Carmel McGrath 

Learning Walks

As part of our focus on writing improvement, Deputy Principal Kay Bradly and I will be visiting all classes over the next few weeks to talk to students about their writing lessons. Kay will be visiting the Prep – 2 classes and I will be visiting the 3-6 classes. These visits allow us to gauge consistency in practices across year levels and across the school. Feedback on classroom observations are another important element of our professional learning.

Incursion

It is great to see our Year 2 It’s a Small World Incursion will go ahead today.  It's a Small World is a two-hour incursion that builds on previous learning and investigates our links with places near and far. Students share their personal stories and see how different places have meaning for different people. Incrusion leaders share their global links and together we discuss how distance and accessibility influence how often we visit our special places.

Workplace Health and Safety

• We have recently held our term Lockdown drill and staff are currently reviewing our evacuation drill procedures with students. This evacuation drill will be held within the next week.
• Masks are mandatory – unfortunately we still have some parents coming onto our site without masks and staff are reminding them that this is essential. I ask that parents and visitors cooperate with staff directions and be respectful at all times.
• We have also purchased face shields as some teachers are finding these better for enabling students to see their faces especially when expressions or mouth formation is required to support student learning.
• Cleaning and ancillary staff continue to follow the covid cleaning routines daily.

Next Week – Book Week “Old Worlds New Worlds Other Worlds”

I am sure students and staff are excited about Book Week and the Tuesday 24th August - Dress Up Day .  Watch out for Mrs Lamb’s Library information for more details about the author visit, activities in the library and of course this year’s theme for Dress Up Day. 

Staff Update

This week we welcome Mrs Jenny Deans to the role of Acting Business Manager.  Jenny is a very experienced BM who has taken a contract with us for the next few months while Mrs Anderson is on leave. Jenny comes highly recommended and very keen to be working at New Farm. I will be on family leave next week with Kay Bradley in the Acting Principal role. 

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday 24th August - Book Week Dress Up 
• Thursday 2nd September - Early Years Community Connections
• Friday 3rd September - Pupil Free Day 
• Friday 17th September - Final Day Term 3