I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of all staff during an exceptionally busy period involving multiple excursions, carnivals, learning programs and leadership absences.
What another incredibly busy and productive period at Central Yorke School it has been, with students and staff involved in a wide range of learning opportunities, sporting events, community activities and wellbeing initiatives across the site.
World Autism Day. One of the highlights across the term was our celebration of World Autism Day. Students, staff and families came together to celebrate inclusion, diversity and understanding through a range of activities and guest presentations. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to hear personal stories and perspectives while reinforcing the strong inclusive culture we continue to build at CYS.
School Sport
Student participation and success in sport continues to be a major strength of our school. Over recent weeks students have represented CYS in Primary and Secondary Interschool Athletics, cross country, football, netball, softball clinics, basketball and SAASTA sporting opportunities. A particular highlight was our Primary students finishing second overall at the Primary Interschool Carnival — an outstanding achievement for a small school and a reflection of the excellent participation and sportsmanship shown throughout the day.
Learning on Country
Our Learning on Country program has now commenced for the term and continues to provide important opportunities for students to strengthen cultural understanding and connection to Country.
In addition, the Ranger Program has made an excellent start for students involved in the Tailored Learning program, supporting hands-on learning experiences, engagement and cultural connection.
Learning Expeditions
Students have also been involved in a range of learning expeditions, excursions and pathway opportunities including Ancient Egypt learning exhibitions, museum visits, university visits, career expos, accessibility excursions, work experience placements and specialist workshops. Programs such as Junkyard Beats, softball clinics and the Personalised Learning System Project continue to provide valuable opportunities for students to engage in authentic and meaningful learning experiences.
Community Engagement
Community engagement remains a significant strength of Central Yorke School. Our annual Mother’s Day Paint and Sip event was once again extremely successful, with strong attendance from families and positive feedback from the community. Events such as these continue to strengthen relationships between school and home and contribute positively to our school culture. Harmony Day celebrations, attendance raffles and lunchtime wellbeing events have also helped foster a strong sense of belonging and connection for students.
Facilities Planning
Several important infrastructure and future planning conversations have also taken place over recent weeks. We are pleased to report that the new Primary Learning Hub has now been completed and is already positively impacting student learning and engagement.
Planning is also underway for the next major improvement project, focusing on transforming the entrance of the school and improving the front office area to create a more welcoming and functional space for students, staff and visitors.
In addition, discussions continue with Telstra representatives, the Department for Education and local council representatives regarding future ICT infrastructure upgrades and proposed pool improvements. These conversations are important in ensuring our facilities continue to meet the needs of students and the wider community well into the future.
Staffing
Staffing has remained a significant focus throughout the term. We welcomed Sarah Atkins into the Assistant Principal role while Chelsea is on leave and thank staff for their flexibility and support throughout several staffing changes and periods of high staff absence. We also farewell Richanda Fiegert and Juanita Koualew and thank them both for their valued contributions to Central Yorke School. We wish them every success moving forward and hope to see them back at CYS in the future. I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of all staff during an exceptionally busy period involving multiple excursions, carnivals, learning programs and leadership absences. The willingness of staff to continually go above and beyond for students does not go unnoticed.
Student Wellbeing
Student wellbeing and positive school culture continue to remain priorities across the school. Recent work with students has focused on reinforcing respectful behaviour, attendance, organisation, appropriate use of technology and maintaining consistency in expectations across all areas of the site. Building positive relationships and ensuring students feel safe, connected and supported remains central to our work.
Community Connections
I would also like to acknowledge the generosity and care consistently shown within our school community, particularly in supporting staff and families experiencing personal challenges. The compassion shown by students, staff and families is a wonderful reflection of the strong culture that exists within Central Yorke School.
Congratulations
Finally, congratulations to Chelsea Schmidt on being recognised as an Excellence Awardee in the Australian Education Awards in the category of Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Government. This recognition reflects the outstanding work taking place across our school and Chelsea’s commitment to supporting students and building opportunities through the SAASTA program.
I would also like to congratulate Mel Lloyd on another highly successful audit. The audit process involves an enormous amount of responsibility and preparation and Mel’s organisation, professionalism and dedication continue to be greatly appreciated across the school community.
Thank you to our students, staff, families and Governing Council for your continued support of Central Yorke School.
Regards,