Welcome to Term 4, Week 2 - Hello to the wonderful Holbrook community, and welcome back to our final term of 2021. I really do hope that you and your children were able to spend some quality time together over the holiday period. I spent plenty of time in nature, hiking up hills with my family (Huon, Red Light, Eastern, Nailcan and Budginigi), bike riding, and we also got away for a quick trip to Mulwala which was enjoyable.
With the pandemic causing lots of mental health concerns in society, and to strengthen my leadership, both personally and professionally, I have been reading about happiness. Happiness is quite an abstract concept, and I've discovered that many psychologists tend to refer to the experience of 'positive emotions' as opposed to the general term of 'happiness'. Some positive emotions include: love, serenity, forgiveness, awe, joy, interest, hope, pride, gratitude, amusement and inspiration. Furthermore, the Losada Line (or ratio) has found that for an individual to flourish, they need to experience somewhere between 3:1 and 6:1 positive to negative emotions. For those interested, the book I'm reading is called 'The Happiness Advantage' by Shawn Achor. If reading isn't your thing, he also has a short Ted talk which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXy__kBVq1M I found it interesting, as it has helped me see how 'happiness' can be constructed to help us all thrive. One initiative in our school plan over the next four years is Positive Education, and this mindset or perspective aligns very well. As you know, this term will see many restrictions remain in place at the school, so we're trying to think of creative ways to help our staff and students experience many positive emotions in Term 4. Our leaders have agreed to set up the table tennis tables each day for students to use during breaks, and we have also set up a pool table for Year 6 to use. Other students are spending time in our vegetable garden which is definitely thriving. It is amazing how a small tweak can make such a positive change.
School Staffing - It has been wonderful to welcome back Mrs Wedgwood and Mrs Slater this term after their leave in Term 3. Mrs Trethowan will remain on leave for the rest 2021, with Mr Leitch working on Thursdays and Fridays to replace her. Mrs Cheadle is also on leave, potentially for the remainder of term. She has been coordinating the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program with Judy Ross, who will now come in for an additional day each week as a result of this change. Unfortunately, Mrs Pargeter has needed to take unexpected leave, for at least the first two weeks of term. Kimberly Ross, a current teacher at our school, will take Year 2 for four days in Week 2, with Mrs Wedgwood taking the other day as usual. I recognise there have been some changes in the staffing space, and I'll endeavor to keep the community informed of any future adjustments as further information becomes available to me. As always, I will seek the best solutions for our students, with the staff that are available.
Hats, Drink Bottles and Summer Uniforms - A reminder to all families to ensure that their children come to school each day with the correct uniform, hat and drink bottle. I realise this is slightly more complex at the moment with parents not being able to visit the school, but if you give the office a call, I'm sure we can find a solution. Our SunSmart Policy requires that all students bring a hat to wear each day.
Major Excursions - We have been fielding many phone calls in regards to our excursions to Borambola (Years 3 and 4 - Week 4) and Ballarat (Years 5 and 6 - Week 7). Under Level 3 School Operations, we are unable to go on any excursions. We have deliberately held on to our bookings in case restrictions ease, however, with the Borambola excursion only two weeks away, and increasing pressure for us to pay fees by the provider, we have today cancelled the 3/4 excursion to Borambola. Whilst we are not able to leave the school, much less the LGA, or state at the moment, we are holding our booking for the 5/6 excursion to Ballarat.
Riverina Athletics Carnival - Unfortunately, Riverina Sport has had to cancel the regional athletics carnival for 2021. Congratulations to all of our students who qualified and were potentially going to make it to state. Try to let your disappointment drive your training and desire to do just as well next year, or even better.
Mandatory Vaccinations - As I'm sure you're aware, all volunteers, contractors and school staff will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by 8 November 2021.
Masks - The wearing of masks is mandatory for all staff both indoors and outdoors whilst on the school site. The wearing of masks for students is strongly recommended, both indoors and outdoors. Masks are available at school on request, however, students may also bring their own.
New Boundary Fencing - I have been liaising with the Department's Learning and Wellbeing Team and the Asset Management Unit over the past month, and it has been decided that our school will be supplied with new boundary fencing and lockable gates to increase the safety of our students. This will be a large investment in the school, and one that should offer greater peace of mind to parents and staff.
Kindergarten Orientation - Finally, I am excited to announce that our next scheduled Kindergarten transition activity is able to commence on Friday, 15 October.
Nathan Fisher
Principal
