Dear Families,

It is of great inspiration to me to be serving a community where so many of our families and staff are committed to social justice, inclusion and protecting our environment. Historical action groups that have organically formed in our school community over time that aim to support such values are Kalari, PandC Supported Student Participation program and the YSS Green Team to name a few.

This week I had opportunity to chat with Nicole Deayton who leads the Green Team at YSS. Nicole explained to me the various initiatives at YSS over the years that have resulted in many awards and successful grants to support environmental stewardship at our school. Did you know every week staff students and parents collaborate in focussed actions groups to;

• Reduce waste brought to school through the NUDE Food initiative
• Responsible rubbish disposal through weekly emu parades
• Recycling through the Cans for Cash bins
• Reducing our carbon footprint through the Carbon Crusaders action group
• Re-loving the environment and grounds through Native Bees, Kitchen Gardens and composting

We know one of the greatest challenges of our children’s future is environmental degradation and the subsequent loss of ecosystems that support life as we know it. Your leadership as parents in collaboration with school staff and the emerging stewardship in our future leaders is of critical importance. One of the single greatest acts we can do on a daily basis is consider how our food is produced, consumed and disposed of.

Healthy Little Foodies and Nude Food have great information and ideas.

By now you will have received a link via email inviting you to complete the 2021 School Opinion Survey. Parents, students in Year 5 and 6 and all staff are invited to complete the survey online between Thursday 15 July and Friday 30 July. If you have not found your email please check your Junk folder. The SOS results data is valued information for school improvement planning. Some items are historical and provide a trajectory of school improvement over time. Other items are new and capture school community opinion relating to emerging priorities. Thank you for your participation and support.

Congratulations to all our students who have been participating in the many sporting, arts and academic excellence pathways over the past couple of weeks including Music Week this week. Thank you to the many parents who have participated and supported Music Teacher Lauren Easey to showcase the talents within. This Friday evening is another opportunity to celebrate the efforts of our students at the Yeronga’s Got Talent Finale. I’m nervous to be one of the judges as I know the standard of the finalists is so high. It is sure to be a great show!

Have a great week,

Eunice Webb
Principal