Wow, what a fortnight we have had! They say time flies when you are having fun, and this is certainly the case for the students at Wattle Grove. I thank you for your continued support in working in partnership with the school for the students, ensuring their cups are full and their hearts are warm.
Sporting Fun Day
What an awesome day was had by both students and staff. The Year 6 students did an amazing job at both planning and implementing this special day for their fellow students. The students displayed amazing skills in leadership ad creative and critical thinking. It was amazing to step back and watch them in action. The students organised a range of fun activities for the students to engage in over the event, ranging from games, face painting, hair spraying, mazes, a haunted house and much more. The smiles on the students’ faces, and the sounds of laughter left no doubt that the day was a huge success. The students also enjoyed a yummy sausage sandwich, giving them the energy to participate in many activities. I would like to give a huge shout our to Mrs Dodd for her leadership and the Year 6 teachers for their support in making this day happen. Many additional hours went into making this day, the day it was! Thank you also to our parents /carers of Year 6 students who supported their children in organising their activity and our other parents/carers for purchasing tokens for their children to participate. Over $8,000 was raised on the day and will go towards the Year 6 Farewell and gift for the school.
A shining star!
Last Friday Mrs Finn and I had the pleasure of attending the annual Shing Stars Showcase at Campbelltown Arts Centre to watch our very own Monty perform. Monty performed a number of songs as part of the signing choir and even played the drums! You could see the hard work and hours of practice that had been put in from Monty and the Shining Stars coaches to make such a spectacular night for all. The smiles on the students’ faces were just a delight. I was so proud of Monty and all the students.
Shining Stars is a creative arts program for Kindergarten to Year 12 public school students with a disability. Shining Stars provides opportunities for students to engage in a relevant and meaningful arts education program that caters to the needs, interests and abilities of each student. Students develop knowledge of the creative arts curriculum, life skills, performance skills and confidence as they explore creative and performing arts. During this program, students participate in a series of workshops where they can build creative art skills and form friendships.
I like to acknowledge Mrs Justine Griffith, our Specialist Teacher (Hearing), for her amazing work and support for Monty and other students in our school. She has provided not only classroom and family support but many opportunities for our students. Over the year she has also led a signing group of our students to learn Auslan, which many students have engaged in.
Celebrating our Teachers
We have an amazing staff at Wattle Grove Public School and last week, two of our staff members received a Metropolitan South and West School Performance Principal Award, recognising their achievements in education. Mrs Vicky Valensise received an award for her outstanding work as an Executive Teacher and Mrs Kylie Farah was recognised for her outstanding work as a Teacher-Librarian. Both ladies are truly deserving of these awards, and I would like to congratulate them again.
Dr Alex Mandel, Director Educational Leadership, presented Mrs Farah with her award in front of our very proud staff. Mrs Valensise received her award at an evening event, and was presented with her award by Ms Deb Summerhayes, Executive Director. At this event, our very own Cantabile Choir performed. They were absolutely amazing. The audience were super impressed. And as an additional surprise, Mr Blanch conducted the choir of three schools! Mr Blanch kept this as a surprise for the night, and it certainly was. Thank you to Mr Blanch, the students and parents/carers for making this happen. It was short notice, but you did it!
Remembrance Day
On Friday 11 November we held our Remembrance Day Service. It was a beautiful service, run by our school captains, Jack and Poppy. Charlotte and Charli, two of our defence students each read a poem, and did an amazing job. The choir also performed a beautiful song. We also had some students and Ms Melanie Gibbons MP, lay wreaths. Following the service, our visitors were provided with the opportunity to grab some light refreshments and read the students’ ‘We remember’ projects. Thank you to Mrs Dorr, our Defence School Mentor, for her leadership and organisation.
Our school, along with Holsworthy High School, was featured in an article for the NSW Department of Education, recognising our work in remembering and acknowledging people who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces.
A Day of Celebration
Last week, Bobby, our School Ambassador, represented Wattle Grove at the Ambassador Day of celebration. This day was held at the Liverpool City Council Chambers. Each group presented their Ambassador Project to an audience of proud parents, teaching staff, directors and the Executive Director, Ms Deb Summerhayes. Bobby’s group focussed on maintaining school environments. Each group member had to implement a project that focussed on this theme at their own school. Bobby focussed on solving our lost property problem! He formed a group to help reduce our ever-growing pile of lost items. Whilst the problem has not disappeared, Bobby’s data showed that the pile has decreased! Congratulations Bobby you did an excellent job, and it was wonderful to see you present your work to such a large audience. I would also like to acknowledge Mr Wilson who was not only our school-based coordinator for this project but a group leader. Mr Wilson supported four other schools in his role as an Ambassador Group Facilitator – Thank you Mr Wilson!
Semester Two Reports
Teachers are currently engaging in preparing and writing student reports. A lot of time and effort is given to this process to ensure our parents/carers are presented with valuable information about their child’s progress. Our reports provide valuable information about your child’s achievements and future learning goals. Reports will go home Tuesday 13 December. If you are planning on finishing school early, could you please advise the office in writing, and we will do our best to prepare your child’s report in time for your departure. If you have any concerns or questions about the report, you are more than welcome and encouraged to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss the report.
Staffing Updates
One of our substantive Assistant Principals, Ms Tahlea Taylor, has been working in the corporate sector of the Department of Education since 2019. Her current role has been extended and she has relinquished her position at Wattle Grove Public School. The process to fill this vacancy is now underway, and I will keep you informed of the outcome.
Important Dates
Please see the calendar at the end of the newsletter, which has the dates of important end-of-year events. Specific notes will also be uploaded on our Skoolbag app and distributed as a hard copy if required.
Miss Cameron
Principal
