Hello families and carers. Welcome to the first of the 2021 fortnightly newsletters.

Parents are welcome to enter school now, as restrictions around COVID are changing. In entering the building however, you would need to register on the Service NSW QR code, and fill in necessary paperwork. If you are running late, or don’t want to do this then continue to wait at the gate or door and school staff will assist you.

Although Karonga has never held a Post-School Expo, other SSP schools have trialed offering them to inform their school community and we have decided to trial this in 2021. It will be held next Monday February 8^th. We have 6 local providers attending and speaking at the expo, as well as the Transition Officer. We are opening it up to all senior students (Y7-Y12). Please complete the expression of interest to attend, as, if significant numbers plan on attending, we will have to consider additional COVID compliance measures.

We have 2 events planned for parents on Wednesday February 17^th. :

-  At 4.30pm in the PL room (opposite Maxi’s playground) staff will be available to explain the PLP process to parents as well as any questions about the curriculum. We are responding to parents who requested more information about these matters, in a 2020 survey.

-  At 5.30pm parents are invited to attend classrooms to meet the 2021 staff, learn about the class timetable and gain an understanding of class rules and expectations.

Once timetables have been put together by teachers, and teachers believe they can accommodate external therapists, submissions to the LaST can go ahead and external therapists may start attending school from 12 noon -2pm.

The main playground has finally had its makeover and the students are able to fully access this space. Take a look at the photographs on our Facebook page as well as in this newsletter.

Warm Regards, Ruth Rogers

We were all very sad to learn of Matilda’s passing last weekend. The funeral was held today. It had limited capacity, but Karonga was represented by several staff and parents, and also attended virtually by staff who could zoom in from a quiet room at school.

Matilda visited Karonga School in 2016, and joined us in 2017 as a Kindergarten student. Her very first teacher was Mel Currey, and her very first report said “When in good health, Matilda is an eager learner and will willingly attempt all her tasks with enthusiasm.” What a terrific comment to read about any youngster.

Mel went on to be Matilda’s teacher again in 2018, and has remained a significant part of Matilda’s life ever since.

Our thoughts are with Matilda’s family as they adjust to being a family without her, but she will always be remembered at Karonga School. At an appropriate time, we will invite her family back to Karonga to recognise her time with us, in a more permanent way.

Hello and welcome to all the new kindergarden children in Room 7. We have had an exciting start to the year especially as it is our first year at school.

We have been exploring Karonga by walking around the school. Enjoying looking at and playing in the different areas of the school. Even finding chickens along the way.

Issa and Hayley enjoyed experimenting with different types of instruments during their music session. 

We are learning to play with our new friends, sit with the class and learning the school rules.

While George has been finding the written words for the days of the week, Heba and Farhan were learning to take turns with a sensory toy.

We like going out to Maxi’s, using the different equipment especially the` roundabout. Noah enjoyed walking around, looking at the different equipment. 

Lowenna and Anna

Term 1 is a busy term for PDHPE with our cricket and swimming programs.

Karonga has been given the opportunity to participate in the Sporting Schools Cricket Program run by NSW Cricket in conjunction with the Woolworths Cricket Blast Program. This is an exciting four-week program which is running on a Wednesday from Week 2 until Week 5 (3/2/2021 to 24/2/2021).

This program has been developed to provide our students with opportunities to develop a variety of skills including batting, catching, throwing and participating in a team. This week we focused on taking part in a new program and adjusting to the new routine and structure. For some of the students today was the first time that they had experienced cricket and the beautiful smiles and laughter clearly indicated the fun that was had by all.

Swimming will commence at the beginning of Week 4 (15/2/2021). Class teachers will inform parents / carers as to the day that your child is rostered to swim.

Deb W.

Students have been enjoying our new playground.

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