2024 Term 1, Week 8 Newsletter

Principals Report - Mrs Janine Butlin

“The App doesn’t replace the Lap.”

A few years ago, the theme for the Early Year’s Network community event to improve reading was, “The App doesn’t replace the Lap.” Early Years Educators were stressing the importance of sitting with your children and reading to them as much as possible.

Over the past two weeks, there have been a lot of stories in the newspaper, on the television, and social media about a recent study about the effect of the use of devices by young children on their language development. Over recent years it has become apparent to our teachers in the early years that the language skills used by preppies are not up to the standard expected of prep students and in fact, their language skills are decreasing.

In term 1 of prep, our teachers run a program called, “Chatting Children”. This program aims to improve the vocabulary of students through the careful use of literature. Teachers read a variety of books to the children and ask the children to answer questions about the book. Children are encouraged to provide as much detail as they can about the books and to talk in clear and coherent sentences. Talking is vital for the early language development of children, however, due to the increased use of devices, parent-to-child interaction has decreased.

In the study conducted in Australia, the screen time of 220 children between the ages of one to three was tracked. The study confirmed that screen time increased from one and a half hours to almost three hours as they grew. This meant that the average three-year-old’s screen time of almost three hours resulted in them hearing 1139 fewer adult words and speaking 834 fewer words with 194 fewer conversations per day.

A language-rich home environment is crucial in supporting toddlers’ language development. Parents also need to be aware of how much-associated technology interference is going on around their children. Parents scrolling through emails, texting, visiting websites and checking out social media are also contributing to fewer conversations in the home environment between parents and their children.

Whilst it is not realistic to expect that children will not use devices in the home environment, Australian guidelines recommend that children under the age of 2 not be given devices to use.

I strongly implore you to put your devices down and spend more face-to-face time with your children. Read books to your children. I’m sure we will continue to put the TV or screen on at some time for our children to watch a movie, but make sure it’s not the only way your children are accessing stories or information. Perhaps watch a story or documentary together and then discuss what happened. Whatever you do, please start talking more to your children. Talk to them about their day. Ask them questions about their learning.

For me, there is nothing sadder than seeing a family out having dinner with many of their children, old and young, scrolling on their phones or devices instead of sharing conversations.

Talking is a vital building block for children learning to read and write. If they aren’t allowed to regularly practice speaking in sentences, it is extremely difficult for them to construct a story by composing sentences.

God Bless,

Janine

APRE Report - Mrs Fiona Drew

Project Compassion Mass

Thank you to Katie, Oliver and Evie for representing St Stephen's at the 2024 launch of Project Compassion. Students from schools in the Toowoomba diocese attended mass at St Patrick's Cathedral and were commissioned by the Fr Michael.

Opening Liturgy & Year 6 Leadership Induction

Congratulations to our Year 6 students for receiving their School Leader badges today at our opening mass. This mass was our first celebration as a whole school, and it was lovely to have our Year 6 family members join us for mass and for morning tea! This year the students will live out the theme, ‘Rise Up’ and they have shown this many times this term already! Keep up the great work!

Congratulations also to our Captains and MacKillop Club leaders for 2024. 

CARITAS FUNDRAISER – Easter Raffle

During Lent, we try to live prayerfully, simply and generously so that our relationship with God deepens. This is also a time to donate to Project Compassion, coordinated by a Catholic organisation called Caritas who help people around the world who are less fortunate than us. This year, the MacKillop Club will be running an Easter Raffle to raise money for Caritas.  We are asking families to donate Easter items for the raffle prizes. This can include chocolates, baskets, stickers etc. Tickets will be sold in Week 9, and they will be $1 each. The raffle will be drawn after the Easter Liturgy on Thursday.

ST JOSEPH FEAST DAY MASS

Mackillop Club will lead our St Joseph Feast Day Mass on Tuesday 19^th March in MacKillop Hall at midday. This day commemorates the life of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary. There is very little about the life of Joseph in the Gospels, but still, we know that he was married to Mary, the father of Jesus, a carpenter and a man who was not wealthy. We also know that he came from the royal lineage of King David. Saint Mary MacKillop’s order was named the Sisters of St Joseph and as they founded our school, St Joseph is a very important saint for us at St Stephen’s. 

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

On 25^th March we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, when he told her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As the first disciple of Christ, Mary shows us that we must listen to and do God’s will. Prayer and action therefore go hand in hand. As followers of Christ, we are reminded to take the time to talk and listen to God and live our lives as Jesus did.

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS & RECONCILIATION

Year 5 will lead the school for mass on Tuesday 26^th March at St Stephen’s Church at 9 am. Parents and friends are welcome to join us for this mass.

EASTER LITURGY

The Easter Liturgy will be held in MacKillop Hall at 9.30 am on Thursday 28^th March. All parents are welcome to join us for this Liturgy.

Middle Leader Report - Mrs Danni Conway

NAPLAN Testing for Year 3 and 5 Students  

As we gear up for another significant milestone in our academic calendar. NAPLAN tests for our Year 3 and Year 5 students commenced today and will continue next week. 

The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) tests are an essential tool that provides valuable insights into your child's progress in key areas of literacy and numeracy. These assessments play a vital role in helping us tailor our teaching strategies to better support the individual needs of each student. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as we approach the testing period: 

Encourage Rest and Relaxation: It's crucial for your child to get plenty of rest leading up to the tests. A good night's sleep can significantly impact their ability to perform their best. 

Reassure Them: Remind your child that the NAPLAN tests are just one way for us to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Encourage them to do their best, but reassure them that these tests are not about passing or failing. 

Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy habits during this time, including nutritious meals and regular exercise, to support their overall well-being and concentration. 

Minimise Stress: Try to minimise stress at home during the testing period. Create a calm and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing any concerns they may have. 

Arrive Prepared: Ensure your child arrives at school on time and with all necessary equipment, such as pencils, erasers, headphones and any required materials specified by their teacher. 

After the Tests: After the tests are completed, take some time to celebrate your child's efforts, regardless of the outcome. Emphasise the importance of trying their best and learning from the experience. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming NAPLAN tests, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. We're here to support you and your child every step of the way. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews 

Parent-Teacher interview bookings have been opened and can be booked through the Sentral Parent Portal App. Please see video for further clarity on how to book.  

Parent-teacher interviews offer a valuable opportunity for us to collaborate and work together in supporting your child's academic and personal development. These meetings allow us to discuss your child's progress, strengths, areas for improvement, and any concerns you may have. By engaging in open communication, we can create a more holistic understanding of your child's educational journey and tailor our approach to meet their individual needs effectively. 

There are a number of reasons why booking parent-teacher interviews is so crucial: 

Insight into Your Child's Progress: Parent-teacher interviews provide you with valuable insights into your child's academic achievements, social interactions, and overall well-being at school. 

Collaborative Problem-Solving: These meetings offer a platform for collaborative problem-solving. By sharing perspectives and ideas, we can work together to address any challenges your child may be facing and implement strategies for improvement. 

Building Relationships: Establishing strong relationships between parents, teachers, and students is essential for creating a supportive learning environment. Parent-teacher interviews foster positive relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication. 

Celebrating Achievements: Parent-teacher interviews are not just about discussing areas for improvement; they are also an opportunity to celebrate your child's achievements and milestones throughout the school year. 

Parental Engagement: Your active participation in your child's education plays a significant role in their success. By attending parent-teacher interviews, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting your child's learning journey. 

If you encounter any difficulties with booking, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or the school office. It is important for us, at St Stephen’s, to ensure that every parent has the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about their child's education. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. Together, we can help them succeed and thrive. 

Keep learning and growing, 

Danni Conway 

Learning Support- Mrs Kristy Cameron

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Please read the attached fact sheet with regard to the NCCD. This data is used to fund further support for students with additional needs within our school. If you have any questions with regards to this collection of data please contact Kristy Cameron, our Learning Support Teacher, or your child's class teacher.

Sport News - Mrs Jodie Ferguson

Inner Downs Trials 

There will be Inner Downs Trials held throughout the year. If you were born in 2014, 2013 or 2012 and are interested in attending any of the trials, please fill in the Representative Sports Nomination Form 2024 which was emailed out to all eligible students. You can either return this form or email Mrs Ferguson at jodie.ferguson@twb.catholic.edu.au. When the nominations become available closer to the trial Mrs Ferguson will send home the necessary paperwork. The medical/Permission Consent form needs to be filled in and returned to the schools for principal-approved absence. Then it is the responsibility of the child to take this paperwork and pay any fee required for trials before the due date. NO PAYMENT = NO TRIAL and NO FORM = NO TRIAL. Please keep your eye out in the school calendar newsletter for nominations, trial dates and further information. 

Inner Downs Swimming Team 

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the Inner Downs Swimming Team to trial for the Darling Downs Team in Gatton on the 28th of February. All swimmers swan wonderfully at the trial. A real credit to our school. Well Done. 

Carter Laine, Dane Sutton, Harper Kellock and Gabrielle Simpson.

Inner Downs Netball

Congratulations to Adelaide Adams who gained selection into the inner Downs Under 11s Team. Adelaide competed at the Darling Downs trials on Monday the 11^th March. She played amazing and even has a few scratches to prove it. Well done Adelaide.

Inner Downs Basketball

Congratulations Riley McDonald who has been selected in the Under 12s Inner Downs Basketball Team to trial for the Darling Downs team in a couple of weeks on the 25^th March. Best of Luck Riley.

Cross Country

Date: Thursday 21st March 2024

Start Time: 9.00 am (Years 3-6) 10.3am, (Year Prep-2 approximately)

Location: St Stephen's Weale Street Oval - Pittsworth

Order of Events: Races to commence at 9.00 am.

1. 12 yr olds - boys and girls (3km) – 6 laps
2. 11 yr olds - boys and girls (3km) – 6 laps
3. 10 yr olds - boys and girls (2 km) – 4 laps
4. 9 yr old - boys and girls (1.5 km) – 3 laps
5. 8 yr old - boys and girls (1 km) – 2 laps
6. 7 yr old - boys and girls (800m) – start is marked
7. 6 yr old - boys and girls (600m) – start is marked
8. 5 yr old - boys and girls (400m) – start is marked
9. Presentation at 11.30 am 9approximately)

Year 4 T-Ball Gala Day – Tuesday 26^th March

The year 4 students will be attending a Catholic Schools Gala Day in Toowoomba at Kearney Springs on Tuesday the 26^th March. Mrs Drew and Mrs Ferguson will be attending with the students. More information will be emailed out this week.

Student Sporting Achievements

Please feel free to send through any photos of students and their sporting achievements if you wish for them to be included in the school newsletter, attention to Mrs Ferguson. Jodie.ferguson@twb.catholic.edu.au

Library News - Mrs Kellie Craft

We have had a wonderful time in the library so far this year. Many books have been borrowed, read and enjoyed! So good to see!

Throughout our library lessons, younger students have looked at topics such as book care and learning where to borrow from within our library. They have also been looking at the Australian Author, Mem Fox by sharing and learning about a variety of her books. Older students have explored the library and where to find different books that they may not normally be drawn to borrowing. Throughout our lessons together, we have explored several different popular authors, including David Walliams, Morris Glietzmann, Anh Do and a few others. This exploration has led to lots of students requesting particular titles during borrowing.

During our library play time, much fun has been had by many students, the most we visitors we had one hot Tuesday at lunch time play was 63 students… I think that would be a record!  Children have enjoyed games like Twister, Who Am I?, Chess and UNO along with drawing, colouring and reading books. It has been truly beautiful to witness students from different grades play, work and include each other during these activities.

I look forward to seeing everyone during our lessons and my lunch time visitors each week. Next term, I will move from the library during our lesson time to teach Design Technology, but the library will remain open on a Tuesday during play time…see you then!

Thanks again

Mrs Craft 

Year 6 News - Mrs Danni Conway

What a fantastic start to 2024 we have gotten off to in Year 6! It has already proven to be a very busy start to the year for our leaders who have participated in leadership days, bush dancing, drama lessons, incursions, special masses and loads of learning - all while leading the school and completing extra jobs and responsibilities that come with being school leaders.

Students are ‘rising up’ to the challenges that come with being a leader like being counted on to be role models, leading by example, ensuring jobs are done, helping Preps settle into ‘big school’ through Buddy time as well as developing important leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy, while also making a meaningful contribution to the school community.

In English, students have been learning about persuasive devices and are writing a persuasive letter about the importance of protecting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, which connects with our Science unit for the term. We have also been loving short, daily reviews, and sharpsessions in which we revise skills and concepts in areas such as spelling, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and sentence work.

In Maths, we have completed lots of number work. We’ve looked at prime, composite, square and triangular numbers, adding and subtracting decimals, multiplying and dividing by powers of 10 and we are currently looking at integers and negative numbers. Math groups have provided students with extra support, scaffolding and practice by looking at these concepts through word problems where they have been using the FISH problem-solving strategy to break down problems, find a strategy that will work for them and ensure their answer is reasonable.

When I asked the Year 6 students what their favourite parts of Year 6 were so far, there were certainly common themes. Highlights so far have been:

• Emu Gully
• The extra jobs and responsibilities
• Getting our Prep buddies
• Being a school leader

Looking forward to continuing our journey through Year 6 and enjoying the final year of Primary School.

God Bless, Mrs Danni Conway

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Year 3 News - Mrs Anna Vaessen

Hello from the Year 3 classroom.

This term has gone by so fast, and there is still a lot to do before we stop for a well-earned rest at Easter. This term we have grown purple beans in science to see how seeds germinate, and we have prepared artwork and handwriting for the show. We spent nearly a whole day at the show looking at different animals and watching events, visiting the pavilion and making sand sculptures. We also ran a school Celebration on the Beatitudes, had visits from Soccer and Basketball trainers, and watched a shadow puppet show. And we’re not done yet. In the next few weeks, we will complete our 4 NAPLAN tests and squeeze in a cross-country carnival!

Thank you for all the hard work you do and how you and your children have welcomed our 4 new students. 

Prep/1 News - Mrs Brittany Robinson

Hello from Prep/One!

Wow!! What an exciting start to the year we have had getting to know each other. Term 1 has been a busy time for our new preppies getting to know regular routines and expectations within the learning and play environments at St Stephen’s. The Prep students have done an amazing job at adapting to school life and have been managing a busy five-day week well. The Year One students have also done an amazing job at adjusting to a more formal school setting. They are adjusting well to more reading and writing, plus counting and recognising numbers up to 120!

The students have already come so far in the short time we have spent together. I am so proud of each and every one of them and can’t wait to see more of their learning as we continue our year together.

Below is a snapshot of some things that have been happening in Prep/One.

Preps have enjoyed learning new letters and numbers. They have also been working hard on our oral language program ‘Chatting Children’ which aims to promote all areas of language development. One of our favourite things in Prep is having their Year 6 buddies come and visit. The Year 6 Buddies are familiar faces and great role models for Prep students around the school. They will engage in a variety of activities together most Fridays throughout the year.

Year Ones have enjoyed reading and writing experiences within the classroom. We have been focussing on how to be brave and independent writers. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence improve. In maths, we have been learning numbers up to 120. The students have engaged in a variety of maths lessons and group work focusing on counting and place value. We have really enjoyed maths games, including some games on our Interactive Whiteboard.

Prep/One students are learning the Easter story and have started to get their hearts ready for Easter during Lent. We have discussed Lent and ways we can live our lives like Jesus (include our friends, forgive people, be thankful, be loving, share kindness).

We also had a wonderful time at the Pittsworth Show!

Brittany Robinson

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Prep News - Miss Lucy Norman

Our Prep students have settled cheerfully into school life, embracing new friendships and eagerly engaging in learning adventures. Their bright smiles fill our classroom, reflecting enthusiasm for learning and friendship. Our young learners continue to thrive, as they learn new letters and sounds each week. Discover more about numbers and continue to try their best in everything!

Last week we went to the Pittsworth Show. We had a wonderful morning exploring different aspects of the show. Please see below a video of our time at the Show.

Year 1 News - Miss Sophie Shelton

Hello from Year 1!

What an exciting term it has been! We have been up to so much fun the last few weeks in Year 1! It has been lots of fun learning all the new routines, as it is quite a big jump from Prep. We have all adjusted well and have been doing lots of reading, writing, and can even count all the way up to 120 in 2s, 5s, and 10s! The students in Year 1 have come so far in just a short amount of time, we are so excited to watch them continue to grow as the year progresses.

Below is a snapshot of what we have been up to!

In English we have been focusing on lots of reading and writing, and are focusing on becoming more independent and confident in both areas! We are doing so well and are beginning to write sentences with little prompting. The students have been loving literacy skills groups where we take turns in reading, recognizing our sound focus in a text, as well as writing words that accompany our sound focus for the week. In maths we have been learning to count and recognise numbers up to 120, count by 2s, 5s, and 10s, as well as recognise place value. The Year 1s have really enjoyed maths so far, in particular our maths groups where we get to play lots of games!

In Religion we have been focusing on what makes Jesus special. We have explored and investigated what life was like for Jesus – where he lived, what jobs they had, what their clothes looked like. We have also made our own individual prayer over the last few weeks. In the coming weeks we will focus on the Easter story.

We also had a great time at the Pittsworth Show and the Prep and Year 1 Mass run by Father Thomas.

Sophie Shelton

Year 5 News - Mr Ben Minnikin

We're thrilled to share the exciting journey our students have been on this term! In Maths, we've delved into the world of fractions and multiplication, sharpening our problem-solving skills along the way. Our budding writers have been crafting engaging narratives in English, and they've recently embarked on the exhilarating journey of writing persuasive texts, honing their persuasive language and powers of persuasion.

In Religion, we've explored the rich forms of the Psalms, fostering a deeper understanding of the psalmists and how their teachings can be demonstrated by us today and are now beginning to compare other Faiths to our Catholic church. HASS has transported us back in time to Australian life in the 1800s, where we've uncovered the stories and challenges of our ancestors and are now working towards developing a greater understanding of the major events of this time that have shaped our nation today.

Science has been a whirlwind of discovery as we've journeyed through the world's biomes, uncovering the secrets of animal adaptations along the way. Additionally, in Health, we've emphasised the significance of group membership and cultivated growth mindsets, empowering our students to embrace challenges with resilience and determination.

The Year 5 students have been very excited as we have received our 3D printer to be used in upcoming design units. We have already begun to look at the programs and technologies involved when using this printer, which can construct impressive objects that the students will soon be creating themselves.

As we look ahead, I want to extend my best wishes to the students taking part in their NAPLAN testing for the coming week. We have been practising every day for these tests and I am sure that all students will do a fantastic job, as long as they try their best!

It's been a term brimming with exploration, creativity, and learning, and we're excited to continue this journey together. Thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing the students' curiosity and growth.

God bless,

Mr Minnikin

Year 6 Leadership Day - Emu Gully

Grade Six students went to Emu Gully Adventure Camp on Friday the 16^th of February for our annual leadership camp. It was a cold, wet and rainy day so the challenges were extra hard and slippery.

They had a real Emu there called Erny too. We were ahead of time when we arrived so we played a couple of games. The first game we played was rope Islands. We had to fit the whole class inside one rope. It started easy with more ropes, but each round our instructor, Jake, would take away two ropes until there was only one left. A student found a loophole and realised that not all our body had to be in, only our feet were!

Another game we played was where we had to get everyone through a hula hoop while having our hands locked together in record time. Our time was 16 seconds, but the record time was 10 seconds. After that we went to the rat tunnels, where it was pitch black and scary. It had one fake wall, and people hit their heads A LOT. Some people didn’t go all the way and got out the first hatch, but they still tried their best.

Once everyone finished, we went to the bridge (also known as the Giant Seesaw). It was so nerve- wracking. Everyone thought that they would fall in the water below. We were all so cold we didn’t want to touch the water. We all joined up in pairs to do it and all successfully passed without falling!

After lunch, we went to a river that had two boats, supplies and two dummies that needed to be transported from one end to the other. A couple of people went on one side while the rest went on the other side. We needed to get all the supplies to one side and the dummies on the other in less than 15 minutes. We got it in 10 minutes! There were “Fighter Jets” that would try and hit us.

Finally, we went to the MUD PIT. We had to slide in - bottom first. We crossed the whole way through and went in a smaller one. After we got out of both MUD PITS, we took a muddy photo. Though, during the taking of the photo, somebody slipped, and the rest of us went tumbling down.

After the mud pit, we went on a giant slide into a lake to wash off. There were sprinklers there and it was super slippery, and it was all twisty turns. We only got two turns each. On the way back up the hill, it was so steep and muddy which made it almost impossible to get up! After that, we went into a small river with a waterfall sprinkler, to rinse off a bit more. The mud in the river felt like quicksand.

Once we got back to the campgrounds, we went to a bigger dam to do a swim test. We all passed.

But some people were more comfortable in a life-jacket. Then Jake opened the diving boards. There was a super high diving board, a middle one, a smaller one and a slide.

Year 6 quotes about Emu Gully:

Annie: They taught us about teamwork and how to trust each other. Archer: It was very fun, and we built really good teamwork.

Winston: It was really fun and we learned how hard it was in the Vietnam War.

Heath: The tunnels were really fun because we had to use teamwork, as well as every other activity. Caryl: It was fun, I liked all the activities and gave them all a shot.

Lachlan: I liked learning about the Vietnam War because my Great Uncle was in it.

PE News - Miss Lucy Norman

In PE lessons we started the year dancing! Students enjoyed learning Bush Dances and other choregraphed dances. We finished the unit by coming together as a school and dancing together as a school.

In the second half of the term, our students are channelling their energy into preparing for the upcoming cross-country race. With focused PE lessons, they're building stamina, practicing endurance, and adopting a spirit of healthy competition. We look forward to interhouse carnival next Thursday! 

Piano Lessons with Mrs Ruth Shepherd

If you are interested in your child learning piano from a fully qualified teacher with 30 years of experience, contact Mrs Ruth Shepherd on 0427 910 303 for more information. 

It is essential that students have a piano/keyboard at home on which to do their practice.  Music is fun!

PEN (Parent Engagement Network) News

On behalf of the PEN, thank you to Katrina Dodd and the volunteers who helped with the Chip Van over the Pittsworth Show weekend. Katrina did an excellent job of coordinating the Chip Van as did the parents and staff who assisted over the weekend. Overall, it was a huge success considering we ran out of chips Saturday afternoon and had to replenish stocks! Once again thank you to everyone that contributed.

Your time was greatly appreciated.

Kellie Beatty

PEN  Chairperson 

Outside Hours School Care

Hello Families,

Our Vacation Care Program is available, and bookings are now open.

Throughout the holidays we will be celebrating easter through Cooking, Crafts and Movie experiences, as well as enjoying plenty of other activities.

Excursion Day on Thursday 4^th April we will be venturing down to the Local Bowls Club to learn about and have a go at Lawn Bowls.

For more information contact Tyler,

PITcare@tckc.qld.edu.au or Phone 0427 891 411

Sentral Parent Portal

Reminder to all parents to access the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal is used for absentees, newsletters, parent teacher interview bookings, report cards, NAPLAN results, calendar of events, notices and letters to parents.

If you are having difficulty with the Parent Portal please contact the School Office for assistance. The Parent Portal is the communication method used for the day to day running of the school.

Flexischools - Online Ordering System

Flexischools is an online ordering system that the school uses for the ordering of Tuckshop, Event Catering and Special  Fundraising Food Days.

Tuckshop is open one day a week. Special Canteen days are also held sometimes throughtout the year. This is makes it easier for families and school staff.

Road Safety around School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Recently we have been contacted by several concerned motorists regarding the safety of children on and near the roads at drop-off and pick-up times. We ask all parents to please take care when bringing their children to and from school.

Before and after school is particularly busy. A couple of things to note: -

1. Supervise children and ensure they aren’t playing near the road. This includes playing with balls and chasing each other near the road.
2. Drop off and collect children on the eastern side of the bus shelter. We have seven buses dropping and collecting children in the bus zone and it isn’t safe to have students/parents waiting near the bus zone.
3. Talk to your children about the use of the crossing. Make sure they stop and check both ways before crossing the road.
4. If your child rides a bike or a scooter, they must walk the bike/scooter in and out of the school grounds and around the entrances.
5. There is a lollipop person before and after school at the Murray Street crossing. However, from time to time this crossing may be unsupervised due to sickness etc.
6. The speed limit around schools is 40 km per hour before and after school.
7. No children should be playing on any of the play equipment before or after school. This includes the Weale Street oval. Please note, a staff member is on playground duty from 8.30 am before school, in the quad and Prep area. The bus shelter is supervised after school until the last bus leaves. All children not collected at this time will be taken to the front office, and parents will be notified.

Regards

Janine Butlin

Principal

Community News