Speers Point Public School Newsletter

What a time for Speers Point Public School! Last week we had the double prize of all students returning, and the handover of our new buildings. It has been such an exciting time and I am so proud of how well our students have returned to school.

Students have generally returned as if there has been no gap, and have settled into classes and learning. Even in the midst of change, our students have shown resilience and have adapted extremely well.

We had planned a more gradual move for Cedar, Wattle, Coachwood and Scribbly Gum into the new spaces however the students have taken to the new style of classrooms so well that teachers were able to move in sooner. These four classes are now settled in their new spaces.

While the block of classrooms is known as “Fernleigh” block, our classes have retained their class names for the remainder of the year. Scribbly Gum and Coachwood are located in Fernleigh 2, with Cedar and Wattle in Fernleigh 3.

We have been adding a number of videos and photos to our Facebook page showcasing the new buildings, and will continue to add more as we progress to show the full range of our new amenities.  

With the majority of works complete, the final phase of works has started. Up in the block closest to Main Rd (Sugarloaf), the two back end classrooms, Coachwood and Paperbark (where the temporary admin was) are being refurbished and made bigger by combining some of the old offices. This is relatively minor compared to the works just completed however, all safety measures are being taken. This section will be barricaded off for safety, and while students can still access the school from Main Rd through the gates, we will begin locking these gates during school hours as we previously had.   

This last phase of works has a much shorter timeframe and we’re all hopeful for completion early next term.

The best access to our school is now via Bell St. Our Admin has completely relocated to our new admin building and all services (including uniforms) are operating. The entry to admin can be a little confusing first time around as there is a few separate entries. The door faces back to Bell St and is accessible via the stairs or ramp in the carpark. If you find yourself facing a pair of big black gates next to the hall, you’ve gone too far.

A number of new security features have been added so anyone coming into the school, including students arriving late are required to enter via the Admin foyer. Late students will be given their late slip from office staff and are then able to proceed to class.

We have a number of students who have been arriving between 8am and 8.30am.  I need to remind parents that there is no supervision for students prior to 8.30am. With the new layout and security features we are finding some mornings that the access gates may not be open until 8.30. Please ensure students are not arriving until that time.

Thank you parents for the great support in keeping children home when they have coughs and colds. We see the Skoolbag absence notifications coming through that are largely stating a child is being kept home when they have a cough. Please continue this practice as you are directly supporting and providing a safe environment for all children and staff. We really genuinely appreciate this.

We are still waiting for the official signage to be installed on Bell St, but despite that, our new extended Kiss ‘n' Ride zone has been working extremely well. We still have our support classes leaving at 2.40pm and we have been able to move these vehicles through ahead of the rush.

Staff are supporting the loading of the first few cars, and moving the line up accordingly. It may take a few extra minutes, but it is so much safer than having children cross Bell St on the blind corner. We’ve seen that each day we have all students loaded and cleared by 3.08pm at the latest, and we’re getting quicker at it.

While in the Kiss ‘n' Ride zone please remember, where possible, to stay in your vehicle, understandably some students need help buckling in. Please don’t call students down the line, staff will direct them.

Some parents are still using the name tags in the front window for easy identification. If you require a new one, or more, please let our office know and we can resupply. These tags allow us to ID vehicles further up the line and have students waiting ready in the pick up position.

Overall, thank you for the care and safety taken by everyone in this area.

We have not yet been able to schedule our usual information session for Kinder 2021 due to Covid restrictions however enrolments are open for Kinder 2021.  Please see our office staff for an enrolment pack if you have a child due to start next year.

Have a great week

Chris Payne

Principal

Due to COVID-19 the SMS attendance roll out was put on hold.  

In preparation to this system being used, could you please make sure the office has your correct contact details.

The system is designed to message the number listed as the first primary contact (not both parents).

SMS Attendance is a text messaging system to alert and remind parents of student absences. 

BOOK CLUB

Issue 4 will be sent home next week. 

Orders are due by Friday 19 June 2020. 

Students can bring their orders and money to the office or you can order online via the LOOP.

OUTSTANDING LIBRARY BOOKS

If you find any Speers Point Public School library books at home, could you please return them.  Thank you

Queen's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 8 June 2020

Book club, Issue 4 due - Friday 19 June 2020

Last Day of Term - Friday 3 July 2020

School Photos - Tuesday 8 September 2020