Hello Everyone,

It is wonderful to be back at school with things slowly and cautiously returning to a more normal way of doing business. Whilst it is still a parent choice to keep students at home, we are seeing most of the student body returning and it is wonderful to have the school full of students again. Strict cleaning regimes are still in operation and staff are still mindful of social distancing. In the meantime, we are still asking parents and visitors to keep off site. I am expecting an easing of some of these restrictions in the near future and will keep you updated as always.

I would like to acknowledge the huge amount of support we have received from parents during these difficult and unprecedented times. It has been heart-warming to receive the many messages of support and gifts for staff that parents/carers have given. Similarly, the outstanding contribution our staff made in the final weeks of term to ensure that online and hard copy packages of work were available to students was remarkable. Whilst this was a Departmental expectation of staff, the willingness and “can do” attitude that staff demonstrated was above and beyond. Sincere thanks to all.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

I am hopeful that we may be permitted to have a School Council meeting in the near future, and ask parents/carers and community members to consider being part of this group. In restriction free times, the Council meet once or twice a term at 4:00pm in the School Library. The Council have a real and valuable role and I have attached information on this to this newsletter. Please have a read and consider joining the group.

Having spent the last 15 years in the Kimberley, I am finding the cold weather a forgotten challenge! One of the things that I have noticed is the lack of heating in the Student Common Room. As a result, I have prepared a submission to the Department of Education to have some heating installed in this area. In these economic times I am not sure how successful we might be but I consider this a much needed improvement to our school, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Expressions of interest have been sent out to a number of local businesses and service clubs to see if there is any “appetite” to provide a lunch service to students and staff once a week. It would be wonderful if students and staff could have this option. I have asked that the pricing be kept reasonable and that healthy choices of hot and cold food be included on the menu, I remain hopeful that someone may be able to take up the challenge. Expressions of interest close in a couple of weeks so I will let everyone know the outcome.

We are currently seeking enrolments for Year 7, 2021. However, due to restrictions, we are sadly unable to offer a transition program or parent face to face tours/meetings, packages will be sent out to prospective Year 6’s in the near future. Bridgetown HS is a wonderful choice of school in your local community and I look forward to welcoming many new students and families to our school next year.

Until next time,

Mrs Thorsby