Congratulations to all students who participated in the Swimming Carnival. It was great to see students trying their individual best, a great day was had by all. Thank you to Mr Boucher for his organisation and all the teachers and parents that assisted on the day. I was very proud to hear the great reports about the students that made it to the Zone carnival to represent our school. The teachers and staff from other schools commented on their behaviour and sportsmanship. Well done to Connor Singe (Year 6) who has successfully made it through to the Hunter Carnival. We wish him the best of luck for the upcoming event in Newcastle.
Attendance Matters
As part of our strategic directions in improving student performance and meeting expected growth levels over the next 4 years, attendance has been targeted as a focus area. Attendance is essential for continued growth for all our students.
To get the most out of education, children need to go to school every day.
School attendance has a major influence on educational outcomes. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve better results at school and are more likely to complete their schooling.
Parents can encourage their child to attend school by having a positive attitude to learning and education. Poor school attendance patterns can start as early as Kindergarten. It is important that from the first day of school parents set an expectation that their children will be at school every day. Missing an average of ten days of school per term adds up to missing two full years of schooling by the end of Year 10.
It is important to remember that all Australian states and territories have legislation in place that requires parents to ensure their children attend school. These laws apply to all students in government and non-government schools.
Please explain any absences within 7 days. This can be verbal, written, a phone call to the office or responding to SMS that is sent out daily. Schools are required to contact parents by the second day of unexplained absences.
If you are having attendance issues with your child, please contact us so we can work together to improve their attendance at school.
Flying Fox
In recent weeks there has been an influx of flying fox in in our area and they have encroached into our playground boundary trees. I have been in contact with National Parks and they have visited our site. I have been informed that although we have had a major increase in the numbers of flying fox over the last few months this will start to settle back to normal. There has been an abundance of food and it is a peak time. The recent rain has washed a lot of the nectar they enjoy away and therefore the excess flying fox will be moving on to other areas. As a precaution, we have been limiting the areas the students play, specifically near the boundary of the reserve. This was to reduce the stress on the animals. This week we have already seen a reduction in numbers and they have moved further back into the Brush.
'80% of success is showing up' - Woody Allen
Regards,
Kylie Seaman
Principal