As I’m sure many parents are doing, I’m watching with keen interest what is happening in Victoria and now New South Wales with the COVID-19 Pandemic and in particular the impact on schools. 

What is certain is that we cannot know what will happen in Queensland and when.  I will continue to update you on any developments in relation to COVID-19 and as we receive further health advice from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer.

2020 has been a disrupted year for everyone, we need to provide continuity of learning and to make the most of every available learning opportunity for our children. If your child is not sick please send them to school.

Every day counts, every minute counts

There are a number of students who are having frequent days off that is impacting on their academic progress…

Same Day Absence Notification

We use SMS 4 Schools to implement our same day absence notification.

Class rolls are marked at 9am each morning, children are required to be in class at this time. If they arrive late they need to go to the office for a late slip.  Please contact the office prior to 9am if your child is away.  Text messages will be sent out at 10am each day.  If your child/ren is away without an explanation you will receive the following text message:

“Wondall Heights SS <today’s date> <child’s name> was absent from school today.  Please reply with a reason”

Parents are requested to reply to the text with an explanation for the absence.

If you have changed your contact details please contact the Office ASAP to update your contacts, particularly mobile numbers.

I cannot stress enough the importance of parents contacting the school to notify the Office when your child/ren are away. To report an absence, please contact our absence line on 3906 6460.

Requests for letters for Specialists

We receive many requests from parents to write letters to send to specialists, such as psychologist and paediatricians.  We are more than happy to provide these letters however, we will require at least two weeks’ notice for a letter to be written.  Each letter needs to be approved at the Student Wellbeing Action Team (SWAT) meeting before being shared with parents/specialists. 

Requests for Specialists to observe students in class

Due to privacy and confidentiality requirements for all students, we will not give permission for external agencies to observe students in the classroom.  We will be happy to provide information to specialists or meet with them to discuss your child, but permission will not be given for observations in class.

Parenting Advice and Support

At different times parents need to access advice and support, please see below a list of handy numbers:

            - Headspace - www.eheadspace.org.au

            - Parent Line - www.parentline.com.au or 1300 30 1300

            - Lifeline - www.lifeline.org.au

            - Youth Advocacy Centre - www.yac.net.au

            - Kids Help Line - www.kidshelp.com.au or 1800 55 1800

            - BABI Wynnum – 33964176

Year 6 Camp

On Monday we waved goodbye to our Year 6 students and staff as they set off to Tallebudgera Beach Camp.  I’m sure staff and students will have a wonderful time.

My sincere thanks to Ian Haworth, Leanne Smith, Kay Heidke, Amy Ellis, Steve Bloxsom and Rachel Ash for providing this opportunity to our students. I appreciate the commitment and time that it takes to organise and run a successful Camp…thank you.

Road Safety

I have been advised that under Brisbane City Council’s school zone parking compliance activities, Wondall Heights State School will continue to be included on a list of priority schools for inspection.

Last week, a Parking Officer from the Brisbane City Council visited our drop off zone and some parents received infringement notices.

The Parking Officer commended the staff running the Drop Off Zone and the efficiency of moving so many cars through.  Thank you to our staff who provide this valuable service to parents.

Have a great week.

Melissa