Banksmeadow News

I hope everyone has survived the heat this week and been able to keep cool. Let's hope some cooler weather is coming soon!

Last Monday was our Swimming Carnival which was a wonderful opportunity for our new staff and families to witness the Banksmeadow Community Spirit. A parent commented to me that they thought of Banksmeadow as 'A country town in suburbia'. I really like that analogy and on Monday the level of community engagement was certainly on display. A huge thank you to all the parents for their assistance on the day. Events like this cannot run effectively without your support. Thank you to the staff on the day and especially Mr Murphy for his outstanding organisation. A big thank you to the students who were enthusiastic, willing to 'Have A Go' and very well behaved. Well done to all who participated in timed events, 25m races and novelty races. Congratulations to our event winners and to those who will be representing us at the Zone Carnival on the 27th February.

Our first P&C meeting will be held tonight at 7pm. I encourage you to come along. It is a good opportunity to learn more about the school and the many ways the P&C is able to support our students.

This week (week 4) class teachers will be conducting parent teacher interviews. It is a very important opportunity to share information about your child's learning. It is also a time to set goals for the year ahead. I strongly encourage you to attend.

Online bookings have now closed, however you can still make a booking by directly contacting your class teacher.

This year we have moved to a new roll marking application in line with LMBR. It is a good time for a reminder about procedures for student absences.

The most important thing to remember is to provide an explanation to your child's teacher within seven days of the first day of absence. This allows the teacher to mark the roll appropriately (sick ,leave etc). If there is no explanation after seven days a note will be sent home or the teacher may give you a quick call to remind you of this requirement. Please try to have these notes in as soon as possible as it eliminates the need for teacher follow up.

If you are leaving early or arriving late you must go to the office first. All late arrivals and early departures will be entered by the office and then a paper slip with the details will be given to the class teacher.

It is encouraged that family holidays are taken during school vacation periods however this is not always possible. If you are intending on taking an extended holiday (longer than 10 school days) you need to fill out a Leave Form which is available from the office.

A reminder to notify the school about your child's health details.

We welcome information from parents about your child's health, even if you are not requiring specific support from our school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child. It is also important to let the office staff know if your child's health care needs change or if a new health condition develops.

Documents for students with individual Health Care Plans have been sent home to individual families which need to be filled in and returned to the school office.

The Junior and Senior dance groups have now been selected and students were informed last week. Dance students will start rehearsals this week. Junior rehearsals are on Mondays and Seniors are on Tuesdays at lunchtimes. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing to dance in on your rehearsal day. Students are encouraged to wear something under their uniform so it is quick and easy to get ready for their lesson each week.

The school office will invoice families of their lesson payments.

Have a wonderful week!

Fiona Dixon

Principal