Welcome Back to School 2012

Welcome back to the 2012 school year. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and that your year has started well. This year is our first as an independent public school. The IPS initiative has already benefited the school through the various staff selection processes that we have been able to complete. We welcome the following staff to our school in 2012: • Mr Ian Ralph (Deputy Principal) – Ian will be focussing on supporting staff to utilise ICT (computers etc) so as to enhance teaching and learning opportunities for students • Mrs Julie Growden (ESL Support Teacher) – Julie will be working with many of our students who have English as a second language. Julie has also volunteered to be our school Promotions Officer • Miss Carrie Bradley (Year 5/6 Teacher) – Carrie is replacing Ms McQueen who has won a placement at Meekathara District High School as Deputy Principal • Mrs Gurdeep Dhaliwal (Education Assistant) – Gurdeep will be providing support to teachers and students with need in the school • Mrs Donnelle Stevenson (School Officer) – Donnelle will be working one day per week to support our office staff with new work that is required as an independent public school Last week, on one of the School Development Days, School Board members worked with our staff as we developed a draft Business Plan. This plan will shape the direction we take as a school over the next three years. We thank our School Board members for taking time off work to contribute to this important planning session. Parents and community members are a valued part of our school community. One way that you can contribute actively to the life of our school is through participation in our Parents and Citizens group (P&C). This group plays an important role in supporting our school through fundraising, running the school canteen, managing start of year book/equipment orders and through the running of the uniform shop (as well many other things). I encourage all parents or carers to become a member of our P&C and to join us at the first meeting which is next Wednesday at 7.00pm in the staffroom. At Tuart Hill Primary School we recognise that communication between home and school is essential. Our newsletter is one communication tool that we use to let you know what is happening. We also send home notes and flyers. ICT that we utilise include: • School Website: http://www.tuarthillps.wa.edu.au • Schools Online: http://centoff-wdw1.int.det.wa.edu.au/schoolprofile/home.do (type school name in search box) • Principal’s Blog http://mbevan.blogspot.com.au and Twitter “@Mister_Bevan” • SMS: Please make sure we have your current mobile number • Email: All staff have email addresses and are usually happy to contact parents using this tool Parents are encouraged to stay in contact with their child’s teacher throughout the year. Problems, issues or concerns are usually resolved quickly when communication is regular, open and clear. We love to hear ideas and suggestions and will always accept praise or thanks for the work that we do. As I tell the students, we are like a big extended family so we need to relate well to each other even when we may disagree. I am looking forward to another great year and wish everyone all the very best for 2012.