Bookweek

It was a most exciting week at Avondale Grammar School with the launch of bookweek (with the theme of Book Safari). The children enjoyed a plethora of wonderful educational activities from dramatic performances and writing workshops from an entertaining outside author (Roger Jenkins), to book sales in the library, to a visit from the mobile library (with an excellent arrangement of literature for the classrooms and suitable for the different grades) to finally a creative dress up on the Friday. It was tremendous to see so many children purchasing a choice of fiction and non-fiction texts from the book sales and to also hear the lively discussions amongst them on their favourite books.  I would like to wholeheartedly thank Ms Hand, Mrs King (with the support of the Library leaders) and of course all the teachers for doing such a superb job in organizing the many activities for the children and in helping promote and create a culture of reading within the school. Developing a love of reading books is something that we aim to instill within each and every child at Avondale and is an integral part of lifelong learning.

With bookweek occurring this week, here are some simple suggestions in helping your children with reading at home.

Do you spend fun times sharing reading with your child?
Children love stories and love hearing and reading them over and over again.

Before you share reading the book

Talk about the front cover, title and any illustrations.
Discuss any information or illustrations on the back cover.
Talk about the books illustrations. You can talk about their purpose and appeal.
Ask about who might enjoy reading the book.

While you and your child are reading

Listen to your child read aloud in English and in your home language.
Talk about any part of the book your child does not understand.
Discuss the meaning of any difficult words and try and use them in future conversations.

After reading together

Talk about what your child enjoyed in the book, didn’t enjoy or didn’t understand and why.
Ask your child to retell an exciting or meaningful event in the story.
Encourage your child to read anywhere and anytime. Find great Literacy ideas at:  http://www.nlnw.nsw.edu.au.au/kids.htm

After School Protocol

I would just like to remind everyone of the importance of after school protocol with children.

If children are participating in an ECA/Enrichment activity they are to meet in the school canteen at 3pm for a roll call from either Ms Hand (Deputy Head) or Ms Vernon (K to 2 Coordinator). They will be then picked up by their relevant teacher and taken to their chosen activity. Activities finish at 4pm and children are then required to promptly meet parents in front of the Parent’s Lounge or go directly to bus area. Children should not be left unattended in the Parent’s Lounge and this is the responsibility of the parent.  On Tuesday, students will move directly to their ECA as teachers have a staff meeting on this day.

Children who are not participating in any after school activities are NOT permitted to play freely in the school oval, basketball court, play equipment or any other part of the school. Parents need to attend to their children after 3pm as there is no supervision from teachers. This is a duty of care issue and the safety of the children is our number one concern. In recent weeks, there have been a number of injuries after school, due to lack of supervision after school. The children have been spoken to in regards to the correct protocol and procedures and we would appreciate you reinforcing the same message at home.

I appreciate your positive support on these important matters.

Upcoming Events

Saturday 29th September
Trivia Night
Thursday 3rd September
Swimming Carnival
Thursday 10th September
Family Concert
14th – 18th September
Parent/Teacher Interviews

Have a great weekend.

Martin Tait
Head of Avondale Grammar School