Here are some of the ways we have worked to make Pipalyatjara School a good place for children to learn. . .
New Staff
We would like to welcome new staff for 2001. Ned Loades, Lisa Shaw and Jack Steinberg have had their positions made permanent. Welcome back to these teachers.
We would also like to welcome Rob Lees to the Primary class. We are lucky to have Rob who is an experienced teacher from Mt Barker South Primary School.
School Council Meetings
This term the School Council has met twice. Issues discussed included the School Plan.
School Plan
The School Council wants the school moved between Kalka and Pipalyatjara so that the students can‘t run away. This also means that the school would be shared properly between the two communities.
Attendance
Attendance was also a big issue. The Council is concerned that not all boys and girls are coming to school. Also names of kids not coming to school could be put in the shop and community office.
They suggested that teachers and Anangu Coordinator should visit families where kids are not coming to school.
Literacy & Numeracy
This year the school will continue to work on improving the students‘ English but also start to focus on Number skills.
Big Shed
The Council also looked at the School Amenities Plan. Some money for this plan could be used to insulate our Big Shed so it can be used for community video nights, discos and meetings.
The Council also talked about CPC. The Council then agreed with the plan for 2001. The school will report on the plan at the end of the year.
Visit by Kunmanara Halsey
On Thursday 29th March, Kunmanara Halsey, Executive Director of Country schools visited Pipalyatjara School. Mr Halsey is the big boss of all the country schools in South Australia. Emily Buddy, our Anangu Coordinator, conducted Mr Halsey around the school. They were accompanied by Ron and Nyanu Watson. They visited all the classrooms to see all the students working with their teachers and AEWs. Emily and Vanessa talked to Mr Halsey about moving the school. Mr Halsey said that would be hard and might take a long time to happen.
Special Services Team Visits
Claire Loades, Ann Marriot and Renata Davidovic came to Pipalyatjara School in Week 8. Renata is a guidance officer, Ann a speech therapist and Claire a specialist in deaf education. They came to help a number of students at our school and also provide support and ideas for our teachers and AEWs.Swimming
This term the children have been going swimming at Blackstone pool. Thank you to the teachers who have been organising this, especially Ned who has been liaising with Blackstone School so this can happen. If we are lucky we might be able to continue with the swimming in Term 4.
