Meet The Teacher Afternoon
What a lovely afternoon!
The weather certainly turned it on for our ‘Meet the Teacher,’ open classroom afternoon and sausage sizzle, last Tuesday. The staff were all commenting how good it was to have parents/carers and extended family back in the school.
I had many delightful conversations with people highlighting the wonderful work our teachers do. Thanks to all the staff at GPS, many of whom remained at work to chat to parents and ensure that the afternoon was a success.
Assemblies
We are inviting parents to assemblies whose children are receiving awards. Parents will be notified by a hard copy note taken home by the child receiving an award on the Friday prior to the assembly. Unfortunately, due to the size of our library and COVID space restrictions, we need to ensure that the number of adults attending are within space guidelines. Visitors attending the assembly need to scan the QR code at the front office when entering the school.
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Harmony Day
Unfortunately, I was not at school last Friday when we celebrated National Day of Action Against Bullying and Harmony Day. By all accounts and photos posted on Facebook it was a an enjoyable and most educational day. Again, thanks to staff and parents for supporting the day. I loved the T-shirts stating, ' Be a Buddy, Not a Bully,' which was made specially for the day by Betina.
The Student Council conducted a fund-raising effort for our flood affected schools. We are now able send $108 to Tumbulgum Public School to help provide resources or support a fun event for their students. When we hear back from them, I’ll let you know how they spent the money.
South Coast PSSA Trails
Congratulations to Chaise, Kaiden and Joseph who are now due to attend the third level of trials to play for South Coast Primary School Sports Association Regional Rugby League team.
Umbrellas
We have had a wet season, with many students bringing umbrellas to school. Unfortunately, umbrellas have been broken in the playground and at other times have been swung round and unintentionally hitting students. Therefore, I am ‘banning’ umbrellas at school. If your family needs support with supplying a raincoat for your child, please give me a ring.
I am also banning Pokemon Cards from school. Unfortunately, there have been too many upsets over the cards and student and teacher time would be better spent in other areas.
Could I also ask that all drink bottles that students bring to school are plastic. Unfortunately, metal bottles pose a risk of inflicting injury.
Lockdowns
Last week we had, ‘’A Quiet Lockdown,” at school. Lockdowns involve students being kept in their classes. Both corridor and classroom doors are locked. The purpose for a lockdown is to keep our children safe, as well as a limiting the possibility of students hearing colourful language.
All our teachers explain to the class that at times a lockdown is necessary so that we are all safe. Students generally watch an item on the smartboard while the lockdown is in progress. If all goes smoothly and students have not been negatively impacted, I will not highlight the incident through Skoolbag or other forms of communication.
If the school has undergone a lockdown in which our students are negatively impacted, such as use of the alarm system to begin the lockdown, unruly noise or property breakages, which our students hear or see, then I will notify all parents and offer support for our students through our school counsellor. I would encourage any parent to contact me to alert me to the fact that your child needs to be listened to and supported.
RAT Kits
There will be another rollout of RAT kits going out to all students. These will be sent home with students early next week. Please check your child's bag.
Change of Departure Routine
During strict COVID cohorting measures, students were released at various pick-up zones around the school. When restrictions were ended we reverted back to pick up procedures used before the pandemic. However, it has been brought to my attention that the measures initiated to prevent the spread of COVID actually enhanced the overall safety for our students. Congestion in parking areas was reduced, therefore allowing easier and safer access to cars as well as reducing congestion at the school gates allowing for easier supervision.
As of Monday 28 March, we will return to afternoon departures through house groupings as listed below.
Parent Pick Up
CLIFFORD
If your child is in Clifford Sports Team you will meet them at the bus stop on Clifford Street. They will be supervised until picked up.
COWPER
If your child is in Cowper Sports Team you will meet them at the gate between the office block and the library.
If travelling by car we ask that you park on the far side of Bourke Street and the children will be escorted across the school crossing. They will be supervised until picked up.
GOLDSMITH
If your child is in Goldsmith Sports Team you will meet them at the temporary exit gate that has been created on Goldsmith Street.
Bus Departures
Students travelling home, or to an after-school care service by bus will be supervised boarding the buses as usual.
Mark Sullivan
Principal
