Carmel McGrath

I returned to school last Wednesday and was warmly welcomed by staff, students and parents. Thank you to both Kay Bradley and Melinda Norman for stepping into the acting principal and deputy roles. Following a lovely break, I am now refreshed and ready to get into the busy term ahead.

Term Drills

This term we have conducted both our lockdown and evacuation drills with all classes. Thank you to staff for ensuring the students are familiar with these important emergency procedures.

Pool Refurbishment

Last week I returned to the completed refurbishment of the pool amenities block. I am very pleased with the finalised work and I am sure the changes will be appreciated by all. They are a vast improvement on the sad and tired rooms which were previously there. The addition of the change area for persons with disabilities (PWD) is again an important step in creating an inclusive learning environment for all at New Farm SS. 

Following is a brief update from each of our 4 pillars (Inclusion, Innovation, Well-being and Curriculum) and highlights achievements in 2020 so far.

Inclusion Pillar Highlights: 

1. Inclusion Pillar Committee actions have included utilizing a systemic whole school process for identifying and supporting social inclusion in the playground. We have also worked with specialist support staff to review new building works so that the new facilities are inclusive of all students, staff and community visitors, such as our pool refurbishment and the design elements of our Master Plan.
2. Disability Standards in Education training has now been completed by over 80% of all staff. Increased understanding and knowledge of disability and of inclusive practices is important in creating an inclusive environment.

Innovation Pillar Highlights:

1. The BYO iPad program is fully implemented in all Year 4 classes. 91% of students have brought a device from home and the engagement level is very high. Teachers and students are constantly redesigning their teaching and learning practices. Technical support and teacher training are being provided by the IT Service Team. In order to prepare for expanded growth of the program in 2021, all wireless access points have been updated across the school and the school bandwidth has been increased from 10mb/s to 50mb/s.

2. Microsoft Teams training is being provided to all staff and students. This platform is currently used for all virtual assemblies and staff meetings. It will be used in the event our school goes back to online learning. The platform allows for face-to-face teaching and learning.

Well-being 

1. The Well-Being committee are currently researching different frameworks that will best suit the New Farm context. The selected framework will be used for staff and student well-being.

2. Our PBL committee is using behaviour data to implement specific PBL rules when and where it is needed most. They are also in the process of ordering more PBL signage for the oval to reinforce our PBL expectations.

Curriculum Pillar Highlights: 

1. Curriculum Committee and P&C support

The Curriculum Committee has met twice a term and members have been very busy working on a consistent school approach to editing and proofreading, unit planning, supporting our reading program with tangible resources and the development of our Whole School Pedagogical Framework. The enthusiasm for supporting our curriculum has been infectious and with the additional funding support from the P&C we have been able to purchase many Science, Maths and Art supplies for which we are very grateful.

2. Unit Planning

With a focus on The Arts this year, teachers have been heavily involved in productive planning sessions each term. This supports our school’s three levels of planning requirements and encourages a thoughtful, engaging and meaningful learning experience for our students. The dedication and attention to planning requirements has meant the alignment to the Australian Curriculum is clear and all subjects of The Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, Media Arts and Visual Arts) are comprehensively implemented.  

COVID Update

The 3 main points for us all to adhere to, to help prevent the spread of COVID19 in our community, are:

1. Social Distancing
2. Wash Hands regularly
3. Get tested if you develop any symptoms or feel unwell

Parents in School

At arrival and departure times, there are a large number of parents utilising the drop off and pick up zones in their vehicles; this has been going really well, with 99% of parents now remaining in their cars. This is helping the flow of traffic. Please ensure your child has their bag with them in the car ready to get out with it. Getting a bag from the boot is not a safe practice and not part of the LOOKOUT program guidelines.

For those dropping and collecting in person, again we ask that you limit your time on site and ensure you are socially distancing while in the grounds. Unfortunately there has been some level of complacency with social distancing and we are having to remind parents to leave the grounds once they have collected their child. It is important to adhere to the following procedures:

• Arrive very close to the finishing time (ie Prep 2:45pm and Yr 1-6 3pm)
• Please do not arrive at 2:30pm as this is far too early
• Please do not stay talking and allowing children to play
• Social distancing and departing promptly is essential

See attached relevant information posters.

Excursions and Incursions

Due to COVID restrictions earlier in the year, a wide range of extracurricular activities such as excursions, incursions and camps were ceased. Fortunately now with the easing of a number of restriction, some of the excursions and incursions are now able to happen. 

This week our Year 6 students have the first of 3 day excursions. They will attend New Farm Park for a fun filled day based on leadership activities and team challenges. 

Over this fortnight, our Year 2 students will be involved in an incursion “It’s a small world” here at school. The incursion complements their HASS unit on Identity and Geography.