Dear Parents and Community Members,
I hope you are all doing well as we transition into colder weather. The children are now in the full school winter uniforms and by and large most children are wearing the correct uniform. I thank all the families that demonstrate commitment to ensuring that uniform standards are adhered to and if your child cannot wear the correct uniform please speak or email your child’s class teacher.
Performing Arts
The Year 6 children are preparing for Wakakirri each Monday afternoon and as part of our Performing Arts Program. For some of our children this may be a once in a lifetime experience of performing a 5 to7 minute Story Dance, yet for others it may be the beginning of a new interest in secondary education and beyond. For all our Year 6 children it will be a memorable experience.
The Years 3 to 5 children are also preparing for their concert in the last week of Term 2 at the Woodville Town Hall, and we will be having a matinee session and an evening session. I am strongly encouraging grandparents and other parents who are free during the day to attend the matinee session to ensure we have a good size audience at both concerts and alleviate evening ticket sales. The 9 classes in Year 3, 4 and 5 will each have their time to shine on stage as individual classes enabling parents to see their child performing more clearly this year.
Reading Every Weeknight
Many of our children are avid readers and many parents ensure that reading occurs every weeknight as part of homework but also promoting a reading pattern for their child. I have previously shared research conducted across 22 western countries that demonstrate high academic results if a child reads at least 15 minutes every day. Academic result further skyrocket if they read 30 minutes a day. I strongly encourage all parents to prioritise reading every night with your child or as children grow older create a time for family reading time. You may set your child up for success.
Designated Drop Off/Pick Up Zones
Thank you for all parents who are using the two Drop Off/Pick Up Zones for our school:
1. Side Gate locate between the school and the Mater Dei Church.
2. The 2-minute Drop Odd/Pick Up Zone on Ranelagh St at the back of the school.
These 2 designated safe zones to ‘Drop Off/Pick Up’ reduce the need for parents to find a park. For smooth flow, I encourage family members to remain in the car as the children independently get in the car.
It is important to know that the area in front of the school office is not a Drop Off/Pick Up Zone as we cannot block the pedestrian crossing in case emergency vehicles need to get through and that the opposite side of the road is a no standing zone in the morning and afternoon to enable east west traffic to flow.
As I end this week’s newsletter, I wish to acknowledge a number of families who have recently lost a loved one and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all as you navigate through a grieving time.
I also want to thank the parents and staff who can join us for Working Bee this Saturday 9 to 12 and thank you for all that you do. You are very generous community who continue to help build this school community.
In All Things Kindness
Frank Congedi
