Carmel McGrath 

Chinese New Year – Lion Dance

Thank you to Mrs Chen for once again organising our annual Lion Dance Performance.  Prep – Year 6 students and staff enjoyed the performance last Thursday afternoon.  Our Preppies made some very creative ‘Lion’ banners which they waved during the colourful and energetic performance.

Year 6 Outdoor Education Camp

This year our Year 6 camp is on Moreton Island, a change from our traditional ‘Canberra’ excursion.  While the trip to Canberra was a huge favourite with staff and students, the restrictions of COVID meant we had to cancel last year’s trip and find an alternative for this year.  This is a new experience for all and Mrs Bradley will take time this week to visit the Island Outdoor Education venue to review programs and consider risk assessments.  Following this visit, Mrs Bradley and Year 6 staff will select the appropriate activities for our students.  The program will then be finalised and information shared with parents. 

Year Level Leaders

This week I met with Year Level Leaders (Mr Nash, Ms Smith, Mr Ramos, Ms Norman, Mr Conde, Ms Blackadder and Ms Baker) to review our school priorities and clarify their roles and responsibilities for 2021.  A key focus of our school is ‘collaboration and consistency’ across year levels.   The Year Level Leaders will:

Play a vital role in improving continuity and consistency of teaching practice within their year level for improving the educational outcomes of students.

• Be an advocate for the “New Farm Way” as outlined in school policy documents such as the New Farm Strategic Plan 2020-23, current Annual Improvement Plan, Pedagogical Framework and Whole School Curriculum Plan (3 levels).
• Contribute to improved communication across year levels and with the school leadership team.
• Oversee and ensure the timely completion of year level responsibilities.

The staff will participate in leadership professional development and be supported with additional time to work with colleagues.