Communications

I hope that you have found the changes we have made to our communications beneficial. 

• Issuing of Week at a Glance & the Imagination Station roster, weekly
• Updated Term planner, fortnightly
• SMS push accompanying Event push
• SMS push final reminder Event consent
• Events include notification opt in or compulsory

We do need your assistance to improve timely Event consenting.  It is imperative that we receive consent prior to the closing date.  Consent does not require payment. We appreciate that in any given week you may have other financial priorities.  Consent to take your child off site is a legal requirement.  FYI, if payment is not made at the time of consent, on Compass we are given a simple message “Consent, awaiting payment” - this is fine, payment can be made when you are able.   

Let me give you some context. Recently, we were preparing for our League Tag event.  Throughout weeks 1 & 2 children had received skill development . However, as it was an opt in event, after the closure of the event we needed to finalise team compositions to ensure we had a balance of abilities across our 4 teams.  Some parents had elected to opt their child out of the event, this was fine.  In setting up for our final few sessions, I called out the children who were attending and announced the teams.  Several children erupted into tears.  As you can imagine, this tears your heart out – the un-named children wanted to play, just didn’t have consent.  Parents had to be called, the event had to be re-opened and much more...

From now on, you will receive an event notification accompanied by an SMS push.  Those who have not consented, will then receive an SMS push reminder prior to the event closing.  Once the event has closed it will not be re-opened and unfortunately children will  miss out.  Whilst this is problematic for me, we have to set limits as the flow on from no consent is stressful and causing organisational and safety concerns.  PLEASE if you have trouble giving consent on Compass for any event ring the school, we are always happy to help you.

Mini EV Challenge

You may have noticed in the Week at a Glance that we are running  the Mini EV Challenge for select students in primary.  This was an opt in opportunity for our primary students.  Initially, I had far too many children wanting to join and we decided as a staff to let them come and try to see if they wanted to continue, some decided it was not for them.  Each week primary classes are running their science lessons at the same time so that students from Years 3 – Year 6 can join me for a science and technology lesson preparing them for the Hunter Vally Electrical Vehicle challenge. We are entering both cars and boats.  The children have to build circuits, make decisions on gearing, consider design and engineering, as well as learn how to use all sorts of implements like pliers and crimping tools.  It isn’t easy but they are persisting. We head to TAFE to compete on Wednesday 27^th November, please pray for a beautiful cloudless sky.

Colour Run

It’s not long before we enjoy our Colour Run Spectacular.  Thankyou so much for your support.  There is an error in the original event information, wherein I stated that there would be a cake stall on the day.  My apologies! The cake stall is on Monday 16^th December before the Infants’ Nativity.  Please see below for reminders:

Children need a white or light coloured shirt (shorts too if they wish)

Children to be dropped off and picked up from Wilkinson Park. If using Myall Road, students must be walked into the park to a staff member.

$3 entry fee – covers 2 x sausage sizzle, drink, treat bag, removable tattoo, face painting, whacky hair ...

Event consent closes Sunday. ¼ of the school still require consent!

Intensive Swimming / Swimming Carnival

Further to notification regarding Intensive Swimming last newsletter, this is to advise that our Swimming Carnival to select students to go to Lakes / Diocesan Swimming Carnivals 2025 is being held on our last day of Intensive Swimming on Friday 13^th December at Speers Point Swim Centre.  Infants and selected primary students will still receive their swimming lesson.  We have access to both pools for the day.  The carnival will commence at 10am. 

We are trialing this event and, if successful, this will be come an annual event.  There will NOT be a swimming carnival early next year, this is a replacement event.

Newcastle Jets Learn. Program

We are one of  20 winnings schools for the Jets:LEARN ONLINE program fuelled by Greater Bank.

We will receive a sports pack that includes:

• 10 x soccer balls to add to our school’s sports equipment (size 5)
• 30 x mini size 1 balls for students to take home
• Cones and ball carry bags

We will also receive a visit in person from some of our favourite Jets players where they’ll discuss all things physical and mental health, and maybe challenge some students at some of the program challenges they’ve been practicing.

Our visit date will be emailed as soon as possible.

For one lucky class we have a  bonus session.

• 4 x 45 minute lessons
• 4 weeks of FREE online lessons, 1 x 45min session per week
• A pre-recorded instructional video each week
• Lesson plans for teachers to follow along
• Worksheets for the class to track their challenge

How exciting!

God Bless

Kim Hogan

Co-Principal / Assistant Principal