Newsletter 8 - Term 2 - Week 4 - 2022

From the Principal

I hope that all mums, nannas, aunties and other special ladies in the lives of our students had an amazing Mothers’ Day last Sunday. I know there was lots of excitement throughout the school as so many students shared their special thoughts and prepared some small items as gifts to take home.

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through this term. The recent long weekends have certainly contributed to, what seems like, a busier start to the term as we get ready for some important calendar dates.

Last Saturday was the culmination of many weeks of planning and work from a wonderful group of ladies as they prepared for the school’s Mothers’ Day Markets at the Town Oval. A report of the Markets will appear elsewhere in this Newsletter. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the huge list of people who contributed so much to the success of the day. The weather was terrific, the setting was the “best” but, most of all, the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of so many people made sure it was a great financial success and an enjoyable social experience. Thank you to everyone who supported the day and to all the other stall holders who so generously donated to the school.

This week, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 undertook the national NAPLAN assessment program. I know that the practice sessions went well before the holidays, and we eagerly await the results of the “real tests” which will be available later in the year. Next week gives us the opportunity to provide “catch-up” session for students who were away this week.

The position of Principal of Alyangula Area School has been advertised. The closing date for applications has now passed and our Senior Director, Mr Stuart Dwyer, will undertake a selection process with representatives of our school, and Department of Education. On Tuesday, our Student Representative Council had an important meeting with Mr Dwyer as they shared with him their thoughts on what they felt are important characteristics of a school leader. I know that the school community will be looking forward to hearing the selection outcome – the new principal is expected to take up the position from the commencement of semester 2 (July).

Graham Grady has been our Maintenance Officer since the beginning of 2021. He has been an invaluable member of staff who was our morning and afternoon bus driver as well as all-round handyman and maintenance guru. Graham and his partner have chosen to move interstate and his last day for us was yesterday (Thursday). We will miss Graham very much and will have some temporary replacement measures in place for the next few weeks. We wish Graham all the best and thank him for the great work he has done for our school.

On Thursday, 16 June, we shall be having our School Athletics Carnival. Notes for this event will be sent home shortly. As I am aware that we have many new families with us since the last carnival, it is important to let everyone know well in advance that the format of the day is quite different to the usual school day. I believe this arrangement has been in place for quite a few years and is in response to feedback received from families. The field events will be held at the school between 8.15am and 12.30pm. All students will then be dismissed from school to go home (or to other care arrangements). However, students will then return to the Alyangula Town Oval at 4.00pm ready to start their track events at 4.15pm. This should conclude with Presentations at approximately 7.00pm. A barbecue and drinks will be available for purchase during the evening at the Town Oval. I know that the organisers are also hoping that anyone who might have some spare time on the day could assist with some of the running of the events (especially in the Early Childhood program).  It sounds like it will be another busy but enjoyable day and I hope as many families as possible will be able to attend.

The Fred Hollows Foundation is currently celebrating Year 6 students who are making a positive difference in their community through the Fred Hollows Humanity Award. The award recognises Year 6 students who show kindness, compassion and integrity in their everyday lives, just as Fred did. Since 2012, the award has celebrated more than 200 students throughout Australia. Our school intends to participate in the program but we have also been asked to encourage parents to nominate students at www.hollows.org/humanityaward. Nominations close at 11.59pm on Friday 22 July. All nominees will receive a certificate and be recognised in a ceremony later in the year.

The Aust Govt has asked schools to promote and encourage the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines by children. In addition to supporting children to receive first doses, they also want to remind children and parents that some may now be due for their second dose – which is available 8 weeks after the first. Currently two vaccines are available – Pfizer for 5-11 year olds and Moderna for 6-11 year olds. These vaccines have been through a rigorous testing and approval process and the COVID team stresses to parents that they are a safe vaccine. The Vaccine Clinic Finder can be used to book a vaccination appointment for children, and more resources are available on the Department of Health website at: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated/children 

Finally, congratulations to all the merit award winners who were presented with their certificates at assembly this morning. It is always great to hear the many different strengths that our students display every day.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Bert

Acting Principal

Preschool - a visit from Bush Medijina

Hello Bush Medijina laides, 

We would like to share with you some of the things we have been making at Preschool. We like to collect flowers, leaves and seeds from the garden and crush them in the mortar and pestle. We add water and some spices- cloves and cinnamon. Mix it all up with lemon grass, strain it into a jug and pour into spray bottles.

We would love to learn about the things you make and how you do it. 

We are looking forward to meeting you.

From Preschool 😊

A visit from Bush Medijina 5 May 2022

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Preschool were thrilled to have the ladies from Bush Medijina visit us. Preschool wrote the ladies a letter to let them know about their play. The ladies showed us the products they amdke and how to use them. We all received a gift of 'calm balm' from the ladies. 

Alyangula Senior Choir

Alyangula Senior Choir- Darwin trip, to perform at the BEAT festival.
Would like to win a $300 Intimo lingerie voucher? A great present for your mother, or needing a wardrobe update for yourself?
Please purchase one of our Alyangula Area Senior Choir raffle tickets, $30.00 each! 100 tix available in total. Winner will be drawn after all tix are sold.
You can easily purchase online by depositing into my bank account and i'll send you your ticket online!
Tickets are also available at the following places over the next 2 weeks.

              Alyangula Area School front desk
              The Aly Golf club on Thursday night
              The ARC on Friday night
              In front of the Alyangula Supermarket on Saturday morning.

Please support our kids !

Thank you!

Peta Bartley

Mother's Day Markets

Last Saturday we held the Mother's Day Markets at the Town Oval, we are very appreciative to everyone who help in the planning, organisation & running of the AAS stalls on the day and to all the stall holders who attended to make the markets even bigger and better. 

A great big THANK YOU to Nuna Promsu, Hannah Hearne & CWA Groote Eylandt for their generous donations to the school. Also Bellinda Hocking who hand made and donated the lovely Mother's Day keyrings.

Our students are the true winners - with the funds going directly back to them. 

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