Welcome back to school on these wonderful sunny autumn days.  In the words of our Prime Minister, "how lucky we are".

I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing holiday.

We have a full term coming up so please keep a check on the calendar and perhaps print it out and place on your fridge.  Next week we will publish a calendar of all the performance dates for the grade concerts, so that you can plan for these.  In deference to the wellbeing of our younger children, their concerts will begin a little earlier, so perhaps that can be your early day to leave work.  Personally, having missed out on these last year I can't wait!  Year 4 and Year 6 performances are in Term 2.

There is also a full assessment schedule for students this term, so it's important, as always that children are well rested and ready to do their best, as Randwick students have always done.  We are very proud of our students: their learning achievement, their engagement in a broad range of creative and sporting activities and above all else their positive relationships with one another and respect for their teachers. 

Year 4 and 6 will complete the online Check in assessments in Week 2 introduced by the Department in 2020, Year 3 and 5 will complete NAPLAN in Week 4 and all classes will complete Semester 1 assessments for the purposes of the Semester 1 reports issued to parents at the end of this term. 

There are also several staff updates.  Firstly, we will farewell Lauren Sten, DP and Learning Support Coordinator, who has been successful in gaining on merit the position of Principal, Double Bay Public School.  We very much appreciate the work that Lauren has led in our school in relation to ensuring student progress and wellbeing.  Lauren’s impact will be especially remembered by families who have needed support with students with additional needs.  Her skill, patience and care are appreciated.  Currently we have an Expression of Interest to fill Lauren's position temporarily until a permanent appointment can be made for 2022.  It is expected Lauren will take up her new position in Week 4.

We're very pleased to welcome new staff to our school:

• Peter Lavender Stage 3 Assistant Principal replacing Quetzal Bell on 6B
• Morgan O’Dean replacing Simon Pillidge on Year 4 now 4O
• Isabella Thompson replacing Balusi Nunez for Term 2 on 2N while she enjoys some family time with a first grandchild
• Natalie Westren replacing Sam Sale on Year 1, now 1W. Ms Sale is on maternity leave for the remainder of 2021 after welcoming her new baby girl.

Please make these new staff members feel welcome.

​Finally, below is an article that should be of interest to all families, together with practical strategies to help your children manage screen time.  This needs to be something that all adults take responsibility for, not as one little fellow said, "I think my dad sends me to school so I won't be on the computer all the time!'

Balancing screen-time in family life - DiGii Social

I look forward to seeing you at the ANZAC DAY commemoration on Friday or next week's Cross Country.  Please always remember, both within the school and outside, to be COVID safe, so that our school remains open and a positive place for learning.

Regards 

Susan Allen

Principal Randwick Public School

"If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams"

Roald Dahl

How long have you been teaching?  Where and for how long?   

I've been teaching for the past three years, this being my fourth!  My first year out of university I taught at Illawong Public School on a Stage 1 class.  I then moved to London and took on causal and temporary blocks of work so that I could  get as much travelling as possible done!   I had to cut my time over there a little short due to COVID 19 and when I came back in March last year, I was accepted for a Stage 2 position at Curran Public School.  I moved to the Eastern suburbs at the beginning of the year and was lucky enough to get a position here at Randwick :)

What do you like about Randwick Public School? 

I love how friendly and supportive the staff have been in helping me navigate my way around a new school.  The kids are all very polite and respectful as well, which makes it a lovely environment to teach in.

What is your favourite thing to do?

I pretty much love anything that involves being outside in the sun. Whether it's going for a walk, swim at the beach or picnic at a park.  In the holidays I always try to go away on a camping trip somewhere up or down the coast!

What have you read recently?

I've just started a new book called 'The Return' by Nicholas Sparks - so far, so good!

What is your favourite sports team?

I'm not a die hard fan for any sports teams but if I had to pick one I'd have to say the Rabbitohs.

What is your favourite food?

Simple - seafood!

This seminar is designed for parents of older school aged children who want practical information and effective strategies for developing good communication and healthy/respectful relationships.  ​This may be more suitable for parents of Year 6 and high school students. 

Please note that seminar content will include reference to research about adolescent sexual relationships, intimate behaviour and consent.

Seats are strictly limited and bookings are essential https://respectful.eventbrite.com.au

This event is supported by Waverley and Woollahra Councils.  

See flyer attached for further information or contact 9083 8936.

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