Those Year 6 students who are attending Belridge Secondary College in 2020 have had their first taste of being part of the secondary college.  The children were given a chance to have a look around, meet other students from neighbouring schools, and participate in team building activities.  This half day session is the lead up to a full day visit being held on the 10^th December 2020.  Changing schools is a big step so these transition programs are an important part of helping them to be ready for what comes next in the education journey.

I would like to acknowledge the work of Miss Tammy Hanrahan, Associate Principal, and Mrs Alison Steiner, School Psychologist, who have visited the school to pass on important information about the students as this ensures teachers, year level coordinators and school psychologists are aware of the specific needs of some of the children.  Passing on information helps to set up these children for a smooth start to the school year.

Staff meeting update

Earlier this week the staff met to discuss our planning for 2020.  It is that time of the year when we talk about the number of students enrolled at the school, what the anticipated budget will be and how we will use the money we have been allocated.

Staff are beginning to think about class allocation for each child.  I have included with this newsletter the class placement policy that we will use when making decisions.  I understand that parents and children are keen for the year to end, to come and then find out what happens next.  Teachers are very careful with class allocation because we know that it makes a difference for children; our primary focus.  Teachers will create a number of options because it is difficult to set classes in December knowing that families move in and out of the area.  It will not be until January when staff return to schoo land we have taken in new enrolments or know of specific families who have moved out of the area, that we will be confident about classes.  Class lists for 2020 will be available on Friday 31st January 2020.

Please, Thank you and Excuse me

What an amazing improvement there has been in how often the students are using their manners.  I could not be prouder!! Children are remembering their manners make conversations much more pleasant. Lots of children have been rewarded with icy pole vouchers which allow them to get an icy pole for free from the canteen.  Don't worry - you will not be getting a bill; the treat is on me! During these hotter days, an icy pole is a real treat!  A huge thank you to the canteen staff who are keeping up with the demand. 

Before and after school collection times

Please remember that children should not be at school before 8.30am as classes open at 8.35am.  Parents are welcome to come to the school at 2.50pm to meet their children for 3.00pm which is the end of the day.  If you are on the school site after the school siren at 8.50am and before 2.50pm you need to sign in as a visitor at the school.  As part of the school's evacuation process we need to know who is on the school site at all times.  If we know that you are at the school we will remember to look out for you should we ever need to evacuate. Similarly for the safety of everyone's children, we need to know who is legitimately on the school site.  Quite rightly, the staff and students often report unfamiliar faces to the office.  It allows us to check that people are who they say they are.

Library books

Children are no longer allowed to borrow library books as our annual stocktake is underway.  Please check bookcases, the back seat of the car, under the bed and on the table for books that belong to the school and return them to the library.  If we get as many books back as possible, it allows us to use the 2020 budget to buy more books rather than replacing those that have been lost. 

Parking in the staff carpark

Please do not park in the staff carpark.  As you will have observed, there is very limited space and it is vital our staff park in the allocated space as this frees up spaces around the school for parents at pick up and drop off.

Chaplaincy funding

I am very pleased to advise that the school has successfully been granted chaplaincy funding for 2020 which will allow Miss Amanda to continue to support our students.

Fun Day 2019

On Thursday 12th December 2019 the Year 6 students will be hosting a Fun Day. There will be plenty of fun activities to do, such a Minute to Win it, Face Painting, and there will also be some food stalls. You can purchase the tickets for 50c each outside Room 11 before school. The more tickets you buy the more activities you can do and some of the activities will cost multiple tickets. To have the best time, children need appromiately 10 tickets but you can buy as many or as few as you like. All money raised will go towards next year's camp.