This week I spoke to the students about the importance using the gifts and abilities that God has given us. Each of us have strengths and areas for growth. It is not only important to use these strengths but also to celebrate these gifts and talents in others as they excel. We are encouraging a growth mindset and the development of perseverance in our students as they continue along the road of a life long learner.

In Colossians 3:23 it says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord.”

With our swimming carnival drawing closer and lots of representative sports starting up it is so important that we remember these key areas that demonstrate good sportsmanship.

• Act courteously and treat others with kindness
• Do not lose your cool even when things do not go your way
• Be a team player and help others have opportunities to succeed
• Encourage your teammates
• Acknowledge and applaud good plays, even when it’s your opponent that makes them
• Listen to and follow the directions of the coach
• Respect the officials – they are there to help and guide us

Swimming Carnival - Mingara

Our Years 3 - 6 Swimming Carnival is on Friday of this week and I look forward to seeing many parents and families there to support our students as they and compete in races.  Please ensure your student has returned their permission note to the College office.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nathan Lambert for all the work he has put into organising what I believe will be a fantastic day of community and celebration at the pool.

• Please ensure that your child has their name marked off when they arrive at the pool and then when they leave.
• Our swimming carnival is part of our school day.  If any children need to leave early, they must have their name marked off and this will be counted as a partial absence.

School Banking - Children can bring their school banking in on Thursday rather than Friday this week, due to the Primary School Swimming Carnival.

Meet the Teacher Night

This year there will be two sessions for Meet the Teacher Night. Classes will meet altogether as a grade in one of the grade classrooms and teachers will take time to explain the routines and expectations of the year ahead. This is also an important time for you to connect with other parents in your child’s class and build community.  Please note this is not a time for parent interviews as these will be held later in the term.

• K, 1, 2 classes will meet at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
• 3, 4, 5, 6 classes will meet 7:20pm - 8:05pm

Pick Up Zones

Please be mindful of others in this busy time of year in our pickup zones.  There are many students moving about our campus and we also must allow for the movement of traffic and busses.  Parents are reminded not to park in the bus bay and to ensure they are not blocking access to the College for other drivers.

Chapel and Assemblies

Each week on a Wednesday at 2:30pm the Primary School holds Chapel or an  assembly. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the MPC for these exciting times of community together.  This year grades will be presenting their assemblies together.  These will be held on alternate weeks to Chapel and class teachers will notify you of when your child’s grade is conducting the assembly. Assemblies are a time when we will be showcasing the teaching and learning that is occurring in your child’s grade.

Every alternate week we will be holding Chapel. This will be a time of worship and a short devotional talk.  Head of School awards will still be given out each week and you will be notified if your child is being presented with a Head of School Award at one of our Chapel services or an award at our Afternoon Assemblies.

Uniforms

Thank you to parents for supporting the College in upholding our Uniform Policy.  Can I please remind all students that no earrings other than plain studs or sleepers are to be worn and boys are not permitted to wear earrings to school.

Parent Partnership Interviews

On Tuesday 18 February the Primary School will be holding their Parent Teacher Partnership Evening.  This is an excellent time for you to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss with them any particular learning needs or areas of support your child might need throughout the year.

Please go to the Parent Lounge on TASSWeb for details on how to make your appointment.  The interviews will run from 3:30pm for Year 3; and 4:00pm to 8:30pm for the remainder of the grades. The bookings will be open to parents on Tuesday 11 February at 9:00am. You may access your account with your family number.  If you have difficulty accessing the bookings, please call the College office.