Filter Content
Welcome back to Term 2 to all of our school community families.
This term is already shaping up to be a both busy and challenging one. Our students in Years 7 and 9 have been completing the NAPLAN tests this week and this will continue on into next week. We understand that some students may find NAPLAN testing a little stressful. As parents, you can support your child by ensuring that they have a nutritious meal and a good night’s rest prior to the test. On the morning of the test make sure your child has a good “brain food” breakfast and provide some top up snacks for them during the day. Most importantly, let you child know that NAPLAN is one test, and whilst we want them to do their best, the results are not necessarily a true indication of their ability but it is an important indicator for the school on how we are tracking………. But the world will continue with or without NAPLAN results. We wish our students all the best during this test window.
COVID 19 is continuing to be a problem for us. We are seeing daily case numbers rise not just across our state, but here in our community and hence the school. Can I please remind parents to be aware of the guidelines around if your child tests positive or if you have a close contact within the family? The information has been attached to this newsletter for you to refer to.
Students can be away for a number of reasons and we know that COVID 19 is impacting on attendance rates. A student registers an “Unauthorised” absence when we do not receive notification from a parent or caregiver about why the student is away. This can happen in advance, on the day or in response to the automated text messages that get sent to parents when we have no explanation for the absence. Currently, the percentages of “Unauthorised” absences for each year group is:
Yr 7 – 27%
Yr 8 – 39%
Yr 9 - 28%
Yr 10 – 41%
Ideally, we would really like to see these numbers reduced but can only do this with your help. Please do your best to let us know why your student is away either by email, text or a phone call so we can reduce these disturbingly high numbers.
We expect to receive our allocation of 20 free RAT tests per student in the very near future. These will be available for parents to collect from the school when they arrive. When this happens, we will be in touch by text message.
This year for the first time in a number of years, the school will be celebrating NAIDOC Week. Students across a number of classes will participate in NAIDOC activities that aim to raise awareness of Aboriginal culture. The week will culminate with a visit to the new exhibition created by elder, Sandra Hill, at the Balingup Packing Shed. Many thanks to the Bridgetown Greenbushes Shire for providing a free bus so our year 10’s can attend. Please let us know if you would like more information or feel that you might like to contribute in some way to the week’s activities.
Concerns have been raised by a parent this week, on the potentially harmful and inappropriate use by some students of spray can deodorants. Parents are asked to be vigilant at home and monitor student bags and activities concerning deodorant. Please note – we much prefer students to use a roll on product for school use.
As the cooler, wet weather is upon us, I would like to draw your attention to the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This challenge requires students from Year’s 1 – 10 to read 12 books between now and September. Reading increases your child’s vocabulary, general knowledge and general literary skills and what could be better during the cold weather, than sitting in a cosy spot reading a great book? There are some wonderful prizes for the whole family to be won – the information is attached so go ahead and sign up.
All the best,
Mrs C. A Thorsby
Principal
Bridgetown Family & Community Centre EOI
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from parents or carers interested in attending ADHD workshops with Susan Hughes. Please see the attached flyers with all of the details.
We would be looking to book Susan in for 3 weekly workshops, approx. 3-4 hours in length. Preferably on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in June.
If this is something of interest and would benefit you, please get in touch and we can discuss your availability and preferred times. We will need 8-10 participants to be able to book this program.
Thank you
Jo Moore
Centre Management
Bridgetown Family & Community Centre
08 97612139
36 Steere Street, Bridgetown WA 6255
PO Box 260, Bridgetown WA 6255