Dear Parents,

It’s the time of year when people are starting to lift their eyes to the horizon only to see Christmas galloping towards them! Teachers are clearing their walls and cupboards and resources are being collected. There is an air of excitement amongst the children as they know Christmas is just around the corner.

It’s time to thank so many people. Firstly, all of you, our wonderful parents. You should never underestimate the value of your time. To us, having another pair of hands is invaluable. Teachers in their busy classrooms really appreciate parent help. Whether you are working with children, cutting out, pasting, publishing, tying shoelaces, it all contributes to making a teacher’s role easier.

It is also invaluable having another set of eyes when we take children on EOTC (education outside the classroom) excursions. We have very rigid student to adult ratios which we happily adhere to in order to ensure children’s safety. Obviously, those ratios mean that we can’t go anywhere without parent help. Thank you to all of you who have taken leave from your jobs or put your busy lives on hold to accompany your child’s class on an outing. The children love having you there and the teachers really appreciate it.

Thank you to all of you who have coached and managed sports teams this year. You have given up time to come along and ensure that our children get a chance to have a go at their favourite sport.

Thank you to parents who have run events, served at events, been class parents, manned BBQs/ice blocks/bake sales, transported children, helped at camp, cheered on the side lines, tidied up, distributed, stapled, fixed things, counted money, spent money…… the list goes on. It is through your support and giving of your time that our school is as fantastic as it is.

I just want you all to know how much each of us appreciates it.

As for our teacher aides, what an amazing group of people! They work alongside children, helping them to become the best they can be. They support some children in the playground, helping them to be the best friend they can be. Thank you to Deb, Jo, Felicity, Pam, Alisha, Lisa, Sheree, Sarah, Emma J, Emma M, Rachel and Louise, we are so lucky to have such patient, kind, dedicated, enthusiastic people in our school.

Thank you to Jane Clark, our librarian. She buys wonderful new books which appeal to children and keeps the library looking fantastic. Huge thanks to Kinzsa and Joanne in the office. Oh my goodness, if you knew just how much these two do to keep the school running – fulfilling massive amounts of MOE admin, helping parents and children, doing sick bay duties, liaising with new parents, working with teachers, paying the bills, making sure people get paid. It doesn’t sound much on paper, but the work they do is just amazing and they are both such lovely people who are the front of school. As is Gabs who runs the financial side of the school brilliantly.

Thank you to Demello our caretaker and Michael, his sidekick. They keep the school functioning, clean up, keep the grounds looking neat and tidy, do things for teachers; all sorts of odd jobs. You are both absolutely vital to the smooth running of the school.

2020 Councillors and House Captains

The votes have been counted and these will be announced at the combined prizegiving and leavers’ assembly on 13 December at 9am in the hall. We will have the traditional arch at the end. All parents are welcome to attend.

End of Year Important Dates
Tuesday 10 December – 7pm Carol service
Friday 13 December – 9am in the hall – Years 4 – 6 prizegiving and leavers’ assembly; 2pm in the hall – Years 0 – 3 prizegiving. Reports and class placements sent home
Wednesday 18 December – 12.30pm school finishes.

Kind regards
Janice Adamson