GI Public School News

Glen Innes Public School (GIPS) has been buzzing with activity as we approach the end of another busy year.

Last week, in partnership with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), GIPS celebrated the attendance success of our First Nations students.  Attendance goals were set at the beginning of the term and those who were able to meet their goal were invited to an afternoon of fun games with their families. We are excited to have shared the afternoon with almost 60 children from GIPS, Glen Innes High School and some of the small schools. Students and their families were treated to a sausage sizzle and icy pole along with craft activities, Frisbee Golf, Tug-of-War, Cornhole, basketball and other activities. It was a wonderful afternoon of chatting to our families and having some fun with our students. We look forward to working with the AECG in the new year to build on the success of this initiative. The AECG meet twice a term and share a collective passion toward the education of First Nations students. We encourage all our families to attend the meetings. Keep an eye out for the first meeting in 2026.

Our 10-Day Intensive Learn to Swim Program finished on Friday 28 November. This year, 159 students participated in the program and achieved incredible success. Throughout the two weeks they focused on stroke correction, swimming for survival and basic water confidence skills. The weather was sensational, and it was a delight to be at the Glen Innes Aquatic centre who went out of their way to look after us well. A very big and public thank you to Debbie Webster, Janine McConnell, Sue Anderson, Veronica McNamara, Dakota Kerr and Sienna McConnell for taking the time to gently and carefully teach our students a very important life skill. We are all very grateful to you and your expertise.

Our students’ artistic abilities are on display this week and next week at 264 Grey St, otherwise known as the old jewellers, next to the Raine & Horne Real Estate Office. Nellie Hayes and Taylor are incredibly generous allowing GIPS to decorate the windows for the Glen Innes Highlands Illuminations Markets and showcase the outstanding creative skills that our students possess. If you haven’t already, take a look and be amazed at what they have created.

Also on display are 41 Gratitude Awards for all the wonderful volunteers, staff and businesses who support our students in developing their high potential into high achievement. From playing and competing in chess tournaments to quietly relaxing at lunchtime with some knitting needles, our students are treated to some amazing opportunities. They say it takes a village to support a young person growing into an adult and we are so lucky at GIPS to have such a skilled, kind and patient village that supports and nurtures our students to taste new things and set themselves new challenges. So, to all of you, Thank You!

Finally, we are looking forward to our Presentation Days coming up. K-2 will be on Wednesday 10 December 9:30-11:00am. Stage 2 will follow on Wednesday 10 December 12:00-1:30pm. Stage 3 is happening on Thursday 11 December 9:30-11:00am. We look forward to celebrating our student’s successes throughout 2025 and sharing these special days with our school families and our local community.

Don’t forget to browse our Facebook page and School Newsletter for more exciting stories about curriculum achievements, sporting successes, event wrap ups and highlights from our classrooms as well as information about upcoming events.