Thursday 11th March 2021
Thank you so much to Angus and Danielle Northey for their coordination of the Working Bee and lunch, thanks also to the many families who came along along and accomplished a huge array of jobs, from book covering to painting to gardening and composting. Apart from the huge benefits to the school environment, which all our children enjoy, you demonstrated to your children the value of service. With 104 families registering attendance over the day it was our best Working Bee ever!
2021 looks like being a year of "Together but separate". It's important for a school and community to work and feel as one despite the restrictions of COVID. Sunday's Working Bee was one example and reintroducing parent helpers in the classroom will be another. Shortly we have Harmony Day, teachers are planning lots of activities to celebrate the theme of "Moving Forward Together". It will look different to previous years but it will still have the same impact on our students "Everyone Belongs". Look out for information coming home and share in the activities through classroom Seesaw posts. Students are learning the song "We're all in this together" from High School Musical as we now can sing in groups of 30 inside and unlimited outside: the joy of my life is to hear our children singing enthusiastically again.
Parent/Teacher Check ins started this week. If you have not booked a time to speak with your child's teacher, either face to face or by phone please contact your child's teacher directly. The parent/teacher/child relationship is critical to children's ongoing progress. It helps the teacher understand your child; your child's and your goals for their learning and for you to understand how you, as a parent, can help. Remember they are at school for 30 hours a week and at home for 138 hours, less 60 - 70 for sleeping leaving another 68 + hours for parental discretion. Let's make the best use of every hour together: playing/learning in fun ways, more formal ones and relaxing.
It was great that so many families could join us for the P&C Zoom for new parents. We were glad to take your questions and provide some clarity for you. A special thank you to Noelle Phegan, P&C President for her organisation and to Kat Valenti, Kindergarten Assistant Principal, Rachael Chisholm and Lauren Sten, Deputy Principals for their preparation and input and providing their evening time. It's important to realise a teacher's role is primarily in teaching your children, however this includes many hours of preparation, meetings for development of whole school programs, reviewing student data with their colleagues, reporting/talking to parents and considerable support, not only with student well being but also for our families. In our own expectations of our own children it's important that we as a school acknowledge the number of students in each class and support our teachers' wellbeing, ensuring they have adequate time for personal care and their own families.
Student Statement of Accounts: If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact our Administration Team for assistance/guidance.
Pick up and drop off - Walking the dog
- The process for pick up and drop off at gates will continue for the remainder of Term 1, at which time we will review DOE guidelines.
- If you are dropping or picking up at the gates (and bringing the dog for a walk), please stand well clear of the gates, as some children are fearful of dogs.
Kiss and Go - How to make it better for all
- Please aim to arrive between 8.30 and 8.45 am as the general traffic flow is better. Arriving closer to 9 will mean a delay for you
- Stay in the line and DON'T jump the queue. Everyone's time and lives are equally important.
- Plan to drop your children without you having to get out of the car. Say your goodbyes at home, have them dressed and holding their bag.
- DO NOT leave your car or you will be FINED.
- Let people into the traffic as the line leaves the drop zone. That's called courtesy.
Being a coach for your children in whatever they are doing is such a good way to encourage them: reading, physical activities, sport, homework, treating each other nicely, picking up toys and providing a supportive but challenging environment. Coaching is so much more effective and pleasant than simply being "bossy". It means working alongside your child and builds relationships rather than conflict, which breaks the connection and influence down.
The following article is well worth reading if your child is anxious or distressed: Being the Coach – Tips for Setting Yourself Aside to Help Your Child in Distressing Situations (parentshop.com.au)
Regards Susan AllenPrincipal Randwick Public School
PH: 0293986022"
"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams" Roald Dahl