Principal's Report

Welcome Back

It has been such a wonderful start to the school year and I am so delighted to be your Acting Principal.  It has been an exciting commencement for me by getting to know the students, families, teachers and staff at our wonderful school.  You may have seen me at drop off or pick up time meeting and greeting everyone....MPS is such a friendly and caring school environment.

I hope that you are all relaxed, recharged and ready to start a new school year.  I look forward to connecting with you and to our new families, we are all here to support your child in transitioning to Marlborough Primary School.  I am so delighted that you are part of our amazing learning community.  I welcome and value your positive energy and I look forward to working with you and your children.

New Staff

Each year brings positive change.  This includes a few new additions to our staff (including me).  We are delighted to welcome Chris Kent 5/6A and as our new Learning Specialist, Haishi Qin 1/2B.  We are fortunate to have you at Marlborough Primary School.

Parent/Teacher Communication

This year, we will not be holding official parent/teacher 'Get to Know You' sessions, instead each year level will be distributing a hard copy newsletter twice per term to keep you informed of the curriculum, important events and key information.  You are also welcome to chat to your child's teacher before or after school or make an appointment for longer sessions.

At Marlborough Primary School, we see education as a three-way partnership between the school, the students and families.  The stronger the relationship the better the outcomes for all involved.  I encourage you to read our School Newsletter once per fortnight (even weeks) and continue to engage with your child's education this year.  One of the key ways that you can support your child's education is by taking a genuine interest in what they are doing at school.  Ways that you can show that you are interested is by asking how their day was at school, volunteer as a classroom helper or join our fantastic Parents' Association.

Student Dress Code Policy

Students are expected to comply with the Student Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities.  Students are not permitted to wear decorative jewellery to school.  Stud earrings and sleepers worn in the ears and watches are the only acceptable jewellery.  Cosmetics may not be worn at school and only clear nail polish is permitted. Shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back to help restrict the spread of nits and lice and for student safety.  For further information, please read: Policies – Marlborough Primary School (marlboroughps.vic.edu.au)

Bucket Filler Award

Most of the students know about bucket filling so it is timely to introduce this new award to the school.  Weekly recipients will be announced at assembly and their names published in the newsletter.  The concept of bucket filling is to use actions and words to make someone feel good about themselves, to enhance resilience and inspire them to achieve internal happiness.  You fill a bucket when you make someone feel special or do something kind.  A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things to other people without being asked.

Choir

I am delighted to announce the introduction of a Years 3-6 School Choir.  A big thank you to Miss Davis and Mrs Kim for volunteering their time on Wednesdays at lunch to rehearse with the 18 enthusiastic students who have already signed up.  We look forward to their first performance at an Assembly sometime soon.

Victorian High-Ability Program

I am delighted that Marlborough Primary School is participating in this extension and enrichment program.  Each term new students are selected based on previous NAPLAN results and Teacher Judgements.  I'm excited to announce the selection of two students: Gabriel Laput and Jinwei Liu who are participating in the Maths program on Wednesdays.  A big thank you to Mr Kent for supervising the students during their weekly session.

Buddy Program

Next week will launch the start of a new Buddy Program at Marlborough Primary School.  The program will be based on the 'Art of Conversation' and will focus on the Speaking and Listening area of the Victorian Curriculum.  Strong oral language skills form the foundation of literacy and academic success.  Oral language helps children become successful readers and strong communicators.  These skills also foster a child's confidence and overall sense of wellbeing.   The Year 5/6 students will be peer mentors and they will help their Year 1 or Foundation buddy to discover their "greatness", skills and talents.  Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship between a young person and a caring individual who offers guidance, support and encouragement.

So many great things are happening at our school.  Marlborough Primary School is certainly the "place to be".

Kind regards

Sharon Jacobs, your Acting Principal.