Dear parents and carers,

Last Monday marked the return to teaching and learning at school. There were plenty of smiles as students, teachers and friends reunited. Thank you for supporting learning at home. The efforts of parents and students were remarkable and reflective of the Holroyd community's can-do attitude.

I am also extremely proud of the staff. They have all worked tirelessly to ensure children could learn at home, stay connected with their teachers and class friends and plan for the staggered return to school. All executive, teaching, SLSO and administrative staff have committed to hours of professional learning that has and will continue to benefit student learning outcomes.

We want everyone to be safe at school. At present, there should be no visitors on site unless they are essential. This includes therapists, parents and community users. If you are dropping off or picking up your child from the school office, please check in using the Service NSW QR code at the door and phone the office for assistance. 

We have a busy six weeks ahead of us. We are currently enrolling new students for 2022 and getting to know our new families; writing semester two reports about your child's achievements; planning classes for 2022; evaluating our progress with our school plan; and finalising arrangements for the Year 12 graduation ceremony.

Take care,

Mrs K Thorson

Principal

Dear parents and carers,

Welcome back to onsite teaching and learning to all our staff and students after a very difficult few months.

You should all be very proud of your efforts and commitments to home schooling, which has no doubt been extremely challenging at times.

We must also thank our dedicated teachers and staff who did a fantastic job supporting our students and parents over some 13 weeks of home learning.

This week, as we return to school full-time, I urge you to reinforce the importance of good hand hygiene and social distancing to your children, so that we can keep everyone here at Holroyd School safe.

We will be holding the P&C's Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10am on Wednesday 1 December, 2021 via Zoom.

If you are interested in joining the committee, or nominating for President, Secretary or Treasury positions, please email me at liz.brannon@yahoo.com.au or Hamida at kanj_h@hotmail.com to receive a nomination form.

The P&C committee meets the first Wednesday of the month during school terms. The role of the P&C is to be the school's 'parent voice' and to support the school for the benefit of all students. It is only together that we can build a strong supportive environment for our children and staff members.

Please stay safe and look after one another as we hopefully look forward to easier times.

Liz Brannon

President

How long have you worked at Holroyd School?

It seems like forever but approaching 20 years.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Swimming in the river on our family farm.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Physical Education.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

My kindle, cats, car, television and beard trimmer.

What is your favourite book?

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.

If you could invite any three guests to a dinner party, who would they be?

My grandma, James 'The Major' Grant and James Squire.

What is your favourite song to sing along to?

The New Zealand National Anthem.

What pets did you have growing up?

Lambs and cats.

What is your favourite day of the year?

The last day of the school year.

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?

Disco dancing.

How long have you worked at Holroyd School?

12 years.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Family holidays to Bribie Island in Queensland.

What was your favourite subject at school?

History.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

My car, bike, phone, fitbit and, of course, my bed.

What is your favourite book?

I don't really have a favourite, but I love reading when I have the time.

If you could invite any three guests to a dinner party, who would they be?

My parents and former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

What is your favourite song to sing along to?

Dancing Queen by Abba (showing my age).

What pets did you have growing up?

I have always had a dog. My dog growing up was a German Shepherd named Rinnie [he was a wonderful family pet and I loved him dearly]

What is your favourite day of the year?

Christmas Day because everyone comes together to celebrate.

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?

Sorry, I can't think of any. Usually there is a good reason why fads and trends are no longer around.

It has been a fun start to the semester welcoming six new students and their families to the Holroyd School community.

It is wonderful to see Fatema, Neebir, Adam, Elijah, Dallas and Joseph-Benjamin settling into their new environment, making friends and having fun.

I missed my friends in J11. Isabella, J11

I miss playing with my friends. Zainab, J11

I missed J11 because I love them. Heather, J11

I missed working with Jess. Zoe, J11

I liked doing different activities like maths and games online. Jack, S24

I liked my worksheet pack. Hajar, S24

I loved zoom lessons and assembly because I missed my friends and teachers. Nour, S24

I liked learning games. Mohammed, S24

I liked helping mum. Kiara, S24

We took time over a lovely morning tea last week to celebrate World Teacher's Day.

We thank our teachers for the 'above and beyond' measures they take everyday in the pursuit of education; and acknowledge their expertise, professionalism and proven adaptability.

Thank you teachers for the significant contribution you make to the lives of all our children.

Your child's final statement of account was sent home last week.

We kindly ask that you clear any outstanding fees and class program charges promptly. Fees can be paid either online [via the Holroyd School website] or in cash.

As class programs were suspended for all of term 3 and some of term 4 due to learning-from-home, you may be owed a credit for fees already paid. If so, it will be shown on your statement as 'Unallocated credit'. These credits will be held for outstanding class program charges and/or future activities and excursions.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, or would like to discuss this account further, please don't hesitate to contact the school office on 9637 1219.

We are very excited to be back at school with our friends and teachers after such a long period of home learning.

Whilst at home, we enjoyed being physically active. We danced with siblings and explored our local area during leisurely family walks.

We also discovered that technology allows us to learn in various ways and in different settings. Every week we completed activities from our learning packages and online vie Seesaw. We enjoyed connecting with teachers and friends - and celebrating birthdays! - via Zoom.

After this difficult and unusual time, we are delighted to be back at school, socialising with our friends, participating in group work and returning to our school routines. 

Aliyah, Hammodie, Zaid, Kailyn, Ezekiel, Ababil, Trish, Christine and Katherine

Group play is an important aspect of J11's weekly schedule. Students enjoy participating in organised activities with a range of different toys and equipment, all the while working on building friendships and learning important social skills.

Inside the classroom, students really enjoyed conducting experiments in the 'five senses' science unit of work and exploring the idea of 'past and present' by looking at the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Outdoors, students love drawing with chalk on the concrete outside our classroom while waiting for their turn on the trampoline. We love the water too, and on hot days have had lots of safe waterplay fun in the playground. We can't wait to be allowed to resume our weekly swimming lessons in the school's heated, indoor pool once Covid restrictions ease.

Thank you J11 parents for your patience, understanding and open communication during this recent period of learning from home. We are very happy to have the students return to learning onsite and have had many great days already as they settle back into school routines.

The superstar learners in J18 have participated in a range of sensory activities this year.

Some of the students' favourite activities have included using microphones to explore sound, engaging with self-made goop, tasting edible paint, discovering new and favourite smells and relaxing in the classroom's 'Chill Zone'.

Other class highlights have included weekly swimming lessons in the school pool, cooking adventures and messy play opportunities.

We are very excited to be together again at school!

1. What activities have S29 students enjoyed this year?

We have enjoyed participating in the local pamphlet delivery, cooking and art activities.

2. What unit of work is the class studying this semester?

We have been focussing on community helpers and recognising safe people.

3. What are the highlights of S29's weekly timetable?

In S29 we love cooking. All students love to experiment by smelling and touching a wide variety of fruit and vegetables.

4. How does the class spend time outdoors each week?

We participate in a bike track program where students can walk or ride scooters and bikes along the footpath. Students call also use the trampoline and outdoor equipment. They all love being outdoors.

5. Do you have a message for your students' parents?

We would like to thank and acknowledge their continued support and hard work. It is very much appreciated.

Have you downloaded SZapp to your mobile phone yet?

The SZapp app allows us immediate communication with parents. It sends free notifications straight to your phone to inform you of upcoming events and other important school information.

The app also offers users links to Holroyd School's website, Facebook page, newsletter archive and school calendar.

SZapp is free to download and use. Full installation instructions are below.

If you already have SZapp, you must still search and select 'Holroyd School' within the app, to ensure you also receive Holroyd School notifications.

SZapp Password Tips

The password is very specific and needs to be at least 8 characters long and contain a capital letter, lowercase letter, number and special character. Not all special characters are compatible - we suggest using one of the following - ! @ # $

Please contact the school office if you require further assistance.