We made it! Term 2 was a bit ‘bumpy’ but we are geared up for a smooth landing and a well-earned holiday break. Again I congratulate parents/carers on the amazing job you have done to support your children and the school during the unprecedented lock-down and gradual return to school. It has been lovely to observe the students growth during this time. Apart from the demands on staff and students to ‘upskill’ in the effective use of technology, I’ve noticed an increased awareness of and appreciation for the ‘little’ things we often take for granted. Students are displaying genuine concern for each other and for our environment. I am constantly reminded of how much little minds are shaped by the people and events around them. While the whole COVID pandemic has had a huge impact on the way we do things, the ‘new normal’ has a lot going for it! I think students have renewed respect for each other and have a greater understanding of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful, safe part of the world.
Changes – some I embrace and others fill me with uncertainty! Our wonderful School Community Liaison Officer, Mhora Davies, will be ‘moving on’ at the end of this term. Mhora has been the most ardent advocate for Old Bar School, highlighting our achievements, recording our successes and providing a trusted platform for parents to comment, compalin and celebrate all that is Old Bar PS. Mhora is the ultimate professional in every sense. Her skill, enthusiam, knowledge and passion leaves me speechless. I am grateful for all the expertise she has brought to Old Bar School. I will miss her feedback, her energy and her wisdom. Mhora will embark on her final practicum and complete her university studies before launching her own teaching career. I know you will all join me in wishing her well!
We have had to put so much on hold due to the restrictions placed on us. While we know that many of the sporting events, excursions, incursions and competitions cannot be ‘made up’ we will endeavour to provide some extra-curricular activities for students in semester 2. Mrs Hinton is looking at some dates for an ‘adjusted’ athletics carnival and we are hopeful to have some kind of camping experience for year 4 and year 6 students. Education Week, NAIDOC celebrations and Vietnam Veterans Day are still pencilled-in on my calendar but might also require some amendments to the final organisation. We are also hopeful of starting some music tuition for stage 3 students next term – something we had started organising before the great lock-down. There is still a need to keep adult visitors to a minimum but we are hoping to resume some parent tutoring (with suitable social distancing) in term 3. Many thanks again for being so accommodating and remaining outside the school gates at drop-off and pick-up time. This seems to have been a very successful strategy and allowed many students to develop and grow in confidence. Great job!
In the past weeks teachers have been busy preparing semester one student reports that we will deliver to parents/carers early next term. While we have been unable to have parent/teacher meetings this year, we would hope that you will discuss the report with your child and make phone contact with the teacher if you have any questions or queries.
We can only hope that some of this beautiful winter weather will continue into the holidays. I know teaching and support staff are looking forward to a well-deserved break. I for one, am looking forward to term 3. We have a new school plan to start designing and lots of Professional Learning opportunities to catch-up on. Bring it on!
Deborah Scanes
Please collect enrolment forms from the front office or online at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/enrolment/primary-school-enrolment#Kindergarten2
