PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN

TEACHER PRAISE - It was wonderful to open my emails to find a lovely letter from a parent praising one of our teachers.

In this era, high expectations are placed on our staff and in my 33 years in Education Queensland I have never seen teachers work harder than they are doing now. Yes, it is their job and they receive a wage; however, when a supportive letter comes along it is truly valued. I know how fortunate I am and your children are to work with and learn from such a strong supportive staff.

PREP ENROLMENTS - Our information day for parents of potential enrolments is Wednesday, 9 September at 9:30am. On this day parents will receive a wealth of information as well as have the opportunity to ask questions and see our prep classes in action. We have a wonderful school and if you know any person who has a child at prep enrolment age, please do them a favour and send them along to this information session.

Enrolments for prep are now being taken. Please call into the school office to collect an enrolment form.

PUPIL FREE DAY - The talent within our school’s teaching ranks is truly amazing. We had two major focuses of professional development; SCIPP (Science Centre of Innovation and Professional Practice) and “First Steps in Writing”. Both were highly beneficial with immediate relevance for your children.

I would like to point out the talent within our teaching ranks. Mrs Murphy (6M2) who conducted the “First Steps” professional development on pupil free day for the majority of teachers and teacher aides has the following qualifications:-

First Steps Reading Facilitator, Completed First Steps Writing In-Service Edition 1 and 2,
Invited speaker at Victorian Primary Conference - Publishing Stories with Children,
Presenter at ALEA conference – Writing Ideas,
Facilitator of course for parents – Reader’s Writers and Parents Learning Together,
ACT Wakakirri State Coordinator – story and dance Eisteddfod,
Work published in “Nurturing the Multiple Intelligences”,
Completed study – Author and the Artist.

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEYS - Randomly 40 families have been selected by Education Queensland to complete an opinion survey about aspects of our school. Thank you to all parents and carers who have completed and returned the survey. Due date back was 18 August.

CHILDREN ARRIVING AT SCHOOL EARLY - We strongly urge parents not to leave children at school prior to 8:00am. There is no direct supervision and some staff members are trying to complete many duties which cannot be conducted with children around (mowing, leaf blowing etc.). If it can be arranged children should not arrive before 8.15am and preferably after 8:30am. After 8:15am, a member of the administration team supervises the main ovals. Children are expected to play only on the main ovals or sit quietly outside their classroom. That means no play on prep equipment or running around buildings. No child should enter a classroom without a teacher being present.

LOST PROPERTY - I continually pick up hats and jumpers left around the school and more often than not, the item does not have a visible name and class. By simply putting a name and class or reapplying a name and class the items can be returned to your child. Please check the lost property box at the end of the verandah of the staff room if your have “lost” anything this term.

STAFFING - Mr Moore will be moving into the Principal’s role from 17 August. Mrs Reitsma will be Acting Deputy and her replacement is Ms Dunn.

I would like to thank Mr Cawley (who has been Acting Deputy) on behalf of staff and students for his great teamwork and cooperation.

KERROD PARSONS
Deputy Principal