From the Acting Principal… 

Allow me to reflect on my Montessori experience to this point. When the school year commenced it became very evident to me, as a newcomer, that families and staff are very engaged in the life of the school. Nothing has happened to change that view. Interaction with students in particular has been a real joy for me. They relate in a friendly but respectful way towards adults. There are many strengths in  the community. This was clear to see at the Trivia Night that Tina referred to in her previous bulletin. May I add my appreciation to the energetic team that pulled off a great night, well done everybody.

Sadly, Tina is needing some time to focus on a personal family matter and will be on extended leave as mentioned in the recent letter to parents from Steve, the Board Chair. For those who may wish to send a card to Tina please bring them to Reception. During this period, as I carry out a caretaker role, let me assure you that I intend to maintain the lines of communication within the school community. If anyone needs to bring an issue to my attention, a time can be made available through Sally-Anne at Reception.

Numerous improvements to the outdoors have been made thanks to both our own efforts and also as a result of the government stimulus package funding. Further tree planting and landscaping is planned. Participation in the upcoming working bees is encouraged. Book the dates in your diary for August 15^th and 23^rd. This will contribute greatly to some worthwhile projects for the benefit of the children.

No doubt there were looks of surprise when we returned to school for the start of term 3 to see site fences around the perimeter of the land where the multi purpose building is to be built. This is a very exciting project which will provide us with a valuable facility. What happened to the “Mound” was the question I heard repeated by a number of children. If we can all be both patient and careful during the building project in and around the car park that would be great. Temporary access has been given for construction workers to enter the site. As most of you would know, the builder, Beasec, has prior experience working on our site. They are well aware of the safety issues but would appreciate our vigilance in keeping the curious, young and older, at a safe distance. We look forward with great anticipation and high hopes that the project will be ready by the end of the year. 

Thank you to Sajee and Tonia for ensuring the settled start to term 3 in Dryandra. On my classroom visits it has been a pleasure to observe the atmosphere in the room. As soon as there is a firm arrival date for Karen Mitu parents will be informed. It was a pleasure to take a couple of visitors into a classroom to inspect the fire panel and hear their comments about the wonderful atmosphere and the good behaviour of the children. Let us treasure what we have.  

 

 

Bob Dent

Acting Principal

 

Upcoming Dates

TERM 3 2009

 

July 31                   Tree Day

Aug 3                      Musica Viva Excursion

Aug 7                      Census Day

Aug 15 & 16          Assistants workshop

Aug 15                   Working Bee

Aug 19                   Parent Information Evening

Aug 23                   Working Bee

Sept 10/11 NEW  School photos

Sept 14                  Parent Information Evening 7pm

Sept 24                  Canteen Day

Sept 25                  Last day of Term 3

 

Please see School Calendar for events during Term 4 and check the Bulletin regularly for changes to published events.

 

Term Dates for 2009

 

Term 1:                  4 February – 9 April

Term 2:                  28 April – 3 July

Term 3:                  21 July – 25 September

Term 4:                  12 October – 16 December

 

Public Holidays 2009

 

Monday 8 June     Queen's Birthday Holiday

Monday 5 Oct        Labour Day

Tuesday 3 Nov     Family & Community Day (to be   confirmed)

 

Term Dates for 2010

 

Term 1:                  3 February – 9 April

Term 2:                  27 April – 2 July

Term 3:                  21 July – 24 September

Term 4:                  11 October – 15 December

Car Park Safety Please remember: Drive slowly Follow the arrows – the right direction Ensure children walk beside you Be aware of reversing vehicles Watch for trucks Drive slowly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board

 

A Big Thank You to All the Staff

 

Unexpected challenges can bring out the best in people.  Our school staff are experiencing significant challenges due to the unfortunate absence of our Principal, Tina, and their responses in meeting these challenges has been tremendous.

 

Some staff have had to increase their work hours, many have taken on extra responsibilities and all have shown a great commitment to keeping the school operating smoothly.  The Board would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff for doing this extra work and their commitment to our school.  If the load is getting too much please access the support you need to keep healthy and happy by talking to Bob about it.

 

A special thank you should go to Bob Dent for taking on the Acting Principal role – a big job at any time but quite a challenge for someone new to the school.

 

Over the next few months the board will be developing the next 3 year strategic plan as well as monitoring the building program.  We will keep you informed about the management of the school as decisions are made.

 

Practical Life in a Montessori Setting In a Montessori environment the children will be using glass, knives, graters and real practical life equipment in order to develop independence and a sense of understanding of the ‘real’ world environment. All use of materials is given with safety lessons and supervision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planting Up for the Spring Fair!

 

 

 

 

Karen Binnenkamp is collecting butter boxes and cardboard rolls (toilet rolls are OK in this instance as they won’t be used in the classroom) in which to sow seeds ready for the Spring Fair. Please don’t throw yours away but place in the box which will be outside the Admin building from August 10^th.

 

 

 

An enthusiastic volunteer … 

…is needed to come up with a couple of fun ideas for the School Fair's "Side show alley" and then organise and run the event on the day - 24 Oct.  This will automatically make up your community hours for terms 3 & 4.

 

Please contact Georgina Jenkins on 0414 486 084 or georgiejeana@mac.com  for more information.

 

ACT Policing and the PCYC of Canberra  

… would like to invite Primary school aged children to our next Blue Light Disco. The disco provides safe, healthy and fully supervised entertainment for kids while excluding drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour.

 

Special guest: Luke Dickens 2008 Australian idol runner-up will be attending the disco to meet the children and sign autographs.

There will also be airbrush tattoos, laser throw a fantastic DJ, plus a whole range of other fun activities just for kids! The disco provides safe, healthy and fully supervised entertainment for primary school age children. The event excludes drugs, alcohol, and anti-social behavior.

 

When:  Friday 7^th August 2009 from 6pm to 7:30pm

 

Venue: Woden Tradesman Club, Launceston Street

 

Cost:    $5 per child includes all activities except canteen. Snacks from the canteen will be available. $2 membership offer for attending parents.

  

Contact: For more information phone 61758100.

 

Proudly sponsored by: ACT Policing, Canberra PCYC, Canberra Kids.com and the Woden Tradies Club.

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

SGT TIM MURPHY
GENERAL MANAGER - CANBERRA PCYC
ACT POLICING

Tel +61(0) 2 62457544  Ext 162544  Fax +61(0) 2 62457467