It is hard to believe that we are now half way through November and the end of the year is rapidly approaching. I would like to commend students on the focus that they are showing towards their work and their commitment to ensuring that they get the most out of their valuable learning time.
Arts on Tour
I would like to congratulate the Arts on Tour students for the outstanding performances they gave during last week’s tour. The feedback we have received from the primary schools visited has been incredibly positive, acknowledging both the fabulous performance given and the positive attributes of the students. This feedback can be summed up by the recent Bicheno Primary School post on their school Facebook page: “Wow, just wow! We were so privileged to have St Marys District School students perform for us…Exceptional young people and great role models for our BPS students.”
My thanks goes out to Miss Hickey and Mr Wardlaw for once again working with our students to create the magic which is Arts on Tour!
End of Year Events and Celebrations
As the end of the year approaches, I know people will be looking forward to and making plans for end of year events and celebrations. These are wonderful opportunities to recognise achievement and celebrate the learning and growth of our students. I am sure that people need little reminder about the fact that we now live in a world where there are restrictions and protocols that we need to work within to ensure we remain COVID safe. Please be aware that many schools are following similar plans for their end of year assemblies and events.
- The Grade 7-9 and 11-12 Presentation Assembly is on Thursday 9 December.
- The Kinder - 6 Presentation Assembly is on Friday 10 December
- The Grade 10 Presentation Assembly is on Friday 10 December
There will be limited seating for parents of award winners at these assemblies and more details will be shared with these parents shortly. These assemblies will be live streamed.
- The Grade 10 Farewell Assembly where we farewell Grade 10 students will be held on Thursday 16 December.
There will be limited tickets for parents of Grade 10 students for this assembly. This assembly will be live streamed.
- The Grade 10 Celebration Dinner is on Monday 13 December
Restrictions around managing this event remain unchanged from 2020. Limited numbers of family/friends of each Grade 10 students will be invited to watch the arrivals in the school courtyard. Interested community members are able to watch the students arrive from Gray Road.
We are putting in place a plan to record the arrivals for the Celebration, with plans to have a host who will introduce and greet each arrival working alongside a roving camera man. We understand that live streaming the event is not quite the same as being at the event but appreciate your understanding that we are required to work within COVID safe protocols.
We will endeavour to use our social media and newsletter to ensure we have lots of details and photos to keep you up to speed so that you can join in on the celebrations, albeit from a safe distance.
Kindergarten Transition
We have been hosting our annual Kindergarten transition for students who are starting with us in 2022 and also offering parents an opportunity to get to know the school and ask questions and seek guidance in relation to making their child’s start to education as positive as possible.
As part of our transition programs, we have this year’s Kindergarten students spending some time in the primary playground. It is wonderful to see the inclusive and supportive nature of the older children, and the curiosity and excitement of the soon to be Prep students. The students are also really excited to see the work going on as the new P-2 Playground takes shape and I know they are very keen to try it out very soon!
Student Wellbeing Data
Teachers have been exploring our latest Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey Data. This annual survey of all our students is now in its third year, allowing us to see patterns within the data set. We have been working hard to support improved student wellbeing and have seen some pleasing results:
- 89% of students felt connected to adults at school
- 96% of students reported they had good relationships and support from their teachers
- 84% of students felt part of a group of friends and usually fit in with other students
We are working on a more detailed inquiry based on our survey results to explore how we might continue to positively impact on:
- Student engagement in learning
- School climate
- Cognitive engagement
Carolyn Watson
Principal