Deputy Principal Years 1 & 2

Thank You – Parent Teacher Interviews

We would like to extend a warm thank you to all parents and carers who attended our Parent Teacher Interviews on Monday, 1st September. These meetings are such an important part of building strong partnerships between home and school.

It was wonderful to see so many families take the time to meet with teachers, discuss student progress, and celebrate achievements. Your support and involvement play a vital role in your child’s learning journey, and we greatly value the opportunity to work together to ensure the best outcomes for every student.

Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to your child’s education.

Book Week Parade – Thursday 21 August

On Thursday, 21st August, our school came alive with colour, imagination, and creativity as students proudly took part in our much-loved Book Week Parade. This year’s theme inspired an incredible range of costumes, with children dressing up as their favourite book characters – from classic storybook heroes to modern-day favourites.

The effort put into the costumes was nothing short of spectacular. It was wonderful to see the pride on students’ faces as they paraded in front of their peers, teachers and families. From wizards and witches to adventurers, animals, and superheroes, the parade truly celebrated the joy of reading and storytelling.

Thank you to all families who supported their children in preparing for the day. Events like this highlight the strong sense of community we share and remind us of the magic books bring into our lives.

The Book Week Parade was a great success and an absolute highlight of the term. We are already looking forward to next year’s celebration of reading!

Celebrating Indigenous Literacy Week 2025: Strength In Our Stories

Date: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Theme: Strength In Our Stories: For Now & Future Generations

This Indigenous Literacy Week, we honour the voices, languages, and stories of First Nations peoples.

As part of our school’s celebration, Year 2B took meaningful action by participating in a book swap and collecting donated books to support Indigenous communities. Their thoughtful contributions reflect the spirit of this year’s theme—Strength In Our Stories—by helping ensure that all children have the opportunity to read, learn, and connect through story.

Their efforts not only promote literacy but also show how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Well done, Year 2B!

Father’s Day Celebrations a Big Hit!

Last week, our school celebrated Father’s Day with a fantastic stall and a fun BBQ on Wednesday. Students enjoyed picking out thoughtful gifts, and families came together for a delicious BBQ and great company.

A huge thank you to our amazing P&C team, parent volunteers, and staff for making both events so special. Your support helped create a warm and memorable celebration for our school community.

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful dads and father figures!

Term 4 Swimming Program – Year Prep, Year 1 & Year 3

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are thrilled to announce that our Term 4 swimming program for Year Prep, Year 1 and Year 3 students is just around the corner! This program at John Wallace Swim School Baringa is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop essential water safety skills, improve swimming technique and build confidence in and around the water. Classes will have specific days they will go swimming – please refer to the letter sent home. The program kicks off on Monday 03 November (week 5) and will be finished on Thursday 04 December (week 9).

Key Dates:

• Consent Forms Due: Monday, 27 October
  Please complete the online consent form by this date.
• Payment Due: Wednesday, 29 October
  The cost of the program is $55 per student.

What to Bring:

To ensure your child is fully prepared for each swimming session, please pack the following items:

• High togs
• High visibility rash shirt
• Goggles
• Thongs (flip-flops)
• Swimming cap
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof bag

Letters with full details have been sent home. We appreciate your support in helping students be ready and excited for this valuable learning experience.

Ride Smart, Stay Safe: Bike Safety Tips for Students

Riding your bike to school or around the neighbourhood is a fun way to stay active, help the environment, and enjoy the outdoors. But just like crossing the street or playing sports, it’s important to stay safe while cycling. Here are some easy tips to help you ride safely and confidently!

Gear Up Before You Go

Before you start pedalling, make sure you’re ready:

• Wear a helmet every time you ride. It protects your head if you fall.
• Use lights and reflectors if you’re riding early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Wear bright clothes so drivers and other riders can see you easily.
• Check your bike—make sure the brakes work and the tyres are pumped up.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Even though bikes are smaller than cars, riders still need to follow road rules:

• Stop at stop signs and traffic lights
• Stick to the paths- we have so many amazing tracks to keep kids safe around the Baringa area
• Use hand signals to show when you’re turning
• Look both ways before crossing streets or driveways

Be Alert and Aware

Always pay attention to what’s around you:

• Watch out for cars, pedestrians, and other bikes
• Don’t wear headphones while riding—you need to hear what’s going on
• Be extra careful near driveways and intersections

Keep Your Bike in Good Shape

A safe bike is a well-maintained bike! Check:

• Brakes to make sure they stop you quickly
• Tyres for air and wear
• Chain to make sure it’s clean and not rusty

Riding with Friends or Family?

If you’re riding with younger siblings or friends:

• Stick together and ride in a line
• Make sure everyone knows the rules
• Help each other stay safe and have fun

Online Safety Tip: Set Time Limits

Keeping kids safe online is more important than ever. Here are some simple tips for parents to help protect children while they explore the digital world:

• Talk openly about internet use and set clear rules.
• Use parental controls on devices and apps to manage screen time and content.
• Keep devices in shared spaces so online activity is visible.
• Teach kids not to share personal information like their full name, address, or school. Educate them about the dangers of online friends.
• Encourage respectful online behaviour and report any bullying or suspicious activity.
• Set time limits for use.