Dear Parents,
What a busy time of year! I am sure that the next three weeks will fly with so many additional activities happening. Please be reminded of the following schedule:-
01.12.09 – K-2 Christmas Assembly
02.12.09 – Combined Scripture Service
03.12.09 – Year 7 Orientation
07.12.09 – Academic Presentation Day
08.12.09 – Year 6 Farewell – Wests
10.12.09 – Preschool 2 Day Pres.
10.12.09 – Clayton Utz Excursion
11.12.09 – Sports Presentation
11.12.09 – Preschool 2 Day Party Day
14.12.09 – Year 6 Farewell
14.12.09 – Preschool 3 Day Pres.
15.12.09 – Preschool 3 Day Party
Please note that the last day of attendance for children is Wednesday, 16th December.
South West Sydney Pacific Islander Awards Presentation
Last Wednesday evening it was a pleasure and honour to be asked to present one of the prestigious Pacific Islander awards. The function, attended by hundreds of community members and dignitaries, was a warm, colourful and entertaining event. Many of our children and ex-students were present and performed – a point of great pride for us all.
Two of the major awards were won by our parents, Ms. Lynn Muaulu and Mr. Peter Elers. Their dedication and commitment to youth and the needy are clearly outstanding. I felt pleased and proud to know such talented and compassionate people.
We are enriched as a school when such people so generously share themselves with us.
Weekend Planning
Last weekend parents, teachers and other staff members worked hard to draft directions and plans for 2010. We are currently firming funding and will then prioritise if necessary. I sincerely thank all the staff for their participation especially in working to finalise evaluations and proposals. At this time of the year I realise that the commitment is even greater than usual.
‘Good Kids’ Excursion
What a pleasure it has been this year to accompany nearly 200 of the children to various locations.
Like all others, last Thursday was a great day! We watched Campbelltown Performing Arts final musical endeavour for the year and enjoyed talking to the actors/musicians afterwards. It was wonderful seeing so many of our ex-students, who now attend the school Thank you for coming with us Mrs. Suttie.
Mauricio Guerra
Mauricio was a student at our school twelve years ago and attended our special language class.
Clarice Maclou and I look forward to enjoying Mauricio’s final piano recital on Tuesday evening. Mauricio will then receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. We are very proud of his outstanding achievement.
Child Protection Services
From January 2010 there will be major changes to the way in which children are protected from forms of neglect and abuse.
‘Well Being’ units are being established by the various government directorates – health, social services, police and education। Principals have recently been briefed on the new procedures including the changes to legislation.
From January, reports of ‘significant harm’ only will be reported to DoCS and all others will go to the ‘Well Being’ unit of the DET. They will then assist families to access services and supports.
We hope there will be a great improvement.
Parliamentary Inquiry
You may recall that in June this year our teachers supported a presentation in Parliament House that called on the government to provide additional supports and resources for children with special needs.
Some of our efforts have been rewarded with the establishment of a Parliamentary Inquiry by the General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2 of the NSW Legislative Council. Once again our school will provide input.
We anticipate that the recommendations of such an inquiry will result in benefits for special needs children across NSW.
Congratulations to all the parents and teachers who supported our endeavours। What an outstanding result!
Canteen
Please note that the canteen will be closed after Monday, 14th December। Any outstanding accounts need to be settled before this date. Thank you.
Active After School Communities
Please note that the last day of activities for 2009 is this Thursday, 3rd December.
Kind regards.
Cheryl McBride OAM