19 Feb 2021
Welcome to the start of another year of exciting learning opportunities, friendship building and community activities. We are thankful to be returning to school with relaxed COVID restrictions and a return to many of our usual practices.
I extend a warm welcome to new students and families who have joined our Yass High School community. We are fortunate to have several new teachers join our staff and we welcome: Mr Mark Hilder (Head Teacher Support); Mr Taine McLennan (HSIE), Ms Jody Gaffney (HSIE); Ms Elizabeth Hatcher (Science) and Ms Leisl Redmond (Science). Yass High School is very fortunate to have such experienced and dedicated teachers committed to working alongside your children in their learning this year.
As always, Term 1 begins with a full calendar of events. The Swimming Carnival last Wednesday was our first whole school event and continues a tradition of competition and fun. Year 7 parents met their children’s teachers and enjoyed a sausage sizzle last Thursday organised by Ms Bills and student leaders. School Photo Day is Tuesday 23rd February and we encourage all students to have their full school summer uniform ready for this event. Parents considering enrolling their children into Year 7 in 2022 are invited to attend a parent evening on Thursday 25th February to tour the school (4-5pm: meet in the Quad) and hear about the learning programs at Yass High School (5-6pm: Hall). We look forward to meeting with you at the Parent-Teacher Evening on Thursday 11th March to discuss your child’s learning strengths, areas for focus and educational goals.
I encourage parents to be involved with the school through our active P&C that meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6pm in the staff common room. This group is committed to providing support to the school community through the operation of the uniform shop. Funds generated are returned to the school to be used to purchase much needed resources. The canteen is under the new management of Mark Gatz with the students and staff enjoying the freshly made offerings each day.
The Yondr phone pouches will be distributed next week and we are anticipating a smooth transition into this new way of communicating at school. Teachers are already commenting on increased engagement with learning and more positive relationships between our young people.
2021 starts our new four-year School Improvement Plan. A brief overview of this is provided later in this newsletter with an opportunity for you to share your ideas and best hopes for your children.
The new Multipurpose Hall is scheduled to begin construction in Term 2. This addition to our school infrastructure will bring much-needed upgrades to the sporting and entertainment facilities at Yass High School. We are hopeful that COVID restrictions will continue to ease throughout the year so that you will be able to join us at many of the events that surround your child’s time at Yass High School.
Please be assured of our unwavering commitment to provide a quality education to your children within a culture that knows and cares for your child, values their individual talent, and promotes excellence for all. 2021 will be a year of exceptional people and moments that we look forward to sharing with you.