2022 Term 2 Week 8
Dear Parents and Carers
Well, winter has certainly arrived and now is a good time for families to review the School Uniform policy (on our webpage) to ensure students are dressed appropriately for the chilly mornings. Don't forget the all-important name on all school clothing to ensure lost items can be returned to the owner (and if buying from the clothing pool please 'scrub out' the previous owner's name).
Over the past two weeks, the focus of our teachers in their Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) has been on Religious Education. Teams have been working hard to plan authentic and rigorous learning experiences and assessment opportunities in RE that help to further connect students with their faith journey.
Our Athletics Carnival which was to be held on Friday 17 June has been moved to next Thursday (23 June) which will allow the fields at Pine Street, Junction Hill time to dry out.
Thank you to those parents who offered to assist and we ask parents who volunteered previously to contact us if you are no longer able to help on the new date - and it's not too late to add your name to the list of volunteers.
Another group of volunteers working tirelessly for our school is the P&F. Their efforts in supporting our students, staff and school are invaluable. If you would like to know about our P&F please email the school.
Today we held the second school tour for prospective Kindergarten students and their families. It is wonderful to see the genuine interest being shown in our school. Thank you to Mr Green for assisting with the tours.
We also remember the students who are preparing to participate in the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday 29 June. We keep these students in our prayers as the prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Week 10 our Stage 3 students will travel to Brisbane for their annual excursion. Although the excursion offers many learning opportunities it's also a chance for students to experience independance (along with lots of fun!) We look forward to their updates and photos on Facebook.
Last newsletter I told you of the tremendous effort our teaching staff are making in preparing the Semester 1 report for each student. These will be posted via the Compass portal and a message will be sent when they are available.
Just a reminder that the allocated staff development (pupil free days) for this year are as follows.
Day 1: Friday 8 April Day 2: Tuesday 26 April
Day 3: Monday 18 July Day 4: Monday 10 October
The 2022 school year ends on Friday 16 December 2022.
Information about enrolment for new and existing parents is on our website. If you are intending to enrol a child in Kindergarten next year you can start your online enrolment process here.
Warm regards
Jacki
Stage 3
A feature in the Stage 3 classroom is the Bump it Up Wall. This is where students look for ways to improve (Bump up) their writing. They compare their writing with examples of other graded texts and make improvements to their own writing.
Science & Technology: Stage 2
In Science and Technology this term, Stage 2 has been learning about the properties of different materials. We conducted an experiment to discover which sports ball has the highest elasticity and recorded our attempts in slow motion using the iPads. We were able to get a clear view of what was happening with some surprising results.
Our School Athletics Carnival is set for next Thursday at Junction Hill. Thank you everyone for your patience, assistance and organisation for this event. Hopefully we’ll have a nice sunny day with a fast track. Don’t forget the BBQ orders and money for the Cake Stall on the day.
Diocesan Cricket
Oliver Inskip and Max Lobsey travelled to Lismore on Wednesday for the Diocesan Cricket Trials. Due to the rain this trial has been postponed a number of times so finally the boys got to show their talent. Although unsuccessful in gaining selection in the Diocesan team, they played with skill and determination. Well done Oliver and Max, it’s been a very busy Semester for them both.
Yours in Sport
Peter Tonkin
A New Visitor to our Sick Bay
Thank you to Sophie who knitted a small comfort doll (in sports uniform) which she donated to our sick bay. We know it will be appreciated!
School Fees update
- Statements are automatically sent via email at the end of each month.
- The preferred payment of fees is via BPAY, EFTPOS or Compass.
- BPAY: Please ensure you are using the current number. Contact the school office via email if you wish to check the number.
- EFTPOS: cards may be used in the school office
- COMPASS: open the app, click the cog wheel and open 'tools'. Your current outstanding balance will be on the screen.
Information relating to fee assistance due to the recent flooding was shared via our Compass App this week. Please contact the office if you have any questions.
Just a reminder that the Kiss and Drop Zone is currently signed as a one minute parking zone. This means that you cannot park your car in the kiss and drop zone for an extended period. The students arrive at Kiss and Drop at 3pm and are supervised in this zone until 3.20pm. Please consider arriving closer to 3pm for collection.
The Kiss and Drop is designed for you to stay in your car while your child enters the car. If your child cannot open the car door and secure their own seatbelt, you need to park your car and walk to the gate to collect your child. The Kiss and Drop Zone does not function effectively and becomes congested if there are any hold ups or delays.
The school does not request the presence of the Grafton Police to manage traffic at the front of the school. However, there is a regular police presence on Turf Street monitoring the safety of the school zone. Please ensure that you adhere to all traffic signs in the area to avoid fines.
Please check out our school Safe Travel webpage that details all the processes for travel to and from school.
Parking in Hoof Street
There are a small number of parking spaces near the Sunrise Shop (corner of Hoof and Turf Streets) for use by their customers. To assist this small business we suggest parking away from the corner.