10 February 2022

Principal's Report

Dear families,

After all the anticipation and uncertainty of what the start of the year would be like, I am pleased to inform the school community that yesterday was a special day, with students very happy to be back connecting with their friends and the staff.  The entire day was a great success, the highlight for me being when students were arriving, many accompanied by their parents, and the sense of community this created.  There were a number of staff that commented that this is why it was important that students were afforded the opportunity to commence the year with face to face learning.

As is the case every year, the staff have again expended considerable time and effort to prepare for the year ahead, but this needs even greater acknowledgement this year.  Our admin staff have been fielding phone calls and emails for many weeks, the school EFA’s have been required to take on additional responsibilities, and the teaching and support staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that every child returning for the 2022 school year will be highly supported in their learning and well-being.

Thank you again to the families who have notified the school if they have been impacted by COVID and that they are following Public Health advice.  This is so important as it ensures all our safety.  It is important to note though that presently very few families have been affected by COVID, and it is hoped that with careful management and cooperation of all members of the school community, there will be minimal impact on the school. Throughout term 1 we will continue to provide regular and updated information so that everyone can make informed decisions regarding their own and their family’s safety.  This information will be shared via the usual processes i.e., whole school emails, class SeeSaw accounts and the school’s Facebook page.  Please continue to monitor these communication channels, also don’t hesitate to contact the school if you need any assistance or support during the year, especially in the early days of this term.

I would like to welcome new families and staff to the Illawarra School Community.

Nick Donnelly

Principal

Calendar of Events

Book Club

Unfortunately at the end of last year there were some delivery issues with the final Book Club orders. If your child's order didn't arrive, please let the office know by the end of next week (Friday 18th February) so that we can follow up with Scholastic.

Issue 1 catalogues will be sent home with students next week, with orders due back by Friday 25th February.

Community Notices