Lower Primary Coordinator’s Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to another year at IDC. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new students who have begun their schooling at Sirius College. This is a memorable occasion for the children and I hope that they and their families will be very happy at IDC.

We are delighted to have had such a positive start to the year. Our foundation students have settled well into their new routines and the year ones and twos are rising to our high expectations. Upon visiting the lower primary classrooms, I am very pleased to report that the school is very settled and the children have started back with very positive attitudes.

I would like to welcome Miss Vicky Tzourtzouklis, who is our newly appointed class 2B teacher, and we welcome back Mrs Gocke Alici who has returned from her maternity leave to teach class 1B. At the close of term one we sadly farewell Mrs Brianna Scaife and wish her the very best as she begins her new adventures inter-state. Our school will miss your kind and calm demeanour and your never-ending positivity.

As it’s the beginning of the year, this newsletter is a bumper issue. Before we delve into the housekeeping matters I would like to address two points:

• Thank you for your support in ensuring your child arrives at school on time and maintains excellent attendance over the course of the year. Recent research has shown that children must have an attendance rate of 96% or above in order to keep pace with the delivery of the curriculum at school. It is therefore imperative that every effort is made for children to be at school every day.
• Secondly, please read with your child each day. Whether you are sharing bedtime stories or listening to your child read their library books, it is imperative that your child has exposure to books and as much practise reading as possible.

Some information below will be more useful for our new parents, but can also serve as a reminder for more established families.

• Primary school starts at 8:50am and students are dismissed at 3:33 pm. For the safety of your child, please ensure your child/children are at school no earlier than 8:30 am, and that you arrive to collect your child/children before 3:45 pm. (The Tracey Terrace gate is open between 8:35-8:45 am and 3:30-3:45 pm).
• Students must complete and submit their homework by the due date. We kindly ask parents to please sign the homework booklet and record children’s nightly reading in their yellow reading log. Children must read aloud to an adult each night and we kindly ask parents to assist their children when they are completing their homework. Please see your classroom teacher if you have any queries.
• Healthy eating is a topical issue, and an increasing number of children have a range of intolerances/allergies at our school, as such, we ask that all packed lunches be nut-free and remind children that they are not permitted to share food or bring in sweets or cakes to celebrate their birthday. However, we do appreciate that it is important to the children that their special day is marked in some way, and so teachers will ensure birthdays are celebrated in class.
• Parents are reminded to please keep their child’s relevant medical details and action plans up to date. All asthma puffers, EpiPens, etc. need to be frequently updated and checked.
• Please ensure all clothing is labelled with your child’s name. Lost property can be found in the main office.
• Students are required to wear full school uniform. Sports uniform must be worn only on physical education days and excursions. Haircut reminder: Student haircuts must be neat, short and well groomed. Boys are not allowed to have faded lines or extreme hairstyles. Girls with long hair must tie their hair with discreet accessories of school colours. No large bows, clips or headbands are permitted.
• During term one and four, students must wear their hat during recess and lunch. Our school policy stipulates, “no hat no play,” and we uphold the safety and protection of all our students through these regulations.

Please contact me should you have any queries. Have a very safe and restful break.

Kind Regards,