问候大家, wènhòu , greetings, 

The year is off to a wonderful start. The children are settled, classes are well into a learning routine and everyone is happy despite the humidity and changeable weather.

Yesterday we had a lovely assembly where we celebrated and acknowledged those of our students who have Chinese heritage.  The student council shared some lovely insights into the Chinese New Year and why this is a special time for our Chinese families.

Board of Trustee Meetings

The start of the year is a busy time for the Board of Trustees as we confirm all our plans for the year.

Thank you to those families who have provided feedback in relation to the schools strategic goals for 2017.

Because there is so much to cover at this point in the year the Board of Trustees is holding 2 meetings next week.

Meeting 1: Tuesday 21st February - 6.30pm

This meeting will be focused on the reporting of student assessment data from 2016, and the Charter for 2017. The charter comprises the strategic goals, the annual action plan and the targets for the year.

Meeting 2: Thursday 23rd February - 6.30pm

This meeting will be focused on all the other business as usual items including finance, property, health and safety and policy review.

Parents are always welcome to attend Board of Trustee meetings as observers.  Any parent who wishes to address the board or have 'speaking rights' at a board meeting needs to first raise this with the board chairperson Andrew Cordner.

School Donations

Thank you to those families who have already paid their donation and school activity fee for 2017. Remember there is a discount if these items are paid before the end of term 1. Sarah will shortly be sending out statements to 'remind' you of what is owing and/or suggested as a donation.

Reminders

As the year gets underway there are a few reminders for parents

Year 1 & 2 children need to be collected at the end of the day from outside their classroom. Teachers will not release these children unless an adult or sensible older sibling comes to collect them. Please don't ask them to meet you on the road or at the playground.... it leaves them in a very vulnerable position is something unexpected happens and you are not there to meet them.

At assembly yesterday we reminded all students about our rules relating to bikes and scooters. There are 2 important things to know here:

1) If it has wheels - you need a helmet - that includes scooters. 

2) If it has wheels - you need to walk it through the school grounds at the start and end of the day. This is simply to avoid collisions.

And finally, PLEASE no parking in the staff carpark.  Our staff need to be able to get in and out of the carpark at all points in the day. It is distressing to find yourself blocked in, and not be able to find the 'driver' if you are needing to get away from school urgently.

Finally, thanks to the wonderful group of parents who are working hard behind the scenes to get plans and preparations for our 2017 Fair on the Hill underway. If you haven't yet given us your feedback about how the funds should be spent, you can do so here.

Have a wonderful week, 

亲切的问候, Qīnqiè de wènhòu, kind regards

Melinda Bennett

Principal.