Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to Term 4. As I mentioned to the students on Day 1. This is the last term of Kindy’s first year at school and Year 6’s last term of their last year at school. There are always so many emotions involved in the last term.
World Teachers’ Day
I’m sure that if you think back to your school days, you will remember at least one teacher who made a difference in your life. It may have been because they taught you to read, it may have been because they believed in you, it may have been because they were tough on you and didn’t let you get away with things.
I remember my Year 2 teacher who demanded good manners; my Year 4 teacher who helped me to learn my times tables and neat handwriting; my Year 5 teacher taught me how to play the guitar and my Year 6 teacher introduced me to poetry. In Year 10 my teacher taught me how to sew and cook which was a passion I pursued in my own time.
Teachers in our school do so much more than just teach a child to read and write. They teach them how to deal with setbacks, become resilient, how to use manners and organise themselves. For some students, they spend more time in a weekday with their teacher than they do with a parent. They are a big part of your child’s and your family’s life.
In reality, teachers have the most important job in the world. Those who have an impact on the children of society have the power to change lives.
Often, we take the role of a teacher for granted. Teachers nowadays are required to help children with social and emotional issues, friendship problems, family and learning challenges. We trust them with our children’s formative years.
I wish to thank the caring and compassionate staff here at St Gregory’s for all they do. They love the children in our school just as Jesus loved the little children. We are blessed to have such a wonderful staff who deserve to be recognised and acknowledged on this World Teachers’ Day and every day.
School Road Pick Up Changes
Thank you to all of our parents for your patience and acceptance of our new pick up changes. You will have noticed the No Stopping signs which have been installed as well as the line which indicates where to line up from in the afternoon. We are only 1 week into these changes and our pick up line is running smoothly. More parents are parking in the Overflow Carpark and many others have begun to pick their children up at about 3:10pm when the line has receded. You are all wonderful! Thank you.
Morning Drop off
I have noticed that many parents and children are arriving late in the mornings. Whilst I acknowledge that at times unexpected issues arise, it is always good to try to arrive at least 10 minutes before school starts.
Over the first week back at school, we have averaged 15 children arriving late every morning. This is disruptive to the child, the office and their class. If this becomes regular, I will make a call to the parents to see how we can assist you in arriving on time.
As the music begins in the morning, I notice some parents speeding up Kieran Geaney Drive and speeding through the drop off zone in order to get to the gates before the gates are locked. These are locked promptly at 8.30am as staff need to get to class.
As you arrive to the drop off zone, please move to the first space and fill up all gaps. Some parents are stopping in front of the office to let their child out and holding up the traffic behind, who are also waiting to drop children off.
I am looking forward to an eventful and exciting Term ahead.
Mrs Diana Ivancic