Principal's Report
Education Week
This year’s Education Week will run from 23-29 May. The theme ‘Building Connections’ recognises the important role that community organisations have in supporting students’ learning and development and enhancing social inclusion.
Collaboration between community organisations and schools can enhance creativity, learning, enrichment, and support for students as they transition through school and beyond.
Concord School will be celebrating Education Week through Open Sessions. You are invited to visit your child’s classroom at the following times
OPEN DAYS | |
Bundoora Campus 411 Grimshaw Street Bundoora 3083 | Watsonia Campus Meagher Street Watsonia 3087 |
Date: Thursday 27th May Time: 9:15am – 10:15am Location: Child’s classroom Morning tea: compliments of the Concord Café | Date: Thursday 27th May Time: 2:00pm – 2:45pm Location: Child’s classroom |
Retirement of Colin Simpson
Colin Simpson, our Assistant Principal (Student Wellbeing and Engagement), is retiring from education at the end of this term. Colin commenced at Concord School at the beginning of the 2011 school year and has assisted hundreds of students and families during his time at Concord School.
I will write more about Colin’s retirement and contribution to the school later in the term.
We are currently in the process of appointing a successor and will announce this appointment in our next newsletter.
Increasing Allied Health Support for Students
In 2021 we have increased our team of Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists in order to provide our students with additional individualised support.
New additions to our team this term are Lauren Chan (Speech Pathologist) and Erin Harrington (Occupational Therapist) who are working with Leia and Nicole in the Secondary 7-12 areas of the school. Support in Secondary may include 1:1, small group or whole class work with students as well as providing strategies to teachers. Please note that not all students will receive additional support.
| Speech Pathology | |
|---|---|
| Nicole Ford | Lower Primary |
| Sinead O’Donnell | Upper Primary (3 days) |
| Leia Leventis | Secondary 7/8 |
| Lauren Chan | Secondary 9/10 |
| Nicole Haspell (Coordinator) | Secondary 11/12 (1 day) |
| Occupational Therapy | |
| Elise Carney | Lower Primary |
| Emma Smale | Upper Primary (4 days) |
| Erin Harrington | Secondary7-12 (2 days) |
Creative Worker in Schools
Concord School has been successful in applying for a staff member through the Creative Worker in Schools Program. As a result, Anna Thomson has commenced working in our school and will be with us for terms 2 and 3. Anna is a Melbourne-based clown, theatre-maker, puppeteer, and physical performer. She will be working with Shannon Quinn, our Performing Arts teacher, in her specialist programs but will also be teaching drama with classes/sections across the school at other times.
2020 Annual Report to the School Community
The 2020 Annual Report to the School Community was recently endorsed by our School Council. To access a copy of this document please go to our website or click on it below:
Please note that a Public Meeting to present the Annual Report will be held at 6.30pm on Monday, 7th June in the Conference Room at the Bundoora Campus. Please email me at Jason.Coningsby@education.vic.gov.au if you wish to attend.
School Council Vice President Report
School Council meeting was held on Monday 3rd of May 2021. The following matters were the highlights from the discussions:
TheirCare Licensing Agreement:
In 2022, the License for Before and After School Care will be transferred into Watsonia Primary School’s name. This will allow TheirCare to apply for funding through the Establishment Grant Program. There will be no changes to the service. TheirCare are committed and dedicated as always to providing the highest quality service to both Concord and Watsonia school families. A Memorandum of Understanding will be finalised to ensure TheirCare continues to provide quality services with no disruption to the participating students from both schools. There will also be a slight increase in fees; this will be communicated to families as soon as it is available.
Annual Report 2020:
School Council endorsed The Concord School 2020 Annual Report, thanked everyone who contributed from the Concord community in the challenging 2020. School Principal Mr Jason Coningsby will arrange to present at a public meeting.
Tutoring Program:
The program currently has 81 students enrolled at both Campuses. Learning Specialists and Team Leaders are delivering the learning in consultation with Speech Therapists to small groups in class and withdrawn where appropriate at the Bundoora campus. Karen Cottier is implementing the program at Watsonia.
At the end of last year, staff considered progress scores with individual students and impacts of remote learning in all curriculum areas to determine the point of need with students for the program. The program will be continually reviewed throughout the year.
SSG Timeline including Variation to School Day:
The Variation to School Day was proposed for 10th of August 2021, 10am to 6pm. External providers, Allied Health can be involved, and where appropriate, students can attend the meetings. Term 4 SSGs were proposed for Tuesday 30th of November 2021. The dates have been approved.
Concord School Building Works:
Discussion and proposed Master Plans were shared for the Watsonia and Bundoora Campus. Further discussion will take place after the Quantity Surveyors deliver costings and estimations.
Watsonia PS Oval and Shared Car Park:
School Principal, Mr Jason Coningsby shared a proposed plan to acquire land from Watsonia Primary School. Further information will be shared with Concord School community in the future
Concord School Policies:
In line with the relevant policies and requirements from Department of Education and Training (DET), the following Policies were considered and noted at the council Meeting.
- Photographing, Filming and Recording Students
- Health Care Needs
- Privacy
Concord School Policies are located on the Website and Compass.
Next School Council meeting Monday 7th June.
Thank you
John Qiu
School Council Vice President
Principal Award- Vihaan Kota
Vihaan is an enthusiastic learner who has settled in well to his first year of school.
He has worked hard to learn the school routines and expectations which is evident in his day to day practise.
Vihaan’s positive approach across all curricular areas and engagement in learning demonstrates his ability to ‘be a learner’.
He is a kind and responsible friend who is always willing to helps others.
Vihaan has made excellent progress.
"Students striving to be the best they can be"
Jason Coningsby
Principal