Principal  Message

Welcome to all our new and returning families in 2021.   I hope you and your family all had a chance to rest and recharge after what was a historic year of uncertainty and stress for many Victorian families in 2020. We move forward this year having learned many things as a school about our student's families, our capacity to adapt and the importance of making strong connections with families in helping students achieve their best. We have also been able to better utilise ICT in the classroom as a result of our 'upskilling' during remote learning.   

The beginning of the school year is always a busy time of year for teachers but I would like to acknowledge how hard our teachers, education support officers and office staff have been working over the holidays so that 2021 can start on a positive note. Walking around the school this morning, the students certainly seemed settled and were enjoying being back at school. 

We welcome our two new classroom teachers, Nicole Tenberge (3/4T) and Natasha Satler (1/2N) and we look forward to getting to know them as they become part of our school community. We also have two new Education Support Officers, Sharon Hayes and Lisa McDonald whom we warmly welcome as well.  

We have arranged a Sausage Sizzle welcome BBQ for all members of our school community as a chance to meet and greet each other and reconnect after 2020. This will be subject to the Covid regulations, so keep and eye out closer to the date, which is Wednesday 3rd March 5:30-7:30 pm.  If you and your family are about to attend, we would love to see you there.

As always seems to be the way, it was pouring rain at drop off this morning, but I was able to meet many parents and touch base with the students as they arrived.  I am looking forward to getting to know all our Warrandyte families this term and I encourage you to come by the office and see me just for chat or to discuss anything you think is important for your child's or children's needs in 2021.

This year there will be a very big focus from the Department of Education on the Health and Wellbeing of our school community after such a difficult and often disruptive year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  All Victorian's have started 2021 with the hope that we do not have to endure another lock-down, but we certainly are better prepared in the event that that happens.  DET are constantly updating principals on the status of Covid-19 and amending our School Operations Guides to ensure we are following any new requirements. There is a new Covid-19 page on this newsletter that will update you should there be any changes or requirements.

I hope you have a great weekend and we look forward to our first full week next week for all our grade 1-6 students. Of course, we cannot wait for our Prep's to start next Thursday and offer a big Warrandyte welcome to new Prep families. 

Take care,

Nieta Manser

Acting Principal