Well what a wet July we had and my fingers are crossed that we will slowly see improving weather as we head towards our faction carnival later this year. The students and staff are busy practicing the events and perfecting their skills in preparation.

I would like to thank Mrs Butcher for her marvellous organisation of our NAIDOC celebrations last week. It is always a pleasure having Gina Williams amazing singing talents for our students to enjoy and the sand mural was stunning.

Congratulations to all the students that represented Arbor Grove PS at the recent Interschool Cross Country. The students showed great resilience and perseverance in very trying wet conditions. I would also like to thank Mr Williams and the teachers that supported the students on the day. Whilst we didn’t win I understand we were good sports and modelled the Arbor Values.

Teachers have begun preparing for our annual Open Night on Wednesday 25 August. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to show their parents / caregivers some of their amazing work.

I would like to remind all parents and students that the Nature Play and the Megatoy are out of bounds before school. Students arriving before 8.30am are to sit outside the library or with their parents outside their classroom.

We are, however, happy for any parents to stay until 3.30pm to supervise their children playing on the Megatoy. The Nature Play is out of bounds after school.

Unfortunately, the spectre of COVID remains and the school is reviewing its plans for any interruption that may occur to face to face schooling.

I can assure all families that Arbor Grove Primary School remains committed to the provision of ongoing teaching and learning programs, whilst acknowledging the social and emotional impact on children in the event of a COVID lockdown.

Our Guiding Principles for Remote Learning include;

• providing continuity of learning for students;
• identifying the best available resources to ensure the ongoing quality of learning;
• keeping students connected to their school, teachers connected to their students and the school connected to their communities;
• ensuring learning is available for all students (be it online or print versions);
• rationalising workload and supporting teachers to deliver in a new environment;
• ensuring conditions are in place for student engagement and wellbeing.

Once the school has finalised its plans and had these endorsed by the School Board we will make this information available to all parents.

Glen Purdy