Well, we have reached the last week of Term 2. It seems to have flown by and although we wanted a calm and normal term we have again been plagued by student and staff absences due to illness.  Covid is still around but of course all the usual colds and flu viruses have struck. I had a bad case of bronchitis for 10 days so managed to keep a lot of others company.

The winter break is a longer one for students. Staff return for a week of training and preparation and attend a state-wide conference day up at Charlton Christian College in Toronto. You will be aware that one politician wants the school day changed and lengthened to support working parents. As a Principal, I don’t disagree that the length of the day makes it a real challenge when two parents are working especially if you work far from home and school.

However, children and teenagers don’t have the same capacity that adults have for a longer work day. We could certainly fill the later afternoon with alternative activities which would be a little like all students going to after-school care but staffing that and funding that is a significant issue for all schools. Teachers have marking and preparation and meetings to attend after school so it is simplistic to think that they will provide the supervision. I remain open to ideas about what we can do to support working parents so feel free to send in your suggestions to: (principal@gpcc.nsw.edu.au)

This week we have students performing in our school production of 'Camp Rock - the Musical'. I hope you have bought a ticket, and a lot of Primary students practising for the Wakakirri Festival. If you are unfamiliar with this storytelling through dance, follow this link:  https://wakakirri.com. Thanks to Mrs McKeown in particular for leading this initiative.

I trust that in spite of your work commitments, you may be able to find time to spend with your children this term break. Family time is vital in helping to grow strong adults. The team at GPCC and I look forward to working with you again in Term 3.

Phillip Nash