Welcome to Term 1, Week 1, 2021

Welcome to all of our families both new and returning to the College for the 2021 school year. Starting school can be both exciting and daunting for many students. Whilst school is a safe place it is also a place of routine, constant learning and high social interaction. Please be aware that when your child returns home each afternoon, they may need some time to unwind or process all that has happened in the day before they are willing to talk. Going for a walk or swim and sharing a snack is a great way to allow your child to settle into the afternoon.

Welcome also to Mr Chad Sneyd who will be teaching Year 6 this year. Mr Sneyd is a keen sportsman and has taught at the College over the past two years. We are excited to welcome him to our Primary team.

New start time Primary school day begins @ 8:45am

At the conclusion of 2020 it was decided to change the start time for Primary School to be more in line with the Secondary School. This change of time will mean the school day for both Primary and Secondary will begin at 8:45am. This will also allow for a 15 minute exercise and Crunch and Sip time during the day to increase the physical activity for our students during the day.

COVID Restrictions

Last week the Principal emailed out the most recent COVID restrictions for schools. Please ensure you read carefully the different information about this throughout the year. Some points pertinent to Primary include:

Students suffering any symptoms such as "fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste, loss of smell" should be COVID tested and may not return to school until the school has sighted the negative test result.
Parents are still not permitted on site unless visiting the Uniform Shop or the office. For those with children starting in K-2 this year, you may take them up to the classroom or meeting point on the first day, but we prefer they are dropped off at the bottom of the hill near the MPC after that. Social distancing must be maintained while dropping off or picking up students each day.
Parents or adult volunteers helping with essential school activities such as religious activities, specialist support or services and essential curriculum activities may enter the school property after signing in at the College office.

New Car Park / Kiss and Drop

Whist it was our intention to begin the new school year with the use of the new Kiss and Drop area for students in K-2, we are still awaiting final Council approval to use this infrastructure. We will continue to keep you informed and would like to thank you for your ongoing patience.

New students and Kindergarten Students for 2021

I would like to welcome the 40 plus new Years 1-6 students, along with the youngest members of our College community, the 58 Kindergarten students and their families to GPCC. We feel so very blessed to be able to share with each of you in the education of your students. We hope that you feel welcome and a part of our wonderful community.

Meet the Teacher Night – Tuesday 2 February – Two sessions

“Meet the Teacher Night” is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers and to hear about the structure, routines and events specific to your childs grade that have been planned for this year. We are planning to hold these sessions on Tuesday Week 2, providing we are permitted to meet together.

This year, if permission is given to meet together on site, there will be two sessions for Primary “Meet the Teacher Night”. Grades will meet all together 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. For your diary the times and sessions are indicated below. Please note more correspondence around location and restrictions will be provided once the newest guidelines are released.

K,1,2 classes will meet at 5:30pm - 6:20pm

Years 3,4,5,6 classes will meet 6:30pm - 7:20pm

Swimming Carnival – Years 2,3,4,5,6 - Friday 5 February at Mingara Aquatic Centre

Notes regarding events and bus will be emailed out to you over the course of this week.