Hello everyone,

The weather has improved since the last newsletter allowing the students to get out and explore our playgrounds. We are now using the new playground ASTON, which has lots of climbing apparatus including stepping stones, balance beams, cargo nets, ladders etc It is a great space to challenge our students in a safe environment.

The playgrounds have additionally had communication boards installed. These commissioned boards are all-weather and we worked with the Speech Pathologist to ensure we had captured relevant language based on need. We have installed the boards in various positions around the school to have shared ‘conversation points’.

Swim School has now concluded. The annual 2-week swim school, run by the Department of Education is always disruptive, it is always hard work- but it is also valued as a solid block of skill acquisition for our younger students. We continued to engage Wai, the Karonga AuSwim teacher paid for by the P&C, as this meant that they could have 5 students in the pool on a 1:1 in each session (9-11am) which made a big difference. I think it was good for him too to see how the department swim teachers promoted swimming/ water safety with Karonga students. (You can spot Wai in one of the photos wearing a green rashie).

The Canteen refurbishment is now complete and it is looking amazing. I will write more about it in the next edition of the newsletter when we have stocked it with various appliances, and it will be accompanied by photographs. It is great to have no building work going on and the hall is finally back in use for assemblies and as a play area when it is raining.

Several parents came to the P&C meeting on Wednesday evening this week. We talked about various projects and plans. The P&C can also make a zoom link available to anyone who would like to attend virtually and be more actively part of the school community.

Room 14 have been super busy during daily Literacy lessons.

We have been exploring Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone during guided reading while we learn the concepts of print. This learning has been further supported through guided writing and predictable chart writing.

We have even put ourselves in character. Titan and Sarah tried on the Sorting Hat while Sadev pretended to live under the stairs, just like Harry. We then used these photos as prompts for independent writing.

The students in Kindergarten to Year 6 have enjoyed taking part in Swim School for Weeks 2 and 3 of Term 2. The two weeks of 1:1 intense swimming have assisted all the students to develop their confidence and swimming skills. Although some of the students have tired as the week continued, their skills have blossomed and the smiles have said it all.

Many thanks to all the staff who have assisted myself, Wai and the teachers from Swim school to enable the program to run smoothly. It is with all your commitment that our students can flourish.

To all the students who have been part of the program, I am so proud how you all welcomed our swim school teachers and have generalised your swimming skills with new instructors. I can’t wait to see these skills develop further during class swimming.

Deb Whittaker

Meet Wai – Swimming instructor

Wai joined Karonga at the beginning of this term. He has previously worked onsite using the Karonga Swimming pool with other organisations for the past 13 years, so his face may be familiar to some of you.

The P&C are proud to fund a swimming instructor to ensure Karonga students learn about water safety and awareness.

I took the opportunity to get to know Wai.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am originally from Hong Kong and I have been working in the water for over 20 years. I have been a lifeguard, swim teacher and swim assessor. I speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese and previously interviewed for a podcast on SBS in Cantonese talking about water safety.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Sporty, Energetic and Passionate.

What is your favourite or most rewarding part of working at Karonga?

I get a lot of joy when I can see the impact and success of my work. For example, to see Karonga students who start-off cautiously around water, then learn to have their head in the water and have fun! I enjoy seeing them grow to understand water safety and to learn to breathe in the water.

Learning to swim is an important lifesaving skill that all of us should learn. I am so proud and happy to be a swim teacher for Karonga students.

What do you enjoy when you are not at work?

If the weather permits, I will spend more time by the water kayaking and surfing. I also enjoy playing basketball and running with my two lovely Chihuahuas. Gardening is another hobby as well.

If the recent drop in weather temperature has you thinking of ordering some winter school uniform items for your child, please find attached a copy of the Karonga School Uniform Shop Order Form.

Payment is made online and the completed form can either be sent into school with your child or emailed on karongapc@gmail.com.