Guildford West Public School
NEWSLETTER - 2021, Term 4, Week 11
Principal's News
2021 Presentation Day speech
Welcome to our 2021 Presentation Day. We thought 2020 was a year of turmoil, well 2021 has proven it was a year to remember is an understatement.
As I sat and reflected on the year to write this speech, I have to say I have been so impressed with how resilient our students have been. They moved to learning from home via Seesaw or Google Classrooms and even introduced Zooms into their everyday vocabulary. It was so good to see the children engage with their teachers and classmates via zoom and connecting with others in a time where we were all isolating at home. We saw them engage in Yoga and dance lessons via zooms, doing guided reading sessions and Number talks with their teachers. We loved to see the MasterChef challenges and the teachers even made a recipe book to share with their families. I’m sure all the children and their families enjoyed the videos the teachers put together, as I know the staff enjoyed doing them for you.
You all returned back to school ready to learn, ready to catch up with your friends and teachers. You adjusted to the staggered recess, lunch breaks and the end to the day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and families for being so respectful and accommodating with all the necessary changes to ensure as a school we stayed operational, and the students and staff were safe. I know it's been hard for all of you. I know I've missed getting around to your classrooms and seeing your learning firsthand, but I, along with your teachers, are so proud of each and every one of you in what you have been able to achieve this year in your learning. This is a collaborative effort between your teacher, your parents and you. You could not have made the growth in learning that you have without this collaborative approach.
Even during lockdown we have been able to complete some projects in 2021, albeit delayed. The Ninja course has been completed and whilst challenging for the students, they have all set personal goals with a growth mindset to achieve.
The major project for the school has been the kitchen, which lockdowns have seen this still yet to be completed. As a result, the students this year have not had the chance to utilise this amazing learning space in our school. Hopefully this will be ready for learning at the beginning of next year.
The 3-6 playground including handball courts, multisensory path, seating and best of all the shade, as well as the amazing murals through the school have been a significant financial investment for the school, but a very necessary one. 2022 will see significant funds for K-2 play equipment, resurfacing the 3-6 oval (to returf so we can actually use this area and not get affected by the bindiis or the mud). These are just a few of the major projects planned for next year.
I can’t go any further without thanking our staff for all they have done this year. I am so grateful and proud for the staff here at GWPS. It is such a privilege working with such amazing staff every day. You all have shown such dedication, compassion and resilience. You care so much about our students and go above and beyond your role descriptions. It is now time for you to take time for yourselves over the holidays and spend time with your own family and friends.
It is also the time of the year where some staff are moving on to other schools. We say farewell to Miss Dass who is moving onto another teaching pathway to uiltise her maths training.
I would like to wish you and your family a safe holiday, take time to catch up with family and friends. We look forward to 2022 hoping it is a less eventful year for us all.
Ms Weston
School Resumes
Guildford West Public School
Email: guildfordw-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: www.guildfordw-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Location: 23-51 Palmer Street, Guildford West NSW, Australia
Phone: (02) 9632-9942
Facebook: guildfordwestps