Dear families,

The school holidays yielded some new projects at Karonga. The 2-week closure afforded ‘Transport for NSW’ installers opportunity to fit the new road-crossing into the road in front of the Administration building. It is set to only be operational when activated (by pressing the button) and not to slow school traffic un-necessarily. We are planning to officially ‘open’ or mark the installation of the crossing later this term, and to officially thank the Epping Club for their generous donation as our main sponsor.

We additionally had some exterior painting work completed over the holidays which has helped to spruce up different parts of the school, and more recently the final 2 sunshades installed, helping to protect our students from the harsh Australian sun. These were installed over ASTON (the newest of our playgrounds) and over the southern end of CRAWFORD as the current one was not sufficient. This was funded through an application to the Epping Club in 2022.

The final project we completed over the recent school holidays was a sensory walkway outside the library. This walkway has had bars along one boundary for a long period of time, but the opportunity to have ‘stained glass’ (type) panels installed presented itself and we jumped at the chance. I think you will agree from the photographs that this has really lifted this dark space and given it a great sensory feel. We even have some classes using it to consider ‘shapes in our environment’ – so the fact that it can offer an educational benefit is even better.

My husband and I took Tess away to country NSW during the holidays and came across a house called ‘Karonga’. There was an impressive driveway leading to the home, but I regret now not approaching the property to ask why their home was called this. Perhaps I will have to return and discover if there is any connection.

Our Graduation, held last night – October 19^th- was a triumph. We had 2 of the 3 graduating students attend, along with four other students and their families/ carers. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening full of photo- journeys, photo opportunities and dancing. It really is a special occasion, and one we hope other senior students will support in the coming years. We had fifty people attend the event at the Epping Club, with the Karonga community coming together to celebrate this transition time. Students were individually applauded as they entered the event room where they presented red roses to their mothers. We enjoyed a 2-course meal, concluding with cake cutting as the dessert. Speeches made by family members and the P&C were so emotionally delivered, and the slide-show on the big screens were evidence of the Karonga journey the graduates have enjoyed.

Next years’ Graduation is planned for October 24^th, so if your child is moving to Year 12 in 2024, or is in years 10 or 11, make a note of the date now!

We are excited to announce that our school will be transitioning to an upgraded School Bytes finance system very soon!

In preparation for the transition to a simplified finance system for both you and the school, we will be required to implement a short payment lockout period where we will not be able to receive any online or EFTPOS payments.

What this means for you:

• No payments can be made online or via EFTPOS until Friday 27^th October 2023 (next Friday)
• Any existing payment links that have been sent to you previously in emails can still be used after the transition and will automatically redirect to the new system
• After the transition, a School Bytes portal will be available for you to register and begin via the Karonga School website and the ‘make a payment’ button
• All previous payments made will be migrated to the new School Bytes finance system and portal.

We are very pleased to welcome Arik to Room 1. Although he has only been with us for one week, he is already bonding with students and staff. 

Room1 students have been very busy implementing a school wide recycling program. Students collect organic waste and empty containers for recycling.

William R, Oras and Sidney are very keen participants. 

Organic waste is collected from each classroom every day and placed into compost bins. Students deliver wash and return waste containers. We have been surprised at how much organic waste is collected each day. 

Students also collect empty recyclable containers, such as juice boxes, water bottles and juice boxes. We wash, sort and bag the containers and take to a local Return and Earn centre for redemption. William R and Anita are particularly focused during this activity. Last week a member of the public was redeeming his recyclables at the same time as us. He was so impressed with our students, that he gave us his redemption vouchers. 

Room 1 have been practicing life skills such as vacuuming, using a battery drill and folding clothes. Om is very handy with a vacuum. 

Until next time,

Megan, Sandya and Peter. 

It's now Term 4, and we are getting closer to the end of the year. It's a great time to reflect on our student's achievements and celebrate their successes. In Room 6, we had a significant focus on enhancing our communication and social skills, and I'm proud to say that our students have made great progress in this regard. For instance, Suzi and Massa have started greeting their friends and teachers during the afternoon circle. Additionally, Louisa and Geonwoo have demonstrated a positive attitude towards communicating their needs and wants by vocalising phrases such as "help me" and "I go".

Amongst Room 6 students, Messenger, Flag hosting, and distribution of notes are some of their favourite jobs.  

As part of an integrated unit of work, “I Love My Earth," Room 6 students will create an environment awareness poster highlighting the 3Rs (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse). David and Massa are doing their part to recycle organic waste using a compost bin.

Furthermore, Room 6 students participate in a road safety drill using the traffic light installed at the school's front gate.

Dipti & Sujung

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