Issue #11 Pre Term 3
Updates ready for Term 3
We hope that you have all had an enjoyable and relaxing school holiday period. We wanted to reshare the following key pieces of information from last term, to ensure a smooth start to Term 3.
We look forward to seeing everyone return next Tuesday 22nd July. Staff will be off-site on Monday 21st, completing Curriculum Professional Learning alongside our colleagues from OLR Shelly Beach and St Brendan's Lake Munmorah.
Grandparent's Day
We are excited to welcome our grandparents back into our school ground for the afternoon on Friday July 25th. At midday, grandparents can enjoy a liturgy our children have prepared online (this will be in classrooms, grandparents must choose a classroom to visit first), before having time to be with their grandchildren in their classrooms. There will also be a break for afternoon tea/cake and tea. Grandparents may wish to take their grandchildren with them for an early mark from 2pm (please provide a permission note).
If you would like to help Victoria, our Parent Engagement Coordinator, set up and serve cake and tea, please call the office.
NAIDOC Week
Next week, our ALSA Mr Gainsford, will lead all of our students in learning a traditional Aboriginal Brolga Dance as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations. The Brolga is a native Australian bird known for its graceful movements and tall, elegant figure. This beautiful dance mimics the movements of the Brolga and is a storytelling dance that celebrates nature, culture, and connection to Country.
The Brolga Dance is most commonly associated with the Yolnu people of North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, however, features in several Aboriginal Nations. It is an important part of ceremonial life and reflects the deep spiritual relationship Aboriginal people have with the land and its animals. We’re excited for students to engage with this meaningful cultural experience and share it with our school community during the weeks surrounding NAIDOC.
On Wednesday 23rd July at 9.00am, our students will participate in a traditional Smoking Ceremony. Parents are also invited to join us for the morning.
Public Speaking Competition
A reminder that your child's speech is due in Week 1. Some students will then progress to finals for their grade. Some students will continue to progress to our K-6 school finals, which will be held in August. Thank you for your support.
Athletics Carnival
Due to the weather event in Week 10, we will now hold our twilight carnival in lieu of our cancelled Athletics Carnival. It will be held on Monday the 28th of July at Mingara between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. While we always encourage and appreciate all levels of enthusiasm, this opportunity is best suited for students who are interested in competing and representing our school at CCC, rather than those participating just for fun. Students will need to make their own way to Mingara, we would suggest picking your child up from school at around 1.30pm and then making your way to Mingara. This is an opt-in event, please complete the permission note/event if your child will attend the twilight. Please ensure you choose your child's events, which include 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m and long jump. The note must be completed by Tuesday 22nd July. We are not able to accept late entries.
New fencing in our bus bay
We are expecting the installation of new fencing in our bus bay to be completed by the time our children return for Term 3. The 30m of fencing will establish a safer walkway for children as they move on and off the school buses, as well as a safe area as they move across the pedestrian crossing and onto our playground.
A reminder to please refrain from parking or dropping off children in our bus bay, or on the grass areas to the side of the driveway.
Term 3 Calendar
A copy of our Term 3 calendar was sent home late Term 2. If you would like a hardcopy and did not receive one, please contact the school office. Please note, some events may change due to unforeseen circumstances.