School’s back and Bourke Public is ready to roll

New Kindies on their first day Bourke Public School with Miss Jodie – Henry Lewis, Angus Roberts,Edward Turnbull, Lettie Tiffen, Grace Wadley, Elsie Lovett, Koa Mathers, Nataya Cahill, Ty-Liquah Mackay-McKellar, Cierra-May Johnston, Alayna-Lei Williams and Miss Stephen.

Story: Kristin Murdock. Photos contributed.

With students across the west returning to school this week, the summer holidays are now just a fond memory.

It’s been a steady and welcoming start to the school year at Bourke Public School, and Principal Margaret Gordon-Poole said things were looking good for the site.

“Staffing is consistent and we don’t have any new staff on board. Our enrolments are stable, and we’re thrilled to welcome some new families to our community,” Ms Gordon-Poole said.

“We had our welcome to Bourke Public School barbecue for all our old and returning families yesterday (Wednesday) – a great opportunity for our families to come along and have a look around the school and meet all the staff.”

“For new people in town, it’s a chance to meet other families and build relationships.”

While there’s plenty planned across the year, Ms Gordon-Poole said the first term will feature the school’s familiar highlights.

“For this term, we’ll have our normal popular events like our swimming carnival, which can lead onto regional and state swimming,” she said.

“Normally, we do a single Harmony Day, but we’re going to do the entire week this term. We’ll be looking for our parents to come to school and share their culture with our kids through cooking.”

Ms Gordon-Poole said the school’s kitchen and garden program makes those hands-on experiences possible.

“We have the fully functional kitchen and garden program that runs daily,” she said.

“So, we’re hoping that our families can come in, and our kids can learn to cook some different varieties of food.”

The term will wrap up with the Easter hat parade, while later in the year students will take part in leadership activities that include travel to Sydney.

Early years and kindergarten students returned at the same time this year, with solid numbers across the board.

“We’ve got around 20 kids in each group for the early years and kindergartens, so we’re looking forward to having them all on site, along with our other students.

With routines back in place and the school community ready to reconnect, Ms Gordon-Poole said the year is off to a great start.

“We can’t wait,” she said.

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