As our year draws to a close, we are sorry that it will be a little bit different from previous years. I'm sure you've noticed that teachers have worked hard to inject some fun into the end of year activities. Year 4 had a fabulous fun day organised by Michael Nemeth and his band of happy followers.  It wasn't quite camp (or a night off for parents) but in the words of one "this was the best day ever." Such a joy to see the positivism.  We look forward to the Year 5 and Year 6 day camps to come.

We are sad that parents won't be able to join our Presentation Days as these have always been such a highlight of our school year and I know how much you love to celebrate and acknowledge our students' endeavours in the many ranges of school activities.  We're thankful to Tim and Michael who have organized virtual recordings/choirs of the School band for the Anthem and School Song, as we still cannot sing other than in grade cohorts outside. 

The speeches our captains, Henry and Ashleigh gave were inspirational and will be printed in the Annual School Report.  There were two outstanding takeaways for all, children and adults alike: from Henry, "if an opportunity presents itself to you, say Yes.  You may not be amazing, but you will have tried" and from Ashleigh, "it takes a village to raise a child and RPS has been my village".  The world is in safe hands with young people such as our 2021 Year 6 taking a lead.

I am pleased however that we can now move to the COVID "test to stay" regime.  If there are further positive cases at our school the parents of close contacts will be immediately called to isolate their child and have a PCR test.  If the test is negative and results are shared with the school, the child can return and complete a RAHT test each day for 7 days.  Once each day's negative test is uploaded to the school, children can attend as usual, including OOSH, which should result in minimal days of school lost or time off work for parents. Thank you to those parents who helped the school advocate for these adjustments.  Please also be aware that a positive RAHT test indicates you must get a PCR test.  So far, the PCR tests have come back negative and once again school can resume.  This process certainly seems to be minimizing any further spread of the virus.  I would caution you against gossiping about who or who may not be positive. We need to trust one another to do the right thing, alert the school if there is a positive test and follow the directions.  This works and doesn't create fear and anxiety in our community.

You will also be aware the NSW Teachers Federation has called for Industrial Action next Tuesday. Our school will remain open, and I will inform you on Friday of the expected level of supervision. Please be aware that it is inappropriate to seek advice from individual teachers as to their intentions.

As you would be aware classes are being formed for 2022, but these remain flexible until final numbers are ascertained at the beginning of the school year.  Your child will return with their 2021 cohort until students are confirmed early in the first week.  Teachers and their team leaders will provide advice regarding placement for the new year. Children learn to adapt and change in each new class, making new friends and stepping up to the grade or new teacher's expectations. This is part of life and growing independence.  We ask you to respect the school's judgement and professionalism in this process, as a great deal of effort goes into deciding where students are best placed for the following year.  We are always happy to hear any well supported concerns.

Regards

Susan Allen, Principal

Semester 2 reports will be published on Monday on your child’s Sentral Parent Portal, available via our school website homepage or directly here https://rps.sentral.com.au/portal/login. If you have forgotten your password, please use the link under the ‘Sign in’ button.

If you are new to Randwick, you will have received a letter containing a code for your registration to the Sentral Parent Portal. Please use your allocated access key provided in the letter to register for access.

If have lost your letter, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school for assistance.

Rachael Chisholm | Deputy Principal

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