Wow – what an amazing welcome I have received! It has been a whirlwind 4 weeks getting to know everyone at Gympie Special School- and I have loved every minute of it!!

Sports Day in week 1 was a great start and was inspiring to see the students jumping in to the experience boots and all. Due to weather our Sports Day events stretched out over a couple of weeks with us finishing the Shot Put and 800m races last week. We have a large number of students travelling to the District Sports Day events on Thursday the 4^th and Friday the 5^th of August. I would encourage any family member to come along to cheer your child on.

On more sports news, a massive congratulations to the students who participated in the Wide Bay Cross Country team at Yatala on the weekend of July the 16^th and 17^th. We had 4 students participate, and waiting to hear about qualifying for the Nationals competition in Adelaide later this year.

PBL: We have had a great start to Term 3 with our Ardy ticket box filling fast!! During the week students are awarded ‘Ardy Tickets’ when staff see them demonstrate key behaviours. This first few weeks our focus has been on learning and safe behaviours. It is great seeing so many students being safe by wearing their school uniform, hats and shoes!

Book Week: In week 7 we will be joining schools across the state to celebrate Children’s Book Week. This year the chosen book is Dreaming with Eyes Open. This theme is about stepping into your own story and listening to Country as the first storyteller. It’s about learning from friends (animals and plants) who help you on your way. The classes will be running various activities across the week, wrapping up with a whole school dress up as your favourite Book Character on Friday the 26^th August.

Don’t forget there is a scheduled Pupil Free Day on Friday September the 2^nd. Please be sure to make alternative care arrangements for your child that day.

Have a great month everyone!

Regards,

Chrissie