Another busy week at WWS and we are halfway through Term 1 already!
Reminders
- A reminder that if your child is away from school, you will be sent a text message. Please take the time to respond to these texts as quickly as possible with a simple response, for example, ‘sick’. This completes your and the school’s responsibility in terms of accountability for leave.
- The goal for all students is 95% attendance (approx. 2 days off per term, however none is better!).
- Please ensure that your child comes with a school hat every day, regardless of the weather, policy states that as a duty of care, we must ensure students are wearing hats daily.
- Plain black shoes with black laces on non-sport days.
Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to all the students who attended the School Swimming Carnival at Peninsula Leisure Centre in Week 4.
The number of participants for this event was outstanding, thanks a carnival format that promotes participation for all students, regardless of their swimming experience.
Thanks to all the parents and teachers who supported and assisted at the event and especially to Miss Mostaert and Mr Young for their exceptional organisation. Fantastic job everyone and best of luck to those swimmers representing our school at the next level!
Precious Items at school
From time to time students bring precious and sometimes expensive items to school. Usually, this is because they are keen to show their friends or teachers and on most occasions parents are aware. Recently, we’ve encountered distress for some students when these items are lost or misplaced, and apart from retracing steps, asking other student and searching, there is very little we can do to solve the problem.
If you suspect that your child may be bringing such an item to school (i.e. toys, jewellery, clothing or sentimental items), please take the time to have the conversation with them about leaving it at home.
Travelling to and from school
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to remind our students of the requirements for safe travel to and from school. Whether your child is being dropped off, catching a bus, walking or riding a bike or scooter, each requires reminders of the need for sensible decision making. Please consider discussing the following safety issues with your children –
- Car travel – movement on footpaths, pedestrian crossings and movement through areas near car parks (a reminder for all community members to please adhere to school zone speed limits and parking restrictions enforced around the school).
- Bus travel – stand clear of footpaths while waiting for buses, stay seated, keep noise to a minimum, respectful behaviour towards drivers and members of the public, care crossing roads after getting off the bus.
- Walking – Care walking on footpaths and road crossings, walking directly to and from school, with a friend or group if possible.
- Bikes or scooters – by law and department policy all students riding to and from school must wear a helmet. Please be considerate of pedestrians when using footpaths and crossing roads.
Solving Problems at School
At Woy Woy South we have spent many years working very hard to set a strong set of age-appropriate expectations for student behaviour – an area where we have had great success, based on our well-known principles of Respect, Responsibility & Relationships.
Part of this success has been the strong relationship we have formed with our families and the consistent messages we have delivered to our children about what is considered acceptable behaviour. As we know, when emotional, children often communicate problems from an egocentric perspective and neglect to provide all the details of an incident if they know they have some level of responsibility for the issue.
Could I kindly request that parents and carers reiterate that students are required to solve problems by speaking politely and seeking assistance from the teachers – as soon as an incident occurs. Additionally, please remind children that inappropriate language will never be acceptable at WWS, nor will aggressive physical behaviour.
Harmony Day
Today, 8th March, Woy Woy South PS is hosting a Harmony Day Celebration. The message of the day is ‘Everyone Belongs’ and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone.
WWS students are invited to wear a ‘touch’ of orange (i.e. t-shirt, headband, hat etc.) with their school uniform on the day. Students will also engage in specific activities linked to the ideals mentioned above. A Harmony Day menu will also be available at the canteen on the day.
School Leaders Induction
Yesterday our 2024 school leaders were inducted to their new positions. Congratulations to all! We look forward to working with you to make our school a great place to be. Thank you to the parents who attended the ceremony to support their children.
School Photos
Next Monday 11th March will be our school photos. Please check your emails for the link to order. We are looking forward to our children looking their very best in the full school uniform including plain black shoes with black laces.
Have a great week everyone,
Matt Barr
Principal
