At Willoughby Public School we aim to cultivate socially-aware learners who are critical and creative thinkers, within a safe, respectful and responsible learning community.
Dear Parents/Carers
Welcome back
It was lovely to see all the smiling faces as students returned from holidays last Tuesday. Welcome back to another busy term of learning.
SDD summary
Teachers engaged in a full day professional learning on the Staff Development Day (pupil free day) last Monday with a focus on English and mathematics. Staff also completed their annual first aid and anaphylaxis training.
C Block re-paint / repair
You may have noticed the fencing and cherry pickers around parts of our historic C Block building. As Willoughby's oldest structure, it has received various (much needed) upgrades over recent years, including new roofing and guttering, an internal repaint and re-carpet, new sinks and the creation of a new flexible open-plan learning space.
The final part of the upgrade is the repair and re-paint of the external walls and eaves. A team of tradespeople began work in the holidays and will continue working over the term. They are doing a very thorough job so far and the sections already completed look great.
Anzac Assembly
We held our first whole school assembly last Friday to commemorate Anzac Day. It was lovely to have all students K-6 gathered together in our new hall and COLA area. Thanks to all of the students and staff who contributed, and to our wonderful musicians in Intermediate Band along with PB trumpeters Harry and Charlie. A link to the recording was sent earlier this week via Skoolbag.
Cross Country
Earlier today we made the difficult decision to postpone the event as air quality worsened over the morning. A back up date has been confirmed for Thursday 6 May. Please keep an eye out for a new email with a revised permission note for the new date.
Online permissions trial
Over the holidays the Term 2 permission notes and accounts were emailed to families. In response to feedback from parents, the school is trialling online permissions this term. Feedback from parents/carers has been very positive and we have seen a quicker turnaround of permissions. The reduction of printing and paper also fits in well with the school's focus on sustainability.
Staffing update
After 6 wonderful years at Willoughby Public School it is with mixed feelings we announce that Mr Thorn, one of our teacher librarians, is moving away from Sydney with his family. Mr Thorn will commence as teacher-librarian at Moss Vale Public School at the start of Term 3.
We would like to thank Mr Thorn for his hard work in helping make the library such a welcoming and positive space here at Willoughby, and for developing and growing a love of reading and quality literature in our students.
Mr Thorn's expertise in technology and book week character dress ups have been appreciated by all and will be missed. Mr Thorn has a special message for the community later in the newsletter.
The recruitment process will begin shortly as we look to employ a new teacher librarian.
Safety around school - new pole wraps
A huge thank you to our P&C Traffic Committee and Willoughby City Council for their work in improving safety around the school, particularly at busy drop off and pick up times.
New Pole-Wraps have been installed at the kiss and drop zones along Keary Street and Oakville Road with reminders of how these spaces should be used.
The school is currently working with the NSW Department of Education's Transport Infrastructure Planning office to identify further improvements to the way we move students in and out of school safely.
