2021 Prep Enrolments – Now Enrolling

To date we have now interviewed and enrolled over 60 new preppies for 2021 school year, with a further 12 to be interviewed in Term 4. If you know of any families who have a preppie, please urge them to get their enrolments completed and submitted as early as possible in term 4 so as to secure an interview time.  At this point, it seems likely we will form 4 prep classes but we will have to monitor over the coming weeks.

Devices in School

After reviewing our school’s ICT and internet agreement and liaising with school staff and the P&C, I have decided that Smartwatches (including Spacewatches and Applewatches) will not be permitted to be used and worn during school times. Our school ICT and internet agreement will be updated accordingly to provide greater clarity for these new devices. 

All students are welcome to use standard watches and fitness trackers which do not connect to the internet or make phone calls/send messages.

Mobile phones and smartwatches will continue to be stored safely at the office during school times. We are very pleased with this current process and the students are very responsible when handing in and collecting their personal devices.

We appreciate your support with this issue.

Curriculum

Thank you to all families for supporting this year’s P&C Obstathon fundraiser which will ensure funds go directly to supporting the school’s Art’s program.  The Arts is been a key focus area for 2020 and 2021.

In our final week of term 3 teachers will collaborate with colleagues and HOD Melinda Norman to develop our school’s three levels of planning requirements for term 4.  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.

Book Fair

This week we are holding our Scholastic Arctic Adventure Book Fair ‘Snow Much Too Read’. Congratulations to Mrs Lamb, Ms Chambers and Mr Fenton for the work they have done in creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere in our library. I am sure by the response we have had so far, the children are really enjoying reading their new books.  Parents, thank you for helping out and understanding that online payments are the mode this year. 

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

Shine

Due to COVID we have held this year’s Shine talent show as online heats.  Mr Chapman has done a wonderful job organising all the student acts and encouraging voting for the online heats.  Next week our finals will be held in school hall with Judges, staff and students watching.  Unfortunately parents are not permitted this year.  It is sure to be a wonderful showcase of the talent at New Farm.  Thank you to P&C President David Armstrong for attending as guest judge and donating a wonderful prize of a ‘Junior Actor’s Course’ valued at $180 for this year’s Shine Winner.