P&F Meeting
The P&F meeting will be held on Monday the 28th of October at 7pm in the School Library. All parents are welcome to attend.
Enrolments for 2020
We are at the end of our enrolment period for Kindergarten 2020. I ask that If you intend to send your child to school next year that you please submit an application ASAP. Over 100 letters of invitation have already been sent to our families. There is a possibility that your child may be placed on a waiting list.
Fundraising Initiative for Term 4
This week you would have received a letter regarding our fundraising initiative to raise money for two projects. Project one- a living garden and project two- a sensory/music garden. Both projects are designed to enhance the learning opportunities for our children. Please refer to the note sent home on Monday for information regarding the purchase of mushroom kits. I have one at home, and the oyster mushrooms are quick growing and very yummy. I appreciate your support in this endeavour. This campaign ends on the 10th of November.
Lost property
We have many lost items of clothing in our front office. If your child is missing an item, please ask at the office. To ensure the safe return of your items, please mark your child’s name clearly on all items.
Infants Carnival
Last Friday I experienced my first infant’s carnival. What an absolutely delightful day of school spirit and sportsmanship! I wish to sincerely thank the teachers for all their hard work in preparing the event, as well as the P&F for providing our yummy sausage sizzle lunch. All monies raised at the event will be used to purchase IT equipment for the students to use to enhance their learning.
Little Big Shots
The energy is buzzing around the school with the knowledge that Little Big Shots is only days away. I wish to thank the children for putting themselves forward to perform on the day, as well as the teachers under the coordination of Miss Spencer-Salt. We are also very blessed to have Mr Richard McGuiness as our key judge on the day. Mr McGuiness is very special to us as he was a long serving Principal at St Andrews. On behalf of our community I wish to thank Mr McGuiness for his generosity of time.
Showcasing our Learning
Today we were visited by 12 very special people from around Australia who have heard about the great learning and St Andrew’s. The CEO from Google Australia as well as other educators and people from the business sector viewed our learning in action. I wish to thank Mr Haynes and staff for organising this exciting event. The children, as always shone with their knowledge and enthusiasm for their learning.
Are you Leaving St Andrew’s?
If you are leaving St Andrew’s at the end of the year can you please inform the office in writing ASAP. At least a terms notice is required as per our enrolment policy.
Near Misses outside our school gates
This week I was informed about a near miss on Terrigal Street. I ask parents to please instil in their children the importance of using the pedestrian crossing at all times. Our children need reminders every day about safe travel to school.
Student Safety
A reminder that the front gates do not open until 8 am. I ask that students arrive at school after this time. It is too dangerous to leave your child on the street outside the school unsupervised prior to this time.
Tell Them From Me Survey Outcome
This year every school in the Parramatta Diocese completed the Tell Them From Me Survey.
Students, Staff and Parents were invited to fill in the survey.
The results of our survey was very positive.
Key areas:
- Students feel that they have a positive sense of belonging
- We have a very inclusive school
- School supports positive behaviours
- Parents support the learning at home
- Parents felt that our mission and teaching of the Catholic faith is strong and supports the growth and understanding for our children and families
Areas to refine at St Andrew’s;
- Communication between home and school
- More opportunities for parents to be a part of our school life
- Student relationships
As a new Principal at St Andrew’s it was important for me to look, listen and question the why, what and how we do things at St Andrew’s Primary school. Change in any area will only happen once a clear understanding of what has transpired, the reasons behind current policies and procedures and what makes the biggest impact on student learning and well being. I thank the parents, students and staff for giving me the year to become a part of this great faith community.
At the beginning of next year we will hold a focus group meeting with parents to discuss ways we can make St. Andrew’s even better. I am really looking forward to working alongside our great community. Information regarding this process will be sent home in Term 1 2020.
May the peace and love of God be with you
Mrs Baird