Newsletter - 27 October 2022
From the Principal
Hello Families
Welcome back to Term 4. This is a very busy term, as we plan celebrations and events to showcase our students’ learning. Please keep your eyes on our social media platforms and this Newsletter for updates about events occurring in the school.
Back River Road Crossing: We have had reports that some parents are dropping off their children very close to our School Crossing on Back River Road. This has led to some students crossing Back River Road adjacent to, but not on, the crossing as well as hampering visibility for traffic. This is dangerous for other students, our crossing guard and the students involved. Please park cars no closer than 10 metres away from the school crossing at drop off and pick up times.
Pokemon cards: A reminder that Pokemon cards are not allowed at school. This includes before and after school times, while students are still on school property. There have been some incidents when students have “traded” cards after school while on school grounds and the resulting misunderstandings are distressing for all students involved. Thank you for your support with keeping Pokemon cards at home.
2023 Classes: A letter went home to families earlier this week seeking your feedback and input about class placements for 2023. Please return these letters by Friday 28th October.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns, questions or ideas to share.
Best wishes,
Michelle Waldock
Acting Principal
Changes to Covid-19 Isolation
Changes came in on 14 October across Australia removing mandatory isolation for COVID positive people. Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to stay at home.
- All people need to be well to attend a school site.
- Staff with COVID-19 can work in a school as long as they have no symptoms and wear a face mask indoors for 7 days.
- Staff who have COVID-19 must not work in a Support School or provide direct support to students medically vulnerable to COVID-19 for 7 days.
- Students with COVID can attend school if they are well and secondary students should wear a face mask indoors for 7 days.
Prep/1 Judges Halloween Art
Prep/1 Judges have been looking at celebrations in HaSS. Even though not everyone celebrates it we have been looking at Halloween. We have had fun this week making our classroom spooky. We have been making ghosts, spiders, bats and jack-o’-lanterns to decorate it.
5/6 Dance Class
The Grade 5/6’s thoroughly enjoyed their dance workshop ran by Annalisa from Footsteps! They learnt a dance in stages and at the end performed it altogether. There were lots of big smiles 😊
Cuppa with a Cop
Nurse Beck
Check in with your school nurse if you are unsure about this information or have any concerns.
Check in with your Doctor:
It is important to have a local Doctor – this is often very difficult in New Norfolk. After a certain time, the General Practice can take patients off the books so check in with your local Doctors surgery and make sure their patient list is up to date.
Book in an appointment for your grade 6 child and get an age-appropriate screen and to reconnect your child with their doctor. An ongoing relationship will make it easier to notice any issues that arise later and address any emotional, developmental, or social adolescent concerns. An appointment will help maintain good health and is an opportunity to review current health habits with your doctor, discuss immunisations, nutrition and activity, family history and provide advice on long term health.
Dentist:
There is a free dentist in town. The Oral Health service located on Circle Street offers a free dental service for all children with a Medicare card. Every year the time just gets away – get in early and book in a dental appointment call 6165 4885.
The grade sixes are about to grow – some of them a lot - it is good to make sure their teeth grow with them.
Optometrist:
To learn at school, you need your eyes to be in good shape – and with phones and tablets and laptops there is a lot of stress on the eyes.
Vision tests can be conducted locally – and can be bulked billed at the local Eyelines in High Street. Call (03) 6261 4270. Ask them about Department of Education free frames scheme.
There are many other optometrists available in local suburbs choose one that is right for your family and get your grade 6 checked before High School.
Hearing:
By now if your child has hearing concerns, you would have noticed. But if something pops up before high school you can do a free hearing test online with the App Sound Scouts https://www.soundscouts.com/au/
Or speak with your local GP or school nurse.
Sleep:
Sometimes setting a new sleep routine takes practice and some time – having a good routine is useful and will take time – before high school starts be sure to reflect upon you sleep patterns and work to improved them if needed. Not enough sleep can lead to moodiness and poor concentration. Give yourself the best start to high school.
- 11 - 13 year olds need between 9 and 11 hours a night.
- 14 - 17 year olds need between 8 and 10 hours a night.