Welcome back to all of our wonderful MSS families and a very warm welcome to our 2023 Prep students and new families joining us this year. This year has already kicked off with a bang, starting with our welcome sausage sizzle on the first day of the school year, our whole school drone photo, our daily attendance draws and our first every Official Opening Ceremony. That was an amazing way to end week 1 with a tremendous showcase of culture with our very own school and community dance groups performing. And the activities have extended this week with our colour run happening today and our 'We All Belong' open session scheduled for tomorrow where we invite families in to see their child's class projects. For new families, our 'We All Belong' projects are an important way that Mareeba SS recognises the importance of partnerships and ensuring all students, staff and families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging.
I begin our newsletter warmly welcoming our new teaching staff, joining our dedicated Mareeba State School team:
- Ms Sheridan Bolton – Year 2
- Ms Jennifer Jones – Year 6
- Ms Karlie Wallace – Year 6
- Mr Joseph Simmons – DRT
- Ms Mary Cosmo – Year 3
- Ms Elizabeth Roberts – Year 3
I would also like to welcome our extended staff joining our teacher aide team across Prep-Year 6.
Like every year, we spend the first few weeks of the year welcoming our returning and new families, ensuring all children within our community are enrolled and ready for school. Our departmental requirements ask that we record our Day 8 student enrolment numbers annually, assisting our regional education department to accurately staff each school. As a result of this census, changes to classroom structures and staffing may occur in the first few weeks of learning. If this is the case, parent communication and smooth transitions will be paramount. As of Day 5 our Mareeba SS numbers are 741 with our predicted numbers hoping to be 777 by Thursday.
Whilst your child's classroom teacher should be your first point of call for questions or queries, there may be times you require a meeting with your child's Deputy Principal/Line Manager, for students with a disability, our Head of Special Education or for matters regarding Behaviour Management our Head of Department Behaviour:
- Line Manager Prep – Nadine Apps
- Deputy Principal Years 1-3 – Nyree Burton
- Deputy Principal Years 4-6 – Michael Nielsen
- Head of Special Education Prep – Year 6 – Pina Carroll
- Head of Department Behaviour Prep – Year 6 – Cherene Trimble
Communication is an important tool at Mareeba SS and we encourage our families to keep an eye out for notes, our fortnightly newsletter, Facebook page and website for key information regarding upcoming events, parent workshops and much more. Just as is important is the work of our P&C. This association is a vital part of our school community with the team working tirelessly to support student learning and improve facilities. If you would like to join our P & C, the association meets on the 2nd Tues of each month with our P&C AGM scheduled for Wednesday 15th March at 5pm in the staffroom at Mareeba SS – all parents/carers welcome.
As we approach February, the hot, stormy weather is still very much here. May I remind students they are required to wear a brimmed hat and it is recommended that students have a water bottle at school. Mareeba SS, together with our P & C, set high standards in relation to our school uniform. Our uniform is available for purchase via the Uniform Shop, run by Mrs Kate Bressa our uniform shop coordinator. Our uniform includes:
- a jade school shirt or coloured MSS sports shirt
- black shorts
- MSS checked dress for girls
Our Year 6 students are also permitted to wear their 2023 senior shirts once they arrive. Please assist us to keep all our students sun safe and healthy by ensuring that your children are equipped with these items. It is also a great help if these items are clearly labelled. Don't forget our Student Services HUB also has a supply of emergency uniforms, lunches and book packs – just pop in and see Miss Tracy our FLO.
Finally, thank you for a great start to the new school year. Don't forget if you have moved or changed your phone numbers over the holidays, please ensure that you update your contacts, including emergency contacts, with our friendly office staff. Our staff look forward to working with you throughout another rewarding school year. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.