Dear families,

We wish our families moving on from Ngunnawal Primary School all the best with their new schools. We especially acknowledge those of you who have been apart of our school community from preschool and now have children transitioning to high school settings. We hope all of you have a restful break and look forward to reconnecting with everyone returning to NPS next year. 

Here is a snapshot of some of the great things we were able to do throughout the year.

Thank You Volunteers!

It has been a difficult year for volunteers to be involved in the school and we look forward to opening the doors in the future. A big thank you to Sarah, Bruce, Chantel, Rochelle, Steven C, Gabriella, Stephen T, Karen and Nadean who have represented our community in positions on our P and C and School Board in 2021. You all do an amazing job and are brilliant to work with. 

Reports 2021

On Friday last week all families should have received end of semester reports for 2021. We congratulate all students for their many achievements despite the challenges of 2021. If you have not received these please check your junk folder and then contact the front office. 

Classes 2022

Yesterday every student received a note with a photo of their new teacher for 2022 and classroom location. We have an amazing team ready for a fantastic year of learning in 2022. 

Yarning Circle

Over the past few weekends the construction of the Yarning Circle was completed. Our students have been making use of the space during break times. We look forward to sharing this space with our community in 2022. 

Return Dates 2022

Beginning of Week Preschool - Monday 31 January

Kindergarten - Monday 31 January

Year 1 to 6 - Tuesday 1 February

End of Week Preschool - Thursday 3 February

What will school look like in 2022?

The return of on campus learning this year included a range of COVID safe measures undertaken in schools, including:

• Limiting on-site visitors to essential visitors only and continuing our current policy of mandatory use of the Check In Canberra app for all adults
• Cohorting of classes or year groups to minimise the impact of any COVID positive cases on whole school communities and assist contact tracing efforts
• Improved ventilation measures including the provision of Indoor Air Quality Plans for all public schools
• Mandatory vaccination for all staff working in education settings where there are students under 12 years of age
• Other practical measures including students being encouraged to remain seated during class, staggering the use of common social spaces including playgrounds, canteens and school libraries and using outdoor learning spaces where possible
• Wearing of masks in indoor spaces for people 12 years and over

All of these measures will remain in place for the beginning of 2022. This means we will be adjusting our Day 1 procedures.

K-2 Pencil Cases

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are asking all families to add a pencil case to the book pack so we can minimise the sharing of resources in the early years next year. Pencil cases have been included in year 3 to 6 book packs. 

Day 1 Preschool and Kindergarten Staggered Starts

Families will be given a time for arrival between 8.45am and 10 am with a small number of other families at the same time. Teachers will meet students and parents outside. Parents will say goodbyes outside, and teachers will take the children in to settle them. There will be additional staff in the classrooms to support children.  If your child is having difficulty separating our staff will support you and some parents may need to stay a bit longer to settle their children.

Year 1 to Year 6

We would like to continue the great work our families are doing at present with saying goodbyes outside of the gates. When students arrive they should go to the designated area below and remain in this area. This allows us to maintain our cohorting. If your child is having difficulty separating our staff will support you and some parents may need to stay a bit longer to settle their children.

For new students and families, we will have friendly staff available at the front office to take you to classes.

All K-6 families will have the opportunity to have virtual check ins with teachers in week 4 in place of our Get to Know You Chats. 

Regular Pick Up and Drop Off

Kindergarten

Teachers will bring Kindergarten classes to the front of the school at 2:50pm. We ask that parents on foot wait on the grass area next to the preschool building and your child will be sent to you or assisted to the car in the pickup zone. 

Preschool – Wanganeen Ave

We encourage our families to use the Wanganeen Avenue entrance to avoid walking through our K-6 students at the front of the school.

Preschool Drop Off

A staff member will be at the gates from 8.45am to 9.45am to enable you to stagger your arrival. We ask that one adult brings your child to the gate. Educators will meet children at the gate and take them to the playground where other Educators will provide supervision. Say your goodbyes before the children enter through the gate. We know some children will struggle with transitioning back to school, our friendly staff will support you if needed. Please remember to social distance and wear a mask at the gate

Preschool Pick Up

Please use the Wanganeen Avenue entrance to avoid walking through K-6 students in front of the admin building. In the afternoon we are asking for our adults to wait outside the gate remembering to social distance. When a staff member identifies you at the gate your child’s teacher will send your child out to you. Please leave the area immediately.

Classes will move to the playground near the gate to enable families to stagger their arrival.

Staff will continue to provide supervision if families can’t make the earlier than usual pickup time. All children should be collected at 3pm if not before as usual.

New Families in K-6 2022

We will be offering new families an opportunity to view the school and meet teachers on Tuesday 25 January at 2pm. Please rsvp to info@ngunnawalps.act.edu.au.

Get to Know You Chats for Preschool Families 2022

Below you will find the link to booking a 15-minute chat with your child's preschool teacher. The chats are scheduled for January, the week prior to students starting preschool.

Beginning of week classes will be scheduled on 25 January and end of week classes on 27 January. Preschoolers are welcome to come along with you to see their classrooms and meet their teacher.

Please refer to the information pack for your child’s class name and teacher. Information packs were posted at the end of last week. Contact the school next week if you still haven’t received yours.

https://ngunnawalps.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/12

In person meetings will have the following COVID safety requirements:

• facemasks
• social distancing
• hygiene practises upon arrival
• Check-in CBR app sign in
• Please reschedule if you or a family member are unwell

Virtual meetings will also be accommodated if this suites your family’s needs. Please book a time and contact the school if you would like your meeting to be virtual.

Families will receive an email with an updated version of these procedures at the end of January. 

Rebecca Turner

Principal