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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Hello Swan Reach,
Thank you to our families and parent /carer groups for supporting our students. Your desire for the best education and wellbeing for your child(ren) is evident and demonstrated in the way that many of you regularly communicate their needs with SRAS, especially in times of adversity. The home and school partnership is a vital one to maximise education opportunities. We are on the same team and want the very best for our students and your child(ren).
SRAS acknowledges and thanks our parent groups who give a bit of extra support – Governing Council, Parents & Friends and Volunteers. Our governing council members regularly devote their time to attend and engage meaningfully at meetings twice each term. Their ideas and contributions to SRAS directions are welcomed and valued. The council was highly proactive and invested in their governance of SRAS this year – Thank you. Parents and Friends keep on keeping on, working in the background to continue reform and re-energise this long-standing committee. Other groups are our regular bus drivers and volunteers; who listen to reading (at home and school) , drive students to access VET education and sporting events, donate items and attend school functions – thank you, it is wonderful to have your ongoing support.
SITE IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES
Staff collaboratively and rigorously engaged at the recent Site Improvement Planning day, by undertaking deep analysis of data sets, to assess the impact of key teaching practices on our learning priorities. We then prioritised key strategies and actions that we’ll endeavour to embed into teaching and learning and student success in 2022 and beyond. Our 4 goals for 2022 are:
Goal 1 – Improve students’ reading oral Language (Preschool)
Goal 2 – Improve students’ reading achievements (R-2)
Goal 3 – Improve students’ Numeracy achievement (years 3-6)
Goal 4 – Improve students’ writing achievement (Years 7-12)
When the final plan is ready and operational by the beginning of 2022, a copy of the plan will be accessible on our webpage, along with a one-page family and student friendly version. SRAS encourages all families to review the plan and ask clarifying questions to have a good understanding of our key teaching and learning priorities. It is important to note that SRAS doesn’t solely teach these priorities – we will continue to cover all learning areas and curriculum content.
PRESENTATION NIGHT
We are keen to have all our families attend the upcoming Presentation Evening on Tuesday, 7th December 2021, starting at 6:30pm. We will revert to holding the evening in the gymnasium and hope the weather is comfortable for the audience and presenters. Regular ongoing COVID-19 safety practises will apply including: Social distancing, QR code check in and hand sanitiser, masks will be provided and recommended.
Mr John Robertson
Principal
COVID-19 UPDATE
The following letter is from the Department for Education to inform and update families about the recent COVID-19 direction for schools.
On November 16, the Commissioner of Police, acting in his role as the State Coordinator responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced the Emergency Management (Education and Early Childhood Settings Vaccination) (COVID-19) Direction 2021.
Under this Direction, COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all people who work or volunteer at our school and preschool, except those who have a medical exemption endorsed by the Chief Public Health Officer. This includes:
- All of our staff and contractors
- Anyone who visits our schools/preschool/children’s centre for work purposes
- Our Governing Council members
- All volunteers and parent helpers (people who assist with reading, camps, excursions, canteen, fundraising etc).
Under this Direction, all of the above-mentioned people must receive at least 1 dose of a Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) approved COVID-19 vaccination and a booking to receive a second dose by 11.59pm on 10 December 2021, which is the last day of term.
The Direction does not apply to students, parents dropping off or picking up children, attending parent teacher interviews, events or similar, as long as they are not working or volunteering at the event and COVID safe measures are followed.
More information about the Direction is available on The Department for Education website: education.sa.gov.au
Our number one priority is providing a safe environment for our students and for our staff, and this new measure aims to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
RESILIENCE
Psychologist, Andrew Fuller, describes resilience as 'the happy knack of being able to bungee jump through the pitfalls of life - to rise above adversity and obstacles.' https://www.greatexpectation.com.au › presenter › Andrew-Fuller. There is a lot of research and evidence done on the factors that build one’s resilience and factors that negatively impact on it. It seems there is a pattern (not always) that many, who have experienced lots of adversities and obstacles, somehow, are better able to cope – are more resilient. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can have significant impact on one’s resilience. The good news is that both are treatable and in most cases recovery is expected. With this week’s edition is an article on anxiety and the importance to be able to recognise its symptoms and some coping strategies. Needless to say that experiences of ongoing anxiety need to be referred to medical professionals. If you would like more information about any mental health concerns, talk to staff, who will assist you with resources and organisations or connect you with a member who can.
Everyone is invited to dress up in Christmas clothes on the last day of school, Friday 10th December, 2021.
The Swan Reach Area School Magazine highlights our activities and events over the past year. The magazines will be available after Presentation Night on Tuesday, 7th December. The magazines cost $20 each. Orders and payment can be directed to the front office.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS
MOBILE TELEPHONE
The library now has a mobile phone for communication. Please let me know if you would like to be included on the message list to receive notifications, holiday and opening hours etc.
The number is: 0460 366 067
COVID-19 DIGITAL PASSPORTS
Can't access your digital passport or load on your phone? The Community Library can scan your paperwork and reduce to credit card size for your wallet or purse. No charge.
Cora O'Shaughnessy will be selling cupcakes at recess time on the last day of school to raise funds for the RSPCA. $2 each.
Due date for the next Newsletter is 10:00am, Wednesday 8th December, 2021. The newsletter is distributed via the SZApp and school website. Printed copies are still available upon request.
Articles can be emailed to dl.0423.info@schools.sa.edu.au clearly marked in the subject box as Newsletter, faxed to 8570 2325 or delivered to the library/front office. Due to the way the Newsletter is now being set up, not all photos are included in the print copy, however there are several photo galleries included online and via the SZApp.
The Swan Reach Area School website is where you can find all the school information including the newsletter, forms and policies. Please visit https://swanrchas.sa.edu.au.
PLEASE NOTE ALL CALENDAR EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO COVID RESTRICTIONS AND MAY BE CANCELLED ACCORDINGLY. | ||
29 Nov - 3 Dec | Self Esteem Course. | |
2 December | Year 6 Graduation Dinner, Swan Reach Hotel 6pm. | |
3 December | Self Esteem dinner, Nildottie Hall. | |
3 December | Swan Reach/Cambrai Splash Dash (Primary Swimming) | |
6 -10 December | Student Activities Week. | |
7 December | Presentation Night in the Gym, 6:30pm. | |
10 December |
Christmas dressup. End of term assembly 1:30pm, early dismissal. |
PLEASE NOTE COVID RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY TO ALL
COMMUNITY EVENTS UNLESS ADVISED OTHERWISE.
Swan Reach Christian Women's Group invite you to join them for Bible study and fellowship each month. 11am, second Tuesday of the Month at the Swan Reach Lutheran Church Hall. BYO lunch. For more information please phone Taryn 0427 702 377 or Josie 0419 708 224. All welcome.