Principal's Report

Dear families and community members, 

Whilst we still have a couple of weeks left of this term, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our students and families for their commitment to learning and being proactive with getting involved with additional activities.   

Over the past two weeks students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 were involved in NAPLAN testing. Students who missed a test due to unforeseen circumstances had the chance to catch up last week.  Other opportunities and activities last week has seen our VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies go on their bush walk to Wilson’s Prom.  We also have our Year 7 students heading off tomorrow to the PGL Campaspe Downs Adventure Camp in Kyneton and returning on Friday. Students who are not attending the camp will be expected at school where an alternative program has been set up.  

Our Student Leaders 

An example of students taking up extra opportunities to strengthen their communication and interpersonal skills are our student leaders.  It is always great to put a face to a name. These students are our leaders for this year. 

College Captains 

Secondary

Primary

College Council Representatives

Pine Grove

Allan Senior Captains

Castles Senior Captains

Communication via Compass

Our staff communicate effectively via Compass.  We ask students, parents and carers to please continue to check their emails as well as Compass to see how students are progressing with tasks, letting school know if a student is going to be absent, and/or to see if any homework or study tasks have been set.

We have recently become aware that some parents/carers would like additional information around the use of Compass.  We will develop a general user guide for families to access.  Our aim will be to develop this and have it ready for the beginning of Term 2.

Staff Professional Learning

To ensure we continue to provide engaging work that meets the needs of all students, we will continue to explore and provide professional learning to all of our staff.

Last week, we had Rob Vingerhoets, an experienced teacher and author, provide interactive professional learning for numeracy improvement.  Rob presented to a number of schools within our network area, including many of our teachers from Prep to Year 12. He worked at our school on Tuesday and Wednesday to present on ‘highly effective activities to set the right tone/vibe for Maths in your classroom for 2023’.  The feedback was positive.  Teachers were able to take away great ideas to use in their classes for future lessons.

Last day of Term One

With Good Friday being the start of our holidays, we will finish on Thursday 6 April.  It will be an early finish of 1:45 pm.  Buses have been organised to depart at 2:00 pm. 

We will still run five periods on that day, they will be shortened to allow for the early finish. The times will be:

Period 1 9:00 am – 9:45 am

Period 2​ 9:45 am – 10:25 am

Recess ​​10:25 am – 10:50 am

Period 3​ 10:50 am – 11:35 am

Period 4​ 11:35 am – 12:20 pm

Lunch ​​12:20 pm – 1:00 pm

Period 5 ​1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

End of day​ 1:45 pm

Buses depart​ 2:00 pm

Sleep Health for Students

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12 to 15 year-olds and half of 16 to 17 year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

▪ low mood and irritability during social interactions.

▪ reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed.

▪ falling asleep during the day.

▪ difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up.

▪ changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

▪ establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine.

▪ supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed.

▪ encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep.

▪ encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:

▪ Sleep tips for children(https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-tips-for-children.html) and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff (https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/facts-about-sleep-for-parents-and-school-staff.html), from the Sleep Health Foundation

▪ Why sleep is so important(https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/why-sleep-so-important#:~:text=It%20gives%20you%20energy%20to,some%2C%208%20hours%20is%20enough) from the Kids Helpline’s

Sleepexplained(https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep), from the Better Health Channel.

On behalf of the Principal Team, thank you for your efforts so far this term.  I hope all our students and their families enjoy the upcoming break.

Marina Walsh

Acting College Principal