lunch orders in their class baskets, located outside the canteen
3. Sign out and take the baskets to the Holbrook Bakery.

It only takes around 45 minutes of your day, and your child loves seeing you there. Please email Danielle Purcell at billanddannii@gmail.com to volunteer or if you have any questions.

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.  

Can we urge EVERYONE, parents, carers and students, to regularly check our lost property boxes? We always advise you before the end of the term that we will be having a ‘clear-out’, but it’s sad to see hundreds of dollars worth of items left behind that don’t get claimed. It’s always a great surprise that hardly any items have a name on them or in them; such a simple solution for things finding their rightful owner. If you are serious about keeping track of your child’s belongings, please put a name on them or in them. All unnamed and unclaimed items will go to the Op Shop or the second-hand uniform shop.

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