Classes
Currently we are making final adjustments to the class arrangements for 2020. I would like to thank the teaching staff for their careful considerations and knowledge in this process. Staff have arranged the classes to ensure that friendships are retained and an equal spread of academic, male female ratio was considered. Can I remind everyone that all class arrangements are temporary until after the 8th day of the school year in 2020. I am pleased to share that we will be running with 19 classes next year and there will be only one composite class. We have approximately 60 prep students going into three straight prep classes. This confidence from the community is a great indicator of our reputation to deliver a quality introduction to formal learning. A reminder that on the last day of the Student Free Days in 2020 Friday 24 January 8:30am -10:30am we will be providing an opportunity for all families to drop off school supplies to classrooms, talk to teachers, meet the admin team, specialist staff and have a “sizzling sausage”. A great informal morning to make connections and an idea to take the stress out of the first day of school on the following Monday. We will promote this event over the remainder of the term in the newsletter and Facebook page.

Farewell Mr Evans (But… Not Goodbye)
Can I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful, kind and friendly Deputy Principal Mr Wayne for his commitment and service to the school, staff and students over the course of term 3 and term 4 this year. I have truly appreciated his enthusiasm and kind nature with all members of our community. Wayne has decided to “hang up the boots” but in an exciting development, has purchased a house and is retiring to Bowen. I am looking forward to seeing Wayne in our school in 2020 in a relief capacity. I believe his purchase of a boat may impact on this on occasions. Thank you Wayne and good luck on the next chapter travelling and sightseeing around this great country.

Strategic direction
Over this last few weeks the leadership team have been compiling the evidence collected by staff of our data to suggest the direction for the school in 2020. We have come to the conclusion that there will be three areas we will focus on:

1. Quality teaching and learning Literacy: Reading and Writing
2. Quality teaching and learning STEM Science Technology Engineering Maths: Application of Knowledge and skills
3. Strong relationships

These key areas will drive the key work through the support of our school leaders to ensure all our staff have the “capacity building” and “professional learning” to improve our data and outcomes for students.

Looking forward to sharing more great news stories for the fortnight. Until then have a great couple of weeks.

What I Believe in
Hard Work   |   Honesty   |   Transparency