5
Monday 9 March Welcome to week 7. Another busy week has gone by and we are now heading towards the end of the term. School Photos Our students had their first school photos in the new school uniform taken last week. It was amazing to see so many students wearing the new uniform and how fantastic they looked. It appears 75% of our school has now adopted the new uniform. Staff Training Many of our teachers took the opportunity to train in the latest technology last week. It is important that staff stay up- to-date in the latest technology trends in teaching. Some of the topics included Google Classroom, virtual reality and augmented reality. AECG Meeting Westport Public School is privileged to be hosting the local AECG Meeting in our school library this Wednesday. The AECG is an advocate for Aboriginal Education across the Hastings and does a fantastic job supporting our wonderful Aboriginal families and students. Hand Washing We are focusing on improving the effectiveness of hand washing and good hygiene practices across the school. Posters and handwash are provided to each classroom and students are encouraged to wash their hands before they leave the room, as they enter and when attending the toilet. The best defence against any infection is good hygiene and I encourage all families to reinforce this at home. Mosquitoes It is clear that we currently have an issue in our local environment with Mosquitos. This is common in all areas of Port Macquarie. We are taking all common-sense measures that we can to reduce the impact on students. We are also trying to keep the grass low where we can, minimise collection of water puddles and keeping gutters clear and clean. Please be aware and proactive by applying insect repellent to your children before school. Schools across the Hasting network are also experiencing the same issue. As a network, we consistently consult with our asset’s teams and work health safety officers to gain further insight and recommendations for matters such as these. Parent / visitor code of conduct At no time is it acceptable to behave in an aggressive or threatening way to staff. Whether interaction is in person or over the phone, respectful communication is essential. Unacceptable and offensive behaviour has no place in our school community. We talk to students everyday about what is OK and what is not OK. As adults this should be something that we all model high expectations for. The table below helps to clarify a code of behaviour that will help all of us to work together to get the very best outcomes for your children. Tony Johnston Principal What is ok What is not ok Having a concern and contacting the school to discuss the problem with the class teacher. Coming to the school office or the classroom and demanding to talk to someone straight away. Making a time to talk through an issue with a staff member when you are calm and in effective control. Yelling at or abusing any staff member, either over the phone or in person. Talking calmly and respectfully to staff. Swearing at any staff member in any situation, at any school event. Use of social media to contact the school respectfully. Making public negative or defamatory comments on social media. Making a mutually convenient time to meet with your child’s teacher by contacting the school office. Expecting to talk to the class teacher in the morning while students are entering the classroom. Visiting the classroom at an agreed time to view your child’s learning environment. Entering the classroom when the teacher is not present. Contacting a staff member of the school via the school contact number or email. Contacting staff members regarding a school issue directly through either their personal mobile number or direct email unless you have been specifically invited to. Making an appointment with the Principal, Deputy Principal or Assistant Principal to discuss an issue and reporting to the front office prior to entering office areas. Coming to the school and bypassing the office to enter one of the office areas. Being concerned about an incident that your child has been involved with and informing the school. Approaching another child to reprimand them. Volunteering or helping in the classroom etc and signing on in the front office. Not signing in at the office when volunteering or helping in the classroom
