17 Sep 2019
Dear families of Wollongong West,
End of Term
It is hard to believe that the term is coming to a rapid close. School holidays start on Saturday 28 September. Children return to school on Monday 14 October. Please note that there is no school development day to start term 4.
Student led conferences
Student led conferences will be held tomorrow from 3:15-5:15pm. At the conference, your child will facilitate a conversation with you where he/she will share class and individual learning goals, progress towards achieving them and what his/her next learning goals will be. You will have the opportunity to see what learning expectations are in place for your child, and to see how your child is progressing to meet those expectations. You will also have the opportunity to see your child’s classroom, look through their workbooks and see their work displayed. Other conferences for children will be occurring at the same time as your child’s conference. Teachers will be available to join this conversation that will be led by your child. We hope many families scan join is for this special afternoon.
P&C Colour Run
This Friday, our P&C will be holding a BBQ and colour run. All children must wear old mufti clothes to school on this day. Families are welcome to join us for these fun festivities from 2:30pm. We all have our fingers crossed that the weather improves!
Congratulations
I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the following members of our school community who recently received awards at the Wollongong Network Awards.
Rebecca McCabe
In 2019, Wollongong West Public School acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of early career teacher, Mrs Rebecca McCabe, for her contributions to student learning, wellbeing and engagement. Mrs McCabe displays exemplary care, empathy and understanding for all students, ensuring every child connects, succeeds and thrives. She provides differentiated learning experiences and curriculum adjustments to meet the diverse needs of all students in her class. She leads a weekly homework hub for children after school hours where she has sourced community volunteers to provide additional tuition for students at risk. Mrs Rebecca McCabe is an outstanding early career teacher, making valuable contributions to the lives of our children at Wollongong West Public School.
Kristy Bennis
In 2019, Wollongong West Public School acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of teacher, Mrs Kristy Bennis, for her contributions to student learning. Mrs Bennis plans and implements quality literacy and numeracy programs that are informed by evidence based decision making and strong pedagogy. Formative assessment strategies are expertly implemented to ensure differentiated learning experiences for every child. She implements engaging, inquiry based and future focused learning lessons. Mrs Bennis leads our school choir and dance troupe. In addition, Mrs Bennis is an exceptional L3 trainer who mentors and coaches teachers to be quality classroom practitioners both within and across schools. Mrs Bennis has demonstrated professionalism, dedication and vibrancy as a member of our school executive team in 2019.
Jenine Hickey
In 2019, Wollongong West Public School acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of Assistant Principal, Mrs Jenine Hickey, for her contributions as a valued member of the school executive team. Mrs Hickey readily balances her classroom teaching role, leadership of sporting initiatives both within and across schools and her executive responsibilities as a stage supervisor and mentor. As an Assistant Principal, Mrs Hickey rigorously leads her team to analyse data, plan collaboratively and critically reflect to ensure maximum attainment of learning outcomes for every child. She builds and sustains a culture of high expectations and unwavering support within her team. Mrs Hickey expertly mentors and coaches early career teachers, ensuring differentiated, targeted and relevant levels of support are in place. The principles of ethical and student centred decision making guide her actions at all times. Mrs Hickey is a passionate, dedicated and proactive teacher and leader of Wollongong West Public School.
Michelle Greer
In 2019, Wollongong West Public School acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of School Learning Support Officer, Mrs Michelle Greer. Mrs Greer enthusiastically supports students with diverse needs, ensuring all children are accessing a full, rich and equitable curriculum. She displays kindnness, compassion and empathy for all children in her care. Mrs Greer is learning AUSLAN to further support a child at our school with a hearing impairment and is also a valued member of our school choir. Mrs Greer is an active, passionate and dynamic member of our school community.
Lucy and Vince Carolan
In 2019, Wollongong West Public School acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of parents, Mrs Lucy Carolan and Mr Vince Carolan. Mr and Mrs Carolan are vibrant, active and passionate members of our school community. Each week, both parents spend many hours leading a team of students, teachers, parents and wider community members to care for our school permaculture garden. They lead garden initiatives such as planting, pruning and weeding. Mr and Mrs Carolan model the values of being active and informed global citizens, and readily demonstrate the importance of leading a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. In addition, Mrs Carolan is President of our P & C and both are active contributors to school community events.
A special mention must be made to Lucy and Vince who received further recognition for their contributions to our school by receiving the Director’s award.
I wish our entire community a wonderful Spring school holidays.
Kind regards,
Michelle Barnes
Principal