Dr Carmel McGrath

Welcome Back to Prep and Year 1

This week we are very pleased to see the majority of our prep and year 1 students returning to regular classes.  Thank you to all parents and carers for following the social distancing protocol at drop off on Heal Street in the mornings.  Kookie our PBL mascot has been there in the morning waiting to greet children and has been doing a wonderful job cheering up those who were a little anxious.  Thank you also to staff Mrs Bradley, Ms Loudon, Ms Chambers, Mr Fenton, Mrs Norman, Mrs Baker and Ms Dorante, as well as senior students Jackson B, Claudia, Olivia, Farrin, Piper-lily and Frankie LS who were all helping students settle in, arrive to classes safely and get organised for class time.

Pick Up Routine

Unfortunately we had some issues with social distancing at pick up time due to the nature of everyone collecting children all at once.  This is not an issue in the mornings due to staggered arrival times.  So we will keep working on this and from this afternoon we will be implementing the following:

• All  Preps classes pick up at 2.50pm at the Hall.
• All  Year 1 classes  pick up at C Block at 3pm.
• Parents please maintain social distancing as per the guidelines.
• Please leave the school grounds immediately after collecting your student.
• Students  being collected by car will be taken to the Hawthorne street gate.

Upcoming information about Year 2-6

We are expecting a further update on timeline once the Premier makes an announcement this Friday 15 May.  I will forward the information as it comes to me and thank you for your patience and support in the period.  I would like to also acknowledge the outstanding work that parents have been doing at home with their children.  It has been challenging in many different ways and I do know that juggling different roles and commitments is never easy.  If any families are experiencing difficulties and need further support, our Guidance Office Jo Minto is also available on Thursdays and Fridays.  Please feel free to contact admin@newfarmss.eq.edu.au and we will forward your queries to her.