Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been great to welcome back all our students this week! The first 2 weeks were a little different, but we were all very appreciative and impressed with the way our Year 3-6 students handled their online learning. We also thank the parents for their support with this.
Staffing Updates
We are pleased to welcome Alicia Boylan back to the role of Assistant Principal. We also welcome Julie Bottger who is our Preschool teacher this year. Matthew Harrison has commenced his role as Assistant Principal (Religious Education and Mission) and Sandra Shepard will be supporting students as an ESO Mon-Wed. I’m sure they will feel very welcomed in our community.
Learning Highlights
Although we all have COVID-19 procedures on our minds, we are also very excited about the fantastic learning that we have planned for first term. Our Reception-Year 2 students have all started their InitiaLit program of learning. Teachers have ‘screened’ all students to give them an accurate indication of where the students are at with their literacy learning. This data then guides the planning for R-2 students. We are still planning to hold some information sessions for parents outlining the InitiaLit program later in the term (our planned sessions have had to be postponed). In the meantime, we will share some information on SeeSaw, and please contact your child’s teacher, or myself, if you’d like to discuss the program in more detail.
We are also currently looking at our Year 3-6 data to determine students who can be a part of our MacqLit program of intervention. This program is designed for older students who may need some extra support to develop their reading skills. The program runs 4 times per week, with a trained educator. Students involved will receive a letter with more information for parents.
St Margaret Mary’s School and Preschool now have a Speech Pathologist on staff one day a week. We have been able to offer this position through funding received through a ‘Partnerships in Inclusive Practice’ grant from Catholic Education SA. Jessica Curnow will be supporting our teachers (mainly Preschool and Reception) in early detection and intervention support for language difficulties. We are very excited to have this service and support available for our students.
This week, our Year 6 students began their podcasting units with ArchD Radio. In this program they will explore aspects of the curriculum, initially History and Social Sciences, whilst learning the skills of podcasting. Their podcasts will be available to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
And…all of this has happened in just 2 weeks! I look forward to sharing a lot more learning over the term.
Healthy Eating and Drinking
We are asking that students only bring WATER to school to drink. We will have spare water bottles available for students who do not bring a water bottle or bring other drinks to school.
We ask that you limit sugary treats, chips and packaged food in your child’s lunch box. Each child needs to have some fresh fruit or veg (healthy snack/brain food) each day. Here are some good tips about what to pack for your child’s lunch.
Safety Concerns
Please be extra patient around the school at pick up time – it gets very congested. Students are supervised until 3.20pm, so try coming at 3.10-3.20pm as the traffic is lighter.
Adults are role models for children, so please always use the school crossing. I was alarmed at how many parents walked straight across Tungara Ave (NOT at the crossing) with very young children.
Drivers that do not follow the road rules are reported to SAPOL. This includes doing a three-point turn near the school crossing and driving on the wrong side of the road to pass a waiting car.
Thank you for you continued support
Kelly Campbell
Principal
Social