Welcome back to Term 4, I hope that all of our families had a restful break and had some time to catch up with friends and family. The students have returned to school ready for an extremely busy term and I look forward to sharing our successes with you throughout the remainder of the year. It is hard to believe that we are already in Term 4, 2020 is certainly moving quickly.
Senior Debating Team
As you are aware, our Senior Debating Team are part of the Premier’s Debating Competition. On Wednesday the Blaxland team participated in a debate against Lambton PS. The topic was “Every school should have a separate class for the ‘smarter kids’. We had to debate the negative view point. I had the pleasure of watching this debate on Wednesday and I was extremely impressed with our teams debating skills. Congratulations Jude, Mia, James and Sacha! We now move forward to the next round in Week 4 against Newcastle East PS.
Kindi Farm incursion
Kindi Farm incursion will be on Thursday 29th October for students in K-3. This incursion will be linked to our students writing program over the next few weeks and will allow our students to learn, observe and interact with a variety of farm animals. Students in K-3 are asked to dress up as a farmer for the day. Photos of the day will be posted on our Facebook page.
Toonworld Animation Workshop
Students in Years 3-6 will be participating in a Toonworld Animation Workshop on Tuesday 17th November. During this workshop the students will make an animation using clay characters. The students will learn new movie making skills and get to keep their clay characters and take them home.
A Local Author
Mrs Hall has organised for Steven Herrick, a local author to come and speak with our students in Years 3-6 about his process of writing and to share some of his work with the students.
Kindy Academy and Year 6 Fun day
The COVID-19 Term 4 guidelines have allowed us to start the Kindergarten Transition program in Term 4. We are so excited to start our Kindy Academy on Wednesday 4th November. Year 6 will also be organising their Year 6 Fun Day on Friday 27th November.
Term 4 Staffing News
Mrs Ellwood returns to school on Monday 26th October after taking two weeks extended leave. Thank you Mr Pasqua and Mrs Edwards for working with 5/6E, it is greatly appreciated. Mrs Everett will be returning to KE on Monday 2nd November. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work, professionalism and enthusiasm that Mrs Dodds has demonstrated throughout Term 3 and Term 4 in Mrs Everett’s absence. I know that KE have really enjoyed their time with Mrs Dodds. Mr Hodgson will continue to work at Blaxland on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the RFF role in place of Mr Foye. I would like to announce that the successful applicant of our classroom teacher position starting in 2021 is Mrs Samantha Ellul. Mrs Ellul is an experienced, enthusiastic and highly skilled teacher and we look forward to welcoming her to Blaxland PS in 2021.
