2020 has seen Randwick students continue to follow our wonderful Positive Behaviour for Learning. We can all be proud of what it means to be Respectful, Responsible and to be a Learner. In Term 4 we have seen some fabulous new signage go up in key areas around the school like the playground, Library, stairs and corridors outlining what it looks like to be a respectful, responsible learner in those areas. A magnificent mural has also been painted on the Library wall outside in the main playground. The bright and bold colours of the flowers and bees surrounding our values of BEEing Respectful, Responsible and a Learner reminds us that when we follow these values, school can also be as positive and bright for everyone! It is truly captivating so keep your eye out for it! Particular focus for our Positive Behaviour for Learning has been around the toilets, the library and representing our school. We have learnt what it means to be Respectful, Responsible and to be a Learner at Randwick Public School.
Important Dates for 2021
School dates:
Wednesday, 27 January: Staff Development Day - Staff only
Thursday, 28 January: Staff Development Day - Staff only
Friday, 29 January: Returning students for Years 1-6
Monday, 1 February: All newly enrolled students Years 1-6 assemble at the school hall 10.00am. Entrance via the gate on Frances Street.
Friday, 5 February: 2021 Kindergarten first full day
Uniform Shop dates:
Pickup for uniforms ordered on Flexischools
Wednesday, 27 January: 10.30am-12.00pm (orders close Tuesday @ 5pm)
Thursday, 28 January: 8.30am-9.30am (orders close Wednesday @ 5pm)
Friday, 29 January: 8.30am-9.30am (orders close Thursday @ 5pm)
And then every Thursday, 8.30am-9.30am (orders close Tuesday @ 5pm) until the end of Term 1. Pick up will be at Avoca Street car park near the office entrance.
Performing Arts Spectaculars
The 2020 Dance Spectacular on Tuesday afternoon was simply that: Spectacular, especially given the interruptions this year. A very big thank you to teachers Nicky Laurendet, Taylor Johnson, Natalie White, Layla Fukui, Deidre Grace, Nicole Kalonfonos, Daniel Pozarik and former parent, Peter Vaneris for rehearsals, performance support and producing a video of the event for distribution via a link to the performing children's parents. All our students will have an opportunity to be inspired by the performances when they watch it in class in the Christmas wind down and hopefully sign up for next year. The calibre of the performances has simply grown year by year. Unfortunately for privacy and child protection reasons we will be unable to share more broadly.
Our band and strings program are also working on virtual performances to share with parents and at Presentation days. From what I have seen of the first Randwick School Symphony Orchestra, these too are amazing! While you will miss the live performances and the excitement generated, "the show must go on" and we thank everyone for the enormous extra work that filming and editing takes.
Final 2020 Events
We look forward to seeing more parents at Presentation Days and Year 6 parents at the Farewell and Bell ringing. Once again we are conducting these under DOE's COVID safe plan so these are ticketed and registered events only.
Our final school camp takes place on Monday and Tuesday with Year 6 off to Port Hacking. It is a great time for Year 6 to spend together experiencing a personal challenge program, celebrating their 7 years of Primary school and looking forward to their high school journey. I was interested to hear my granddaughter's High School Principal providing advice to the prospective Year 7 parents: Firstly help your child be organised, by packing a bag the night before and completing homework as it is received. If this is modelled by parents in Year 7 it is likely to stick for the senior years. Secondly, present yourself well at school each day, clean and neat and taking pride in the uniform. Again a habit to stand young people in good stead with any future employer. Thirdly, do not buy a smart phone. If a phone is required for safe travel, get a standard one NOT connected to the internet. I would have to concur given our main social issues in Year 6 this year have stemmed from inappropriate use of smart phones after hours where students have accessed inappropriate content or social websites, certainly not a good recipe for the mental well being of our young people.
Return to School 2021
Advice will be provided later in January on the COVID regulations for the new year. At this point we ask that students be dropped off to the teacher at the gate in the normal way on Friday, 29th January 2021 and assemble at the music in their 2020 class groups. New classes will not be formed until Week 2 when numbers are confirmed. 2021 new Kindergarten will be provided with separate advice.
As always if circumstances change and you will not be returning please advise promptly to randwick-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Late returns must be advised in writing for the place to be held.
A Free Event
To end on an educational note you may be interested in a free event: Mathical Book Prize - Live Author Readings Registration | Eventbrite that promotes both literacy and numeracy as well as providing some great book ideas for Christmas. Enjoy and keep up the reading through the break.
As this is our last complete newsletter I would like to wish you a very peaceful, relaxed and safe summer break. Thanks for the community spirit that has stood out through a challenging year for all.
Regards
Susan Allen, Principal
