Macquarie Memo Issue 10 2023

News from the Deputy Principal

I can’t believe we are at the end of term 1 already. Time has certainly flown by, but also the growth in the students has been amazing to watch. I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break. The first day of term 2 is Monday 24 April, which is then followed by a public holiday for Anzac Day on the Tuesday. 

What a FABULOUS Cross Country Carnival we had last Friday. The weather was perfect, the students cheered loudly, ran fast and gave their all. Well done to Sean, Karen and Ben for organising such a smooth carnival for our students. Thank you to the parents, carers, family members and community who came to watch and cheer, it really encouraged everyone to push that bit faster. Congratulations to the students who will be invited to represent our school at the district carnival next term. Sean will have information about who those students are early next term.

This week we farewell Nicole Chapman, one of our current 3/4 class teachers, who is taking planned leave for the rest of this year. Nicole has been working at our school since 2020 in  kindergarten, 1/2 and 3/4 as an LSA and a teacher. We wish her all the best during her leave. Bek Graham and Cynan Brace have done a comprehensive hand over with Nicole and will be the Flame Robin teachers from term 2.

The next domain in our National School Improvement Tool is Domain 8 – Effective Pedagogical Practices. This domain focuses on ensuring the principal and school leaders recognise that highly effective teaching is the key to improving student learning throughout the school. School leaders encourage the use of research-based teaching practices in all classrooms to ensure that every student is engaged, challenged and learning successfully. Teachers use effective teaching methods, including explicit instruction, to maximise student learning. Teachers have opportunities to watch others teach, and have colleagues watch them teaching to gain valuable feedback on their classroom practice. 

See you all ready for term 2.

Stacey

Opening soon: 2024 school year enrolments

Enrolments for the 2024 school year for students transitioning schools or starting at a school open 6am on Wednesday 26 April. Families can apply online. Information about the school in your child’s Priority Enrolment Area can be found on the Education Directorate website. During the school holidays a list of school information sessions for prospective students will be published. Alternately you can visit school websites to find out more about your child’s new school.

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

News from the P&C

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

Volunteers needed! We need a volunteer once a fortnight on Monday mornings and a volunteer once a fortnight on Wednesday afternoons otherwise the shop will not be open 3 days per week every week in term 2. If you have half an hour to spare on these days please get in touch with the shop coordinators Liz and Julie uniforms.mps@gmail.com.

Notes / Reminders

All notes are available on our school website.

Community Notices

Contact Details