This week we held our first Transition Day for our Term 3 intake of Reception students. Eight children joined us for their first taste of what 'big school' is really like. While these children were spending time in the Reception classes their parents spent time together with Rita Campbell and myself to learn about what school means for them as parents. For most parents this was quite easy as they already have older children at school. We are not really given 'lessons' on how to raise children or about how to prepare for school. For some families this was their youngest child, their 'baby', and that can be daunting too. For transition and for starting school there are usually tears … and sometimes the children cry too! It is an emotional time for families and we try to make it as simple and pain free as possible. We welcome our new families and thank them for choosing Tenison Woods Catholic Primary School for their children's primary education. We look forward to working with them over the next 7 years.
You may have noticed the 'Advertisement' for our school if you have stopped at a red light on the corner of Sir Donald Bradman Drive and Marion Road. TWCS is a delightful school but it is hidden away and many people don't realise that this little gem is here. Along with the fliers that people have so generously placed into letterboxes in our local area, this advertising might raise our profile further. Thank you again to those who have supported us with the letter drop.
We held our first 'open' P&F Meeting this week since COVID19 hit. It was a great opportunity for me to meet, listen to and get to know a few more parents from our school, (even though we only had a small turn out). Please remember that all parents, through enrolling their children in our school, are automatically members of our Parents and Friends Committee. Some parents can attend meetings, others can help out on the barbeque, and some can cover books. No matter how often, you are able to help, we at TWCS value your support and your children gain a great deal from it.
Teachers are currently working on Student Reports to provide a summary of the achievements and effort of each child in their class. These reports are a follow up to the telephone conversations that teachers had with parents a couple of weeks ago. Remember that because of COVID19 the learning has been a little different and this may have a slight impact on reports. While our teachers did an amazing job with the COVID19 upheaval and adapting to flexible learning, it is still not quite the same as face to face teaching. In addition some students were away from school for varying amounts of time from one week to six weeks, making it more difficult to gather the usual number of assessment tasks. It is always good to keep things in perspective.
Thank you for the way you helped your children "dress down" into their PJs for our Vinnies drive this week. It is these sorts of days that children remember most: when I went to school in my PJs, when I was this character for Book Week, or when we did this in the school concert. They don't necessarily remember when they learnt to add, or write, or paint. This is one reason why it is important that we have events or moments to celebrate. It provides us with great memories. An even better reason though on this occasion is that we were raising money for those who are less fortunate that ourselves. Thank you for your generosity and helping your child(ren) have some fun today.
Cheers
Peter Mercer
Principal