The term is certainly flying! It is hard to believe that we are already in Week 8 and that there are only two weeks until the Summer break. It is a good time to remind ourselves about how we interact respectfully with each other as the term draws to a close. Our value of respect will be paramount as we all get a bit tired. We are busy and can be overwhelmed with all those end of year jobs! The students are amazing – they are demonstrating that making positive choices and having kind interactions is valued. They are continuing to be sun safe – wearing hats at break times and understand that if they do not have a hat, that they remain in the courtyard.

We have a lot of end of year events coming up which adds to the festive season and the level of busy that is December. As you can see, the calendar is pretty full! Please see below for the events. We hope to see you at the Christmas event on Thursday 16 December. All classes have an item prepared and ready to go. There will be numerous stalls, some may possibly help with some last minute Christmas shopping, and the disco will run for the last half hour of the event – held in the courtyard this year!

Dates for End of Year Events are as follows:

A number of students attended the Triathlon on Friday 4 December. From all accounts the students represented Austins Ferry Primary School beautifully, demonstrating the values of courage and respect. It can certainly be a daunting experience at the Triathlon with such a large number of participants at the event. The work that goes in behind the scenes at school cannot be underestimated with the logistics of transporting bikes, ensuring students arrive on time and are ready at the starting point for either the swim, run or cycle. Thank you to all who helped our students participate in the event.

Staffing is continuing to be finalised. I will communicate the classes and teachers as soon as they are confirmed. We will be farewelling a few staff at the end of the year and welcoming some new teachers to our team.

Classes for 2024 are nearly finalised. Staff have worked extremely hard to ensure that your child(ren) are placed into a class that accommodates their academic, social and wellbeing needs. There are many factors that are considered when finalising what is ‘best fit’ for your child and the knowledge and experience of our teachers is invaluable in this process. Your child’s class will be communicated on Friday 15December when the reports and Evidence of Learning are sent home. Students will then have the opportunity to meet with their new class on Wednesday 20December. It can be a time where students may have worries or concerns about where their new class is, who their teacher is and the other students that make up their class. It is the perfect opportunity to discuss the positives of meeting new people, embracing change, and helping the transition through positive conversations.

It was lovely to hear one of our youngest students singing in the courtyard today. Their song was a made up song expressing their delight at being at the best school. These are the things that bring joy to us all.