Principal's Message

Christmas Message

Well, we got there. Not without drama, but we got there. I want to thank all parents for their unbelievable support this year. Most principals I know had really challenging interactions with their families in 2021. Honestly, you are a dream. You talk your school up, you support your children and their school - you are simply magnificent. I am so honoured to be given the trust to look after your most precious possession. I do not take that responsibility lightly and neither do the staff.

I remain as energised now as at any stage in my career and I owe it to your beautiful children and the staff at the school. They are an amazing collection of humans. Your children are so well-mannered, kind and gentle. Though I wonder what they make of dancing Santa at the end of the year, they keep smiling and giving off positive energy. They are truly special.

For those who celebrate it, Merry Christmas. Happy holidays to all others and I hope you all stay healthy and happy and get to celebrate the lives of your children during the break.

We had a visit from Santa at assembly along with the parents, staff and students having a dance together at the end. If you are wondering about Santa's boxer shorts - they hold the pants up because that belt is useless...

Vaccination Pop Up

Thanks for those who responded to the Compass Newsfeed regarding the idea of a vaccination pop up station at the school in later January before school begins. I am not able to furnish all requests made in your extra comments because many of them contradicted one another. Suffice to say, I read through all of the feedback and have tried to spot the trends and will react accordingly.

I want to clarify something and apologise for not being clearer. Two responders thought that I was actively promoting vaccinations in children. I have no opinion to offer as to whether you should or should not vaccinate your child - it is your choice as their caregiver.  I am following the Department of Education and Training (DET) guidelines as they are my employer. DET put out communications that I am compelled to follow as an employee. I have no interest in debating vaccinations. I have an interest in providing information and services to parents who can then make their own choices. I hope this is now clear. 

Facts and Figures from Survey

• We had 111 parents respond to the survey
• 86% of responders indicated they would use the vaccination pop up service if offered
• 12% responded they would not use the service as they would use another provider
• 2 out of the 111 said they would not vaccinate their child regardless of service
• There were some questions about the vaccine type which I will have to get back to you and qualify
• Lots of lovely, positive comments came through from families about our efforts to help the vaccine program for those choosing to use it

Resolutions

I cannot yet make promises as I have to contact the providers over the next few weeks (and Christmas is in between). I am optimistic about our chances of providing the pop up. A few parents commented they would like it to happen earlier than January 24. The reason we chose that date is that our office team will be onsite so the school could be open for toilet facilities. If it is any earlier, we have staff on vacation. We would conceivably be able to have parents register online prior to the vaccination to save time on site.

All this is to be resolved, but fingers crossed I can get in contact with the provider next week and send out a Compass Newsfeed with new information. The survey was part 1, the organisational phase is part 2 now that I know we have a large enough audience to support it. The good thing would be that dose 2 could happen on site during the school day some weeks after the first pop up - no fuss for parents. Let's keep hoping we can pull this off together.

Please don't see this as a promise yet. I will do my best, but it might not work out if the provider has a booking problem with oversubscription. Sit tight, I am optimistic.

Return to School Date

Students in all classes return to school on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 at 9am.