This Friday is our last school day for the 2023 School Year.  Once again, the end of a very busy and successful year at New Farm.  For those families and staff leaving us, I wish you every success and thank you for the valued contributions you have made during your time with us.  I would particularly like to acknowledge the dedicated staff team who have worked cooperatively and positively for the best outcomes for all students.  I am also very grateful to our parents for their support through the year and particularly the incredible dedication of our P&C executive who go above and beyond in giving up their time for the many events throughout the year:  President Rachel Frizzo, Vice President Fiona Caniglia, Treasurer Dahna Gallantree and Secretary Teneille Elliott.

I hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday period and I look forward to seeing you all in January 2024.

Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Ceremony

Thank you so much to all our parents and staff who attended last week’s Graduation Dinner at Oxlade Drive last Thursday night.  Special thanks to our wonderful organizing committee:  Belinda Hill, Katrina Wallwork, Michelle Logan, Samantha Bryce, Elaine Serisier and Kylie Barr.  The night was a great event with tributes by our School Captains Bodie Hill and Azalea Dunn-Mura.  Mr Fleming did a terrific job as MC for the event and the students had a great time on the dance floor, in the photo booth and mingling with their friends and guests.

Congratulations to all students, we wish you all the best for secondary school.  Well done to special award recipients:

Dance Extravaganza

Thank you to our Dance teachers and Mrs Norman for organising this week’s end of term P-2 dance performance.  It is a wonderful showcase of their dance lessons for term 4 and a great fun event for our last week of school.  Thank you again to our marvellous dance instructors.

Staffing Update:  Thank you and farewell to our staff who are leaving New Farm this year:  Ms Valentin (Leave 2024), Ms Navarro, Ms Heenan, Mrs Smart, Mrs Horn, Mr Laurence (extended leave 2024), Mrs Chen (leave and then retirement), Ms Morris (transfer), Ms Loudon (continued secondment interregional), Ms Vanderzant (moving) and Ms Burgess (continued secondment regional office).  We wish you all the best for their future.  Welcome to incoming teachers: returning teacher Mr Nash. Mrs Baker appointed as new Student Engagement teacher.  New administrative staff include: Mr Williams as Business Manager with Mrs Deans supporting a transition to the role in term 1 before retirement. 

LOTE 2024

With Mrs Chen retiring in 2024, I have moved Ms Lee to the Year 4-6 LOTE classes.  LOTE is compulsory for years 5 & 6, therefore, we will be making some changes to our P-3 Languages program.  From next year our junior classes will begin exploring Key Word Sign rather than Chinese. Key Word Sign adds signs to spoken words to support communication - Key words from sentences are signed along with the verbal words. Students have slowly started engaging with this in various classrooms where students regularly, at assemblies and in some lunch time clubs. However, in 2024, we are excited to begin moving our teaching and learning experiences into our junior school classrooms. More information will be provided in the new year.

Attached is a Key Word Sign poster for Christmas time!

2024 Class Allocations: Thank you to staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the complex task of organising students into their new classes has now been finalised.  Students will receive a teacher postcard package to take home and most will meet their new teacher this week.  If the class teacher is unable to attend due to commitments, an opportunity will be available in the January Pupil Free Days. The Open Morning for families to attend is scheduled from 9am Friday 19 January 2024.

Year 6 Final Roll Call

The last day of term 2023 is Friday 8 December.  As part of our Year 6 tradition, we hold a very special final roll call for our Year 6 Graduates.  Parents are very welcome.

• At 2:55 pm all classes assemble near A Block and around towards the Netball court. The students, staff and parents make a guard of honour for the Year 6 students. 
• Parents are welcome to join the fun.
• Our Year 6 students line up on the A Block veranda.
• At 2:59 pm the school counts down from 10 to 1 and then the old school bell is rung.
• Then Year 6 students walk down the stairs and through a full school community guard of honour. The students receive high 5s and lots of applause as students, staff and parents to celebrate their final departure from New Farm SS.

Important Dates and Events:

• LAST DAY – Friday 8 December 3pm
• 2024 Office Opens Monday 15 January
• 2024 Meet the Teacher and Visit Classrooms Session Friday 19 January 9-10am
• 2024 First Day Monday 22 January 8:45am