When we put together the virtual tour of Karonga for Education Week earlier in the term, the Department of Education put a shout-out to any schools who may have used this option, to submit a short version to be shared. The DoE were inundated with virtual tours, but in week 9 our 2-minute version went live- and went viral. By the end of the first day we had more than 10,000 views, 36 shares and 50 comments. That number now sits at 36,000 views and 48 shares. Of the 78 comments, many have reflected ex-families and ex-staff who are proud of their association with us, as well as state-wide interest in our facilities.

We are humbled that for a little school of 72 students 36,000+ views have really put our school on the map and showcased the great teaching and learning programs.

Epping Club executive members visited the school on Monday September 21^st, to present us with a cheque for $57,000. Our amazing partners asked what was on our wish list and we have been looking to provide an improved sensory space for our students with high support needs. They will use the new Courtyard revamp for their breaktimes, but it is a space that all of Karonga can access and will have a musical theme. Currently in production are chimes, drums, glockenspiel and a sensory maze. We are hopeful that this equipment will be fitted during term 4, and can not wait to share it with the students.

The Berg bike has been the latest edition to our bike track. We have long awaited the provision of a larger bike shed for storage of some significant purchases, and the Berg bike has hit the mark. For those students who do not currently have the capacity to cycle, this bike represents an opportunity to feel movement and to share the experience with others.

2021 is the start of a new plan for all NSW public schools. It used to be called the School Plan, but will now be called the SIP: the School Improvement Plan. It is a four-year plan, and for Karonga has arrived just as we have concluded External Validation and additionally asked the panel who viewed our school, to suggest ‘future directions’. The executive is currently working on this document which will be shared and added to by all staff before being approved by our Director and then loaded onto our school website.

We are very keen to learn from our families what you would like us to consider or focus on in our new plan. We have put together a survey which is going out to gauge what you believe we could do better, or in deed, what we could or should consider us focusing on, that you value. This is your opportunity for your voice to be heard, so check your emails please and complete the google form over the holidays.

It is with sadness that we say 'goodbye' to Sarah Tan our office manager. She has worked at Karonga for many years  (she remains vague about exactly how many- wise lady) and with 5 different Principals. Covid afforded her the opportunity to re-evaluate life, and focus on her health and wellbeing, and to retire. She came into school this morning to say farewell and to receive some parting gifts from all the staff. We wish her well as she starts the next chapter in her life.

In Sarah's absence, Jenny Evans, the Administration Manager from Epping Heights Public School has agreed to work at Karonga School for one year. Please make her feel welcome next time you visit the school, or phone us and she answers the phone

Warm Regards, Ruth Rogers

Throughout this term the students in Room 1 have been studying the topic: First Inhabitants of Australia.  We have used visual arts activities to learn about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people.

Mandy  (Room 1 SLSO) is of Aboriginal descent.  She is from the Quandamooka Yulaburrabee tribe on North Stradbroke Island. Mandy has led the students through a range of activities including dot painting and weaving.  We have also learned some words and numbers in Jandai.

In Literature we have reading stories from the Dreamtime and completing activities around these stories.  We have had so much fun.

Here is some of our work!

From Karen and Mandy

Term 3 has been busy for all of us in Room 6 as we dived headfirst into lots of fun and interesting learning experiences.

Room 6 have loved getting back into the pool in Term 3. The big smiles on the faces of all our students after a swimming session is a testament to the quality of our Swim School program. Bavan and Hannah have both showed great enthusiasm in developing their independent swimming skills.

Room 6 have been exploring and experimenting with forces in our science program, including magnetism and gravity. Gordon and Sharon showed fantastic understanding when using magnets to identify magnetic and non-magnetic objects around the classroom.

In HSIE we have been learning about the Industrial Revolution and some of the key inventions that we use in day-to-day life. We created our own telephone using a hose and funnels, which the students used to great effect. Omar even used it to converse with students from Room 5!

As this term comes to an end, we are all looking forward to the holidays before coming back to Karonga in Term 4 ready to get stuck in to more great learning.

From Liam and Craig

This Term, our school will be participating in the Partners in Learning parent survey, another part of the Tell Them From Me suite of surveys (student, teacher and parent surveys) on student engagement. The survey asks parents and carers questions about different factors that are known to impact on student wellbeing and engagement.

Running this survey will help our school understand parents’ and carers’ perspectives on their child’s experience at school. These include: communication between parents/carers and staff, activities and practices at home and parent/carer views on the school's support of learning and behaviour. This valuable feedback will help our school make practical improvements. 

The survey is conducted entirely online on smartphones, iPads, tablets, laptops or computers. The survey will typically take 15 minutes or less to complete and is completely confidential. The parent survey will be conducted over Term 3 and early Term 4. Although participating in the survey is entirely voluntary, your responses are very much appreciated.

To access the survey for our school go to: http://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/5670karonga

The survey is available in 23 languages.

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au. ​

Deputy Principal - Instructional Leader / Assistant Principal (R) - Special Education

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