This week marks the end of a very productive semester. I have enjoyed proofreading student reports that will be sent home digitally at the end of the week, and have been extremely pleased to read about so much progress being made. In particular, I've noted many reports acknowledging that students are showing determination and increased independence to complete tasks to a higher standard, which reflects our practice of setting high standards and expectations for students, then supporting them to reach those goals. I also acknowledge those students who are going that extra step in working on their learning goals at home, too, which is fantastic to see. Thank you to you, parents and carers, for supporting your children to make the most of their learning opportunities. 

We are grateful that over a third of our families chose to contribute to our recent survey about the school newsletter. Overwhelmingly, the response was extremely positive, with many of you nominating that you wouldn't change a thing! It's great to know that we are meeting your needs. We were also grateful for suggestions, such as including wellbeing tips and suggestions for resources that can be used at home, so keep an eye out for those in coming editions. Whilst we acknowledge that some people like to have a paper copy of things like upcoming events, it simply isn't practical or resourceful to be printing them, as they are often outdated from the moment they are printed. We cannot include all of the things we do digitally in a paper version, either, unfortunately. 

Other interesting information to come out of the survey:

• the majority of people view the newsletter on their mobile phones, with some also using computers

• you love seeing the photos of students engaging in activities, especially recent assembly award winners

• you're interested in learning more about our cultural activities

• the most popular feature is the Upcoming Events page

• families have used the links on the Community Page to engage with activities and groups outside of school

Don't forget, we also post a weekly edition of upcoming events on our school Facebook page. Keep your eyes out for that. 

This week, we will again participate in the NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Raymond Terrace. Remember, families are very welcome and encouraged to join us. Please note that the starting and finishing points this year are different. For those not meeting us at school first, we will meet you at the open space across the road from Raymond Terrace Police Station. The march will progress down William St to Riverside Park, where this year's activities will take place. PLEASE be careful to keep a close eye on your children if you are attending, as we will be near the river. Students not attending with their parents will be assigned a staff member with whom they will need to stay for the day.  ALL students must be signed out by a staff member when leaving. Parents are requested to adhere to the drop-off and pick-up times and venues listed in the online permission note. 

We have finally received a draft version of the new school shirts. We are in the process of reviewing and providing feedback to the company and are hoping to receive the final designs and take orders early next term. This way, we should be looking at taking delivery of the shirts early in term 4. 

As we round out the term and move into two weeks of school holidays, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe time with your families. Relax, refresh and recharge, ready for an exciting and busy term 3. In particular, we are looking forward to our skipping and AUSLAN performances as part of the Tomaree Learning Community's annual Education Week celebration on Tuesday, 4th August. We know many of the children and staff have been preparing for months now, so we are excited that we will finally get to see them 'strut their stuff' on stage.  We will also have our own school Education Week assembly at the end of that week, where all children will be involved in some way or another, to help celebrate all that is wonderful about our little school and public education. 

Take care. Enjoy spending quality time with your children. See you all again on Tuesday, 21st July, when students return for Term 3.

Mrs B