Dear Parents and Carers,
Over the past fortnight the students at Glengarry Primary School have shown us what a resilient and community-minded group they are. We have seen our Year 3 to 6 students easily adapt to the recent introduction of mask mandates throughout Western Australia, remembering to bring a mask daily and ensuring they wear their mask at the appropriate times during the day. The school community at Glengarry PS has been incredibly understanding of the need to abide by these mandates, which has had a positive impact on the manner in which the students have approached such changes to their normal school routine. As we have recently shifted into a ‘Very High Caseload Environment’ in Western Australia, definitions around close contacts and critical workers have been modified. If you are yet to do so, I encourage you to read through the letter sent home to parents via Skoolbag on 9 March 2022. As always, should you have any questions about returning to school or isolation periods, please make contact via phone or email matthew.pinkard@education.wa.edu.au.
Our School Board election process has continued to progressed well, with a large number of families taking the time to cast their vote. Once our two successful nominees have undertaken a compulsory National Police History Screening check, I will be in a position to formally introduce them to you and look forward to this moment. Following this announcement, our new members will commence a thorough induction process that will continue throughout the early stages of their tenure. I would like to acknowledge those who found the time in their busy lives to login and cast their vote, it is crucial that school community members are able to have a say in who represents them on the School Board.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, Glengarry PS staff regularly engage in professional learning events, both formal and informal, to ensure we are delivering content in an evidence-based and effective manner. During Week 5, five of our ECE teachers attended a half-day session designed and delivered by Miss Emma Martin. Emma lead the team through The Science of Reading & Letters and Sounds, delving deeply into the research that backs our use of Letters and Sounds in K-3. Teachers discussed the importance of delivering high-quality systematic phonics, where students build on previously learned content and poor spelling habits are avoided from a young age. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the staff who attended and encourage you to ask your child’s teacher any questions that you may have about the Letters and Sounds program. I look forward to seeing our students in K-3 benefiting from this recent professional learning event.
Matt Pinkard
Principal