Week 9 Term 2

Welcome to the Week 9 newsletter. Teachers are currently busy finalising student reports. We use a range of assessments from the planned learning experiences taught throughout the first half of the year to provide a summary achievement report for parents/caregivers. You will receive your child’s report on Friday of Week 10. Remember that you can see your child’s teacher anytime to discuss learning progress or any other matters, and you are encouraged to do so.

Last Wednesday, all students joined with the local Catholic schools at Gladstone to watch the performance called, “Young Mary.” This play was about the life of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first and only saint. The acting crew incorporated many parts of her life, the good and bad times including her childhood, meeting Fr Tension Woods, the co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph, enrolling disadvantaged children into her schools and her caring and charitable nature. A lot of humour was included in the play, to keep the students entertained and the costumes were fantastic, especially Mary MacKillop’s brown habit (religious dress).

Uniform Review

Every five years, the school conducts a review of the uniforms and the uniform policy. We seek parent, student and staff input about uniforms. Last week a hard copy survey was sent home to all families regarding the uniform review. Please take the time to complete the short survey and return it to the school before the end of the term. Even if you are happy with the current uniform, please make a comment or tick, so we can gauge overall satisfaction and thoughts. If you would like to see changes, this is your opportunity to make comments. Once all feedback is received, this information will be collated and shared with the school community.

Musical Production “The Wizard of Oz” – Change of Date

Preparations for the Whole School Musical Production has begun. Auditions have been completed and all casting has been finalised. Rehearsals will begin during the last two weeks of this term on Thursday's. Mrs Judy Lewis will be our Choreographer and Director and Mrs Shona Simpson will be the supporting teacher. The Production will be held at the Jamestown Memorial Halll. There has been a slight change to the Production dates and they are as follows;

Matinee – Tuesday 3rd September (for students from neighbouring schools)
Finale – Wednesday evening - 4th September

Student Teacher in R/1 Class

This Thursday and Friday, we will welcome Student Teacher, Alice Harding, into the Reception / Year 1 Class. Miss Harding is in her final year of studies. She will have 5 lead in days with the class before her 7 week placement, which commences in Term 3, Week 3, Monday 5th August and finishes at the end of Week 9, Friday 20 September. We look forward to welcoming and working with Miss Harding.

Unlocking a Bright Future: The Power of the First 1000 Days

The Australian Primary Principal’s Association (APPA) is committed to supporting families in ensuring every child has the best start in life. They have partnered with leading paediatrician Prof Frank Oberklaid of The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to produce the Thrive with Five paper. 

In the first 1000 days of a child's life, their brain grows really fast. Every time they see, hear, or touch something, it helps their brain make new connections. Eating healthy food and getting good sleep are very important because they help the child grow strong. When parents show love and care, it helps the child feel safe and learn to trust others. Playing and exploring help children learn to talk and become curious, which makes learning easier as they get older.

Families benefit from a supportive community, ensuring both they and the child thrive. Our school is part of a supportive community, and we want to partner with families to shape a lifetime of benefits for every child.

Our school newsletter will share information about the important five: play, talk, read, eat well and sleep. Share these ideas with friends and family. Be a ripple for a bright future!

Play is good for babies and adults!

Play can happen anywhere and can be fun for baby and carers.  A good, shared laugh is a mood booster!

Play Peekaboo: While sitting with baby, hide your face behind your hands or a blanket and then reveal it saying ‘Peekaboo’.  This helps baby understand that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.

Dance: Hold a dance party to a favourite song and dance with your little one. It improves motor skills and is a good way to be active together.

Play Hide and Seek with Toys: Hide a toy under a blanket and encourage your baby to find it. This teaches problem-solving skills.

Stacking blocks: Simple stacking toys or blocks, help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Bubble Chase: Blow bubbles and let your baby try to catch or pop them. The movement and colours will captivate them.

Outdoor Exploring: Let your baby feel the grass, leaves, and flowers. You can also collect safe items like smooth stones or pinecones for them to explore.

Tummy Time on a Blanket: Lay a blanket on the grass and let your baby enjoy tummy time while looking at the sky, leaves, or toys. Talk out loud about what you see and hear.