Student Success:
We have had a lot of student success over the past two weeks. We had 38 students compete at the zone athletics carnival last week. From all reports they performed exceptionally. At this stage, we have not been informed who has made it through to the regional carnival. As soon as we know, we will let you know. Last week, one student from each class received a special Education Week award for Leadership. Congratulations to Violet, Isabella, Allegra, Emma, Huxley, Peyton, Ashah, Frankie, Liam, Ellis, Remy, Declan, Patrick, Emily, Jayda, Emily and Ava. These students were identified by their teacher as being positive role models and leaders at school. Students across the school are participating in stage public speaking finals this week. This competition is one that is an institution in our school and we congratulate every student in the school who has competed at a class level and school level. The top speakers from Stage 2 and 3 will go on to compete in the zone competition. Well done to the Year 2 dancers who performed at the Hunter Dance Festival recently. They were by far the cutest on stage! Our support unit boccia team recently competed at the state championship. The team of Olivia, Amanda, Ashah, Declan and Braxton came an impressive 12th overall with over 200 teams participating in the competition! Wow! An awesome achievement! We had three students attend the Hunter Gifted Education Supernova Camp recently. All three students were great ambassadors for our school and learnt a lot from the activities.
Farewell Mr Sanderson:
We farewelled Mr Sanderson from our school last Friday. Mr Sanderson is moving to the United Kingdom to teach. We wish him all the best and thank him for the amazing work he has done with the students in our support unit and across the school. Good luck, Mitch!
Life Education: Students are currently visiting with Harold and learning about healthy choices in life. Students are enjoying the lessons.
Three way interviews: Thank you to all parents who have been involved in the three way interviews with teachers and students. It has been a valuable opportunity to discuss learning progress and student goals with teachers.
Out of Uniform Friday:
This Friday is an out of uniform day to support Liam to attend the National Swimming Championships! Students can come dressed in casual clothing, with covered shoes for a gold coin donation. Good luck, Liam!
Year 1 Phonics Screening:
Over the next couple of weeks, Year 1 students will be completing the phonics screening assessment. This tool gives us valuable information on how students are progressing so we can make adjustments to teaching.
Aerobics
Good luck to the Aerobics teams who will be competing at Nationals this weekend in Adelaide! Also a big thank you to the parents of the girls who coordinated the fundraising efforts for the teams! Best of luck, girls!
Kinder Excursion:
Kinder will be visiting Blackbutt on Wednesday 16 August. All details have been provided in a separate note.
Book Week Parade/ Grandparents Day:
Our Book Week Parade and Grandparents Day will be held on Friday 18 August. We are looking forward to seeing parents and grandparents come along for the event. A separate note has been sent pout with all details.
Construction Work:
The construction work around our school is progressing well. The slab for the classrooms is being poured in the next few days. The K – 2 fort has new soft fall, and we have new picnic tables for students in the primary playground to use at recess and lunch. We also have a new storeroom being built at the back of the hall. We thank you for your patience while this work is being carried out.