I actually can’t believe that I am writing the last newsletter for Term 3! While on some levels it feels like the longest year ever, it is crazy to think that when we return next term we will begin planning for 2021.

This week I was so proud of our students who chose to have a go at the Swim Trials at the Clarence Aquatic Centre. Our students were supportive, courageous and so well behaved. It was wonderful to watch them all having a go. 

As with past process, I am now inviting all parents and carers to start thinking about class placements for your children, and email me any considerations you would like us to make for 2021. These requests must be in writing, and there are certain parameters around this as we will not consider requests for teachers. All requests should be related to friendships, considerations for individual learning and include relevant information about your child. We do not have our staffing confirmed for 2021 yet, but we do know that there will be some significant changes to the class structures and who will teach them in 2021. It is highly likely that all classes will be composite (e.g. Grade1/2, Grade3/4, Grade 5/6), with the exception of our Kinder and Prep classes. I am happy to report we will be running two Kinder classes, one at the beginning of the week and one at the end, the same days as this year. Kinder placement letters for both in and out of area students will be issued by the end of this term. All of our current students will begin the process of nominating the 5 friends that they would like to be with next year and it will be explained to them that we will ensure they are paired with at least one of those friends in 2021, not all of them. Our staff will support the students to do this before the end of this term.

In staffing news, Mrs Isaac will be back in Term 4. We would like to thank Mrs Kenny for her commitment and time in Grade 4 White. Miss Street will be taking some Long Service Leave in Term 4 so we are very lucky that Mrs Kenny will replace her on Grade 3 White on a Monday. Mrs Bloomfield has decided to work full time in Term 4 so we won’t need to replace Miss Street in 5/6 Blue. We wish Miss Street all the best for her extended Summer holiday break.

Unfortunately, Mrs Palmer will be undergoing knee surgery and will not be returning next term. We are pleased to have Mr Deveraux continue in his role on Grade 3 Blue for the remainder of the year.

A reminder to parents to dig out your children’s hats for Term 4. With the days getting warmer, I would also like to emphasize the importance of providing a drink bottle filled with water, appropriate clothing and applying sunscreen before school each day. There is sunscreen available in each classroom but it’s always a good idea to apply before they leave. School hats are available to purchase from Lowes at Eastlands or online via the link below. These are reversible, with the House colours inside. Contact the office if you are unsure which House your child is in. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support during the term. Despite many odds, we have managed to enjoy a settled and productive ten weeks of learning, where obvious gains have been consistently made across every grade learning area. I hope you all have a well deserved break, and let’s hope the Spring weather brings us lots of long, sunshine-filled days!

Warm regards,