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! Our teacher aides finish this week and teachers are clearing their walls and cupboards. 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, transported children, helped at camp, cheered on the sidelines, 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, we are so lucky to have such patient, kind, dedicated, enthusiastic people in our school. Today we said farewell to three of these lovely people. Rosie who is completing her teacher’s degree, Daniel who is joining the police force and Dot who is going back to enjoy a quiet life.

Triadic Conferences and Parent Portal

I had lovely feedback from a number of children about how proud they were to share their learning with their mum and dad. We put children at the centre of their learning (it’s called learner agency) and who better to share what they have been learning, what their progress has been and what they need to do next than the children themselves.

On Tuesday we opened the eTap parent portal so parents could see actual assessment information. So far this term, you’ve had the children sharing learning, the ability to see results of recent assessments and next week you will receive a written report. These three things are intended for parents to get a well rounded overview of their child’s achievement. Early in the new year I will send out a survey asking for your thoughts and suggestions around the reporting to parents system. Obviously, we have identified areas of weakness and strengths, we are also setting up SeeSaw as the parent portal but we would value your input as well.

2019 Councillors and House Captains

The votes have been counted and these will be announced at assembly on 7 December at 1.30pm in the hall. This is the Leavers’ Assembly and we will have the traditional arch at the end. All parents are welcome to attend.

End of Year Picnic Next Thursday 13 December 5pm – 7pm

Come along with your picnic tea and some refreshments and join us for a lovely end of year event. It is the silly season, so this will be a chance to relax and unwind as your children have great fun playing with their friends. Put it in your diary!

End of Year Important Dates

Tuesday 11 December            7pm Carol service

Friday 14 December               Reports and class placements sent home

Tuesday 18 December            1.30 pm prizegiving at Baradene

Thursday 20 December          12.30 school finishes

EXCITING! News Flash! EASTER FAIR Sunday 7 April

I am so excited and pleased to let everyone know that our ‘gala’ for 2019 is actually going to be an Easter Fair. We have a fabulous group of parents who are organising this event and are planning for it to be a fun, family friendly day. There will be an Easter egg hunt, games, arts and crafts and children will be able to meet the Easter bunny. All this and more! Look out for more information but put the date in your diary, the Easter Fair should not be missed!

Kind Regards
Janice Adamson