Speers Point Public School Newsletter

It is fantastic to be back for Term 4!

Term 4 is always the term where a lot of things come together, and with more and more restrictions easing, opportunities for events. In Term 3 we really set a strong focus on literacy and numeracy after having two terms with interruptions. For Kindergarten, Term 3 was their first full term of school.

Outside my office in the admin corridor we have a data wall set which tracks the reading levels of our students K-2.  Every student has shown growth over Term 3 with so many students making above expected growth.

What we noticed was that with such a strong mindset on making up time from interruptions we left out some of the fun stuff. So this term, while literacy and numeracy stays as our priority, we’ll be bringing back the fun as well. Term 4 will be a productive, enjoyable and fun term.

The COVID-safe guidelines have not altered that much from Term 3, and we’re hopeful that we’ll see a further relax in areas as the weeks progress. The current guidelines include:

• Only essential adults on site. Therapists, curriculum delivery (Sports in Schools) and parents operating the canteen are included.
  
• Year 6 farewell permitted under set guidelines.
• Orientation programs under set guidelines.

At this time, such events as our end of year presentation assembly will need to be live-streamed. We’ll be working on our plans for that a little later in the term when we know where guidelines are at that time.

This term TASK (The After School Klub) started the out of school hours care (OSHC) service here at Speers Point Public School. Our new hall was designed and built to include OSHC facilities and this is the first time an OSHC service has operated out of our school.

Information and enrollments can be found at https://www.task-kids.com.au/speerspoint or call 1300 827 500

Earlier this week a letter went home to the parents of students in Years 5 and 6. Covering several topics, it included information supporting and urging parents to keep a eye on children’s internet activity, especially on social media platforms like snapchat and TikTok.  

Often, while occasionally issues may occur online, these matters can encroach into and continue on at school, which can affect a student’s social wellbeing. We may also see a reverse, where a students may have a disagreement at school, and rather than having a cool-down time overnight or over the weekend, this will continue (and unnecessarliy escalate) online.

There is a great site at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents with lots of information to support parents. We also have the local Police Youth Liaison Officer, Lisa Thompson coming to talk to our Yr 5/6 students this week.

Smart-watches, and similar variants however, can still pose the same problems around child protection, distraction and risk of damage. At this time, we are defining smart-watches (and variants) as watches that are able to call/text, have games, record photo, video or audio or connect to WifFi.

While we are investigating the risks further I ask that students not wear smart-watches or variants to school. Once we have been able to form a clear guideline following Departmental policy we can advise from there.

We know of some rare cases where parents are using these watches to support additional needs or for the GPS tracking. If this is the case, and if you haven’t already, please have that conversation with the class teacher so this can be included within the child’s support plans.

As we need to continue COVID-safe practices, will be having a staggered drop-off and pick-up times to reduce the number of adults at one set time.

If you have not yet returned enrolment forms please get those back to the office as soon as possible. Having enrolment forms in lets us confirm numbers and better plan Kinder orientation and 2021 classes.  

Please support us by adhering to these conditions. Next week during Book Parade we have been creative in creating a parade from the top of Main St, down Park Rd and back into Bell St that allows parents to attend and watch. During this parade it is really important that parents and community remain on the opposite side of the street to allow this parade to occur. While we regret that this year parents and relatives cannot parade with students, it doesn’t stop you from dressing up and cheering us along. Please keep social distancing in mind for everyone should you choose to watch from the road.

Keep an eye our on our Facebook page and out app for frequent updates.  Circumstances may change more frequently than our fortnightly newsletter and just like Aerosmith, you don’t want to miss a thing.

Have a great week

Chris Payne

Principal

Curious Creatures Wild Minds,  don't forget to get your costumes ready for our book parade on Friday 23rd October.

PAYMENTS DUE

The Greatest Discovery Performance and Musica Viva - Da Vinci's Apprentice. 

Payment can be made via POP online or Cash to the office. 

If you require a permission form please see the office staff.

CLASS BORROWING 

Will recommence this week.  Please remember your library bag.

Could you please return all outstanding library books. Thank you.

BOOK CLUB

Issue 7 orders are due by Friday 30 October 2020.

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

Friday 23 October - Book Week Parade - Curious Creatures & Wild Minds

Friday 23 October - Pizza Day

Friday 23 October - Book Week Performance - The Greatest Discovery

Tuesday 27 October - Musica Viva - Da Vinci's Apprentice - Live Stream

Friday 30 October - Issue 7 of Book Club due

Friday 6 November - Kinder Orientation

Thursday 12 November - NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Friday 13 November - Kinder Orientation

Friday 20 November - Kinder Orientation

Friday 27 November - Kinder Orientation

Friday 4 December - Kinder Orientation

Monday 14 December - Presentation Assembly

Tuesday 15 December - Year 6 Farewell

Wednesday 16 - Last Day of Term - Students