Another week has flown by and we are looking ahead to the end of term break. However, there is still a lot of time for learning, teaching and extra-curricular opportunities left in the final three weeks. The challenge will be that we are managing the different illnesses and absences that are impacting on the classroom. We are extremely grateful to our small supply of casuals who step into the classroom to make sure that learning continues  when staff are away and we appreciate that our students are so adaptable to the different faces they see in their class. Please be vigilant over the final weeks in monitoring the different viruses that are circulating at the moment and we encourage you to keep students at home if they are unwell. Hopefully this will minimize the spread of illnesses so that we might have a restful relaxing holiday in coming weeks.

Our wonderful Art teacher Mrs Anne Cooper has had to make a decision to finish up with our school at the end of the term for personal reasons. Mrs Cooper has been a wonderful asset on our staff and we appreciate all that she has given to our community. We are currently on the look out for a replacement and hope to have another wonderful staff member join us in the new term. However, we are very blessed to have the services and talents of Mrs Lauren Shoesmith who has joined us as our new Music teacher. She is also a wonderful addition to our staff and is keen to build a school choir and develop our students’ skills in this creative space.

Teachers are busy compiling the end of semester reports ready for release at the end of the term. Primary and Infants teachers have been busy making phones calls to connect with the parents about the progress that their child is making. There will also be opportunities for Parent/Teacher/Student interviews following the release of the reports. Stay tuned for the times and dates. Assessments are being completed across the school and these will be reflected in the report that will be uploaded to COMPASS. Please ensure that you have access to COMPASS so that you can read the reports. Please contact the Front office if you have any issues with logging into the COMPASS site. Also, a reminder around logging absentee notes. Any unexplained absences have been sent onto families. You are able to complete an absentee note in COMPASS without having to print it out and return to school.

Last week our Stage 3, Year 7 LOTE students and First Nations students recreated the Bimbadeen Walk for the girls of the Stolen Generation from the Railway Station. This was a wonderful initiative of our local AECG committee during Reconciliation Week. Our students were impressive in their respect and appreciation of the presentations at Bimbadeen. We will also be participating in the Cootamundra Community Cultural event on 28 June along with all the students of our town. This will be an opportunity to unite our students in recognising the First Nation community within Cootamundra. Thank you to Mrs Maher, Mrs Sannazarro and Mr Winsor for their energy in organizing these important and significant events. More details in coming weeks.

Please enjoy the long weekend and stay safe if you are travelling. Kindness never goes out of fashion. Try to spread some kindness over the coming weeks.

God Bless