Macquarie Memo Issue 9 2023

News from the Principal

I’m sure you have all read the letter about the appointment of Kristy Grant as Principal at Macquarie Primary School. I would like to personally congratulate Kristy and I know everyone will make her feel welcomed. She will officially start her role in term two. I will be taking up an opportunity elsewhere from the start of term two, Stacey will continue as Acting Deputy and Candice and Mariam will also continue in their roles. What a privilege it has been to be at Macquarie Primary School for the last 5 years. There have been so many highlights but some of the standout things were graduating the class of 2022, opening our very own school café, creating some beautiful outdoor learning spaces and seeing our learning data go from strength to strength. A huge thank you to you all, you have been an incredible community to work with and I have adored seeing your children grow and learn over the years. The future of Macquarie Primary School looks very bright and our community is lucky to have Kristy coming onboard.

We will be farewelling Ann Walker, our Business Manager at the end of term. Ann is taking leave from Education to explore job opportunities in the private sector. We are so grateful for the work you have done at MPS Ann. You have streamlined so many of our processes, you always have a smile and are one of the kindest and most organised people I know. Good luck on your new adventure.

In past newsletters we've been sharing information about School Review and the nine domains the staff have been delving into. This week I’d like to provide you with some information about domain 7 – differentiated teaching and learning. This domain is about the school placing a high priority on ensuring that, in day-to-day teaching, classroom teachers identify and address the learning needs of individual students. Teachers monitor the progress of individuals, identify learning difficulties and tailor classroom activities to levels of readiness and need. Teachers at MPS are experts in meeting the needs of individual students. In addition to the differentiation they provide in class and through the planning processes, we also have ILPs, PLPs, SPELD and intervention to support our students to maximise learning.

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Belconnen regional swimming on Tuesday. Sean and the students had a great day and as always our students represented the school beautifully showing the school values of integrity, persistence and excellence.

Tomorrow (Friday) all students will participate in the Cross Country Carnival. Children can wear their house colours for the carnival. Don’t forget to pack them a hat and drink bottle.

Have a nice week.

Jodie

Board News

Thank you to the members of the community who participated in the voting process for 2023 board members. The election process has now concluded and we can now inform that 2023 board members are as follows:

P&C member                     Leah Ashley

Parent member                Sander de Vries

Parent member                Jenny Coyne

Staff member                    Mariam Hijazi

Staff member                    Brooke Behan

Apply now for the Future of Education Equity Fund 2023

Apply now for the Future of Education Equity Fund for the 2023 school year. Eligible low-income ACT families can receive one-off payments for financial aid to help cover the costs of their children’s educational costs, such as sport equipment and activities, music lessons, school uniforms and excursions.

The Fund is open to eligible students enrolled in preschools that are attached to an ACT government school, through to Year 12 in the ACT. Further information and the online application form is available at https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families

Staying COVID Smart in 2023

Students, staff and visitors are reminded to:

• Stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19
• Stay up to date with your vaccinations
• Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene
• Physically distance from others when in public places

Individual schools may implement additional measures to manage COVID-19 if deemed necessary in a particular setting. Any changes will be communicated to parents and carers.

If your child has COVID-19, you must let the school know. We recommend keeping your child home for at least five days.

RATs are again available from the school for students in term 1 from the front office.

You can read more about how we are being COVID Smart in ACT public schools at https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/covid-school-arrangements

Library news

We have lots of books in the café – some for keeping (Book Swap shelf), some for reading in the mornings (general library books) and some available to read at home (Community resources). Please join our library if you would like to borrow anything for the holidays.

If you have any questions regarding Book Club, family borrowing or your child’s borrowing, please email me at pamela.gaukroger@ed.act.edu.au

News from the P&C

Class Parent Representatives Needed

The following classes still need class parent representatives: Eagles, Gliders, Koalas, Orchard Butterflies and Red Goshawks. Please contact classparentrepsmps@gmail.com to volunteer!

Breakfast Club

P&C run the Breakfast Club every Friday 8.30-8.55am at the GardenSide Cafe. All students are welcome to come & enjoy some toast and cereal.

We need more volunteers to help run the Breakfast Club! If you could help once a fortnight (or whenever you can!) please email bc.mpspandc@gmail.com.

P&C uniform shop

The P&C Uniform Shop is open Mondays 8:45am – 9:15am, Wednesdays 3:00pm – 3:30pm and Fridays 8:45am – 9:15am.

Orders for new uniform items can be placed via www.flexischools.com.au and will be sent home with students.

Donations of pre-loved uniform items are gratefully accepted during open times

In order to continue this valuable service to our school community 3 days per week every week we need a volunteer once a fortnight on Monday mornings and a volunteer once a fortnight on Wednesday afternoons. If you have half an hour to spare on these days please get in touch with Liz uniforms.mps@gmail.com.

Notes / Reminders

All notes are available on our school website.

Community Notices

Contact Details