Vardys Voice

Thurs 21 Feb	Year 6 Smooth Walking to Seven Hills High School
Mon 25 Feb	Homework starts
Thurs 28 Feb	Scripture starts
Fri 1 Mar	P&C Chipmunks Play Centre Fundraiser PSSA Summer starts
Wed 6 Mar	K-6 Assembly, 2:20pm
Thurs 7 Mar	Zone Swimming Carnival
Wed 13 Mar	Kindergarten Teddy Bears Picnic
Mon 18 Mar	School Photo Day
Mon 20 Mar	Stage 2 Rocks Walking Tour

The importance of parent engagement in their children’s education cannot be understated. A productive three way partnership between the teacher, student and parent is the cornerstone of a child’s education. The Department of Education has reinforced these partnerships by developing a School Community Charter that outlines ways to foster these connections. It also sets expectations of parents and teachers in the ways we can respectfully communicate and collaborate.

The School Community Charter is included in this newsletter.

Many thanks to our school community who once again showed their commitment to their children’s learning with high numbers in attendance at the annual Meet the Teacher Night. Every teacher reported that their sessions were filled with supportive and enthusiastic parents and carers.

The most important aim of the night is to ensure we forge a productive partnership between the parents, carers, students and teachers and for those in attendance I am sure that has been achieved. Of course for those who could not attend, we urge you to touch base with your child’s teacher and make that all important connection.

The next formal opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and learning programs will be in Week 10, when we hold our parent teacher interviews.

More information about those will be sent home soon.

Our enthusiastic teachers and Learning Teams are once again offering a variety of programs aimed at increasing student engagement and parent support. Increased dance and ukulele groups, the expansion of the technology group and the commencement of the anxiety management parent course, Cool Kids, are all ensuring our parents are supported and our kids are enriched. Many thanks to our Learning Support Team and teachers for establishing these programs.

 In response to supply availability and specific issues in uniform design related to several uniform lines, the P & C Uniform Sub Committee is conducting a mini uniform review. The focus will be on the girl’s long pants, the summer dress and the winter dress.

Following extensive research the sub-committee have found some possible options which the community will have a chance to consider in the coming weeks.

An explanation of the voting process will be included in the next few newsletters along with a voting form. We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of this review.

Another review being conducted this year will focus on student homework.

Our Tell Them from Me Survey results, along with parent and teacher anecdotal data, suggests that our children’s engagement with homework needs to be improved. The teachers are in the process of looking at the research behind what types of homework are most effective for primary aged children and this term are trialling some possibilities. A parent forum will be held later this term and feedback will be sought before finally setting new directions.

The P & C Annual General Meeting was held this week and while many of the roles were filled, several of the executive roles remain vacant. Parents who are considering taking on roles such as P & C President, Secretary or Treasurer are encouraged to contact myself or the P & C to discuss what these roles involve. Being part of the P & C is a great way to support the school as well as joining the discussions around continually improving our programs and community events. I am looking forward to continuing the hard work of the current and previous members with new parents jumping on board.

School photographs are scheduled to be taken by later this term. Whilst an envelope and flyer will be distributed shortly, if possible it is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day.

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code; WZMCMMW4Z.

Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please direct them via email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au

The children have been coming up with many ideas for our school mascot. A competition will start this week with an entry form being sent home shortly. Get your thinking hats on because there are lots of prizes for successful entrants and your idea may eventually become the Vardys Road mascot for years to come.

As has been the case for many years, teacher playground supervision doesn’t start until 8:30am. It is therefore essential that students plan their arrival to be at, or after, this time. On the rare occasion that children arrive at school early they are requested to sit on the Kindergarten verandah until 8:30am.

Families that have work commitments that necessitate their children arriving at school before 8:30am are asked to contact our wonderful OOSH who can assist in providing the necessary supervision.

To assist students in finding the teacher on duty after 8:30am, from next week the staff will be wearing high visibility vests. This will make seeking teacher support in the playground that much easier.

Congratulations to Ben G in Year 6 for being successful in reaching a National Level of competition in Motocross. We wish him well in his sporting ventures.

Congratulations is also extended to Miranda M in Year 3 who recently achieved a second place in hurdles at a regional Little Athletics meet.

Well done to our Vardys Victors.