Principal News
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to Term 4. I hope you all had a restful holiday break. It is hard to imagine that we are approaching the last part of the school year. Only 9 weeks in duration, it is already shaping up to be a very busy term. I really enjoy this part of the year where we can reflect on the year to date and marvel on the academic, emotional and spiritual development of each child in the school. Term 4 also signals the final term of Primary School for our Year 6 classes. This class has had to endure COVID restrictions for many of the ‘normal events’ that take place for them in their final year and I look forward, together with their teachers Mrs Harlen and Mrs Ward, in finishing off the school year in an enthusiastic and positive manner. Please keep our Year 6 classes in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.
As we commence this term, let us keep a firm focus on the importance of children attending school each day for the full day. The message is clear in the research Report: Every Day Counts. Being late for school or missing parts of the day soon adds up over time. This is a useful summary highlighting just how significant it is when a child is absent from school 1 or 2 days a week, or when they miss a smaller portion each day.
I would hope by increasing awareness about the importance of children being at school on a consistent basis, we would be able to increase our attendance data for the remainder of this year and in future years to come. Of note, when reviewing the late passes to school, we consistently have a high proportion of children not ready to start the school day at 8:30am. It would be wonderful to see a reduction in this area. As the data in the table above indicates, 10 minutes a day certainly adds up over a child’s life time at school.
2021 ENROLMENTS
Our numbers for next year are looking extremely healthy. With additional classes we still have enrolment places available in Yr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. If you know of anyone considering St Saviour’s Primary School for their child’s schooling future please let them know to email Madonna Sleba on: ssps@twb.catholic.edu.au
STAFF UPDATE
Unfortunately, Mrs Melinda Harkins, will not be able to return at this point in time to teaching Year 3H as she is still recovering from a significant break to her right arm which continues to cause issues. Melinda is extremely appreciative of the warm messages of care and concern. It is unlikely that she will return for Term 4 at all. We will know more in early November after her next visit with her surgeon. Please continue to keep Melinda in your prayers.
Mrs Jennifer Moore (Year 1 teacher) has given notice that she will not be returning to St Saviour’s Primary School in 2021. Jen and her family will be moving to the Sunshine Coast. Jen has been with us for the past two years and we thank her for her contribution to the teaching and learning of the children. We will farewell her later in the term at the end of year mass and wish Jen all the best for the future.
Over the holiday period, we interviewed for a new position here in 2021 for a Curriculum Middle Leader. This person will be responsible for leading and supporting teachers in teaching and learning. Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office has increased our allocation of hours to further enhance and support the high quality of education delivered by our teachers. Much of the role will be working alongside teachers in the classrooms modelling and coaching in the areas of literacy and numeracy. I am pleased to announce that Miss Nicarla Prentice will be joining the staff in 2021 as our Curriculum Middle Leader. Miss Prentice has previously been the Middle Leader at St Thomas More’s Primary School, Toowoomba, has eleven years teaching experience and is familiar with the expectations and role she will take on here at St Saviour’s Primary School. I congratulate Nicki on her appointment in joining the SSPS Leadership Team and look forward to welcoming her to our school early next year.
Combined P & F and School Board Meeting
This meeting will be held on Monday 12th October at 5:15p.m. in the meeting room beside the library. We will be discussing moving to a Parent Partnership Forum for 2021. All are welcome to attend.
Recently the Catholic School Parents Australia Toolkit – Gearing up for parent Engagement in Student Learning – has been updated with case studies.
The toolkit has been developed for families and schools to help make the transition into primary and secondary school a great experience for children and young people.
This information will assist the unique relationship between parent and child to flourish into a meaningful partnership between home and school towards improving the learning and wellbeing of students.
Minister Tehan launched this addition to the toolkit and the media release is attached.
Minister’s video launching the toolkit is here https://www.parentengagementcspa.edu.au/website-search?s=tehan
The case studies are a series of short videos and vignettes to share Parent Engagement experiences of Principals and parents.
They are from State, Catholic and Independent schools.
I draw your attention to this worthwhile website as we begin discussions around the Parent Partnership Forum for 2021.
The resources can be found at https://www.parentengagementcspa.edu.au/
2021 School Fees Schedule:
The following link outlines the 2021 School Fee schedule discussed and approved by the SSPS School Board. Please read carefully. The 2021 Direct Debit Request Form is located at the back of this file and it would be appreciated if this form could be returned the school office early this term for processing.
SSP106_2021_Schedule_of_Fees.pdf
Thanks for reading...
Madonna Sleba
Principal