Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome back to all members of the school community as we commence another school year. The past week has seen our students regrouping with old friends, forming new relationships and displaying excellent learning behaviours. Students have been adhering to the school motto and striving ‘to be the best that they can be’.
I can assure parents/carers that the Concord School staff will continue to do everything possible to ensure your child is working in a safe and supportive environment that values and celebrates student learning. I look forward to a very rewarding and successful year for our parents, staff and most importantly our students. Please contact me at any time if you wish to discuss any matter concerning your child’s education.
Staffing News
To provide additional support to our teachers and students, we have employed a significant number of staff in new ES, teacher and leadership positions.
For a complete list of our school staff, please go to the ‘Our Staff’ section of the school website Concord School - Our Staff
School Events: Parent Information Session and Meet the Teacher Evening
The Parent Information Evening was held on Wednesday 3rd February. The weather on the evening was magnificent and the Upper Primary, Secondary 7/8 and Secondary 9/10 sessions were extremely well attended at the Bundoora Campus. The classroom meetings at the Watsonia Campus did not have as many attendees as expected however the upcoming Family Barbeque will be a fantastic opportunity for students and families to meet the staff as well as each other.
The Meet the Teacher Evening will be held next Tuesday evening with parents given the choice of an on-site or Webex meeting. Parents have been given the opportunity to have a 15 minute 1:1 interview with their child’s teacher. A ‘Getting to Know My Child’ sheet will be used to guide a conversation through which the teacher will gain an understanding of your child as a learner. Teachers will also discuss homework expectations and ‘Communication at Concord School’ with each family. Bookings are now open.
Please note for parents attending on-site, the teachers of Specialist subjects will be available to meet with parents on a ‘drop-in’ basis.
Student Behaviour
In 2021, Concord School once again has high expectations in regards to student behaviour. Our students will be given the support they require to learn and succeed to the best of their ability and behaviour such as bullying, swearing, disobedience and property damage is completely unacceptable at school as well as in our society.
Parents/carers will be contacted and a conference convened if the student continues to breach school rules. The school places a high priority on making sure all students and staff work together in an environment that supports, encourages and stimulates learning and social development.
School Uniform
This is a reminder that it is compulsory for all students to wear the full school uniform each day and that the school uniform policy is strictly enforced. Thank you to parents/carers who have supported their children in wearing the correct school uniform.
For parents/carers of students in Years 7-12, class teachers will have informed you as to which days the sports uniform is to be worn. Please note the following policy in regard to the wearing of the school jumper with the Secondary school uniform.
Sport Uniform
The red woollen jumper is not to be worn with the ‘sport uniform’. Only the spray jacket and/or rugby jumper are to be worn with the ‘sport uniform’ over the polo shirt.
Formal Uniform
The spray jacket is not to be worn directly on top of the school shirt or dress. The red woollen jumper is the first item that must be worn if the student is cold. The spray jacket can then be worn over the red woollen jumper if the student is still cold.
Please contact Kellie Edwards in the office at the Bundoora Campus regarding purchases of uniform. Further information, including policies and price lists, can be found through the school website at School Uniform - Concord School
School Communication and the Use of Compass
Concord School has communicated with the school community for several years through the Compass online portal which can be accessed via either a web browser or phone app. Daily communication between the teacher/school and parent/carer will now occur only through email within Compass. Communication Books will not be used. Please be aware that the information previously shared through Communication Books can still be shared through Compass email. Compass has a number of benefits as it is a one stop shop for school communication and it is responsive whilst being time efficient.
Compass email is simple to use. When you open your portal, click on ‘Send email to (my child’s name) teachers’. Other staff are then listed and can also be added.
Compass is used to
- communicate information between the teacher/school (academic and extra-curricular) and parent/carers
- give permission and make payments for incursions, excursions and camps
- indicate and explain absences
- receive school newsletters
- book Parent-Teacher interviews
- access student reports
- order school photos
It is important that you use Compass and check your emails regularly. Further information and training will be provided over the coming weeks. If you have any questions regarding Compass including assistance with logging on, please contact Karen Jordan on Karen.Jordan@education.vic.gov.au or 94673972.
Principal Award - Lucas Bollard
Lucas has had a great start to the new school year in LPB. He demonstrates good listening skills by always following instructions. Lucas takes great care with the presentation of his work and completes all work on time.
Lucas is a good friend and will often help and include others without having to be asked. He uses good manners with his teachers and peers and always demonstrates the school motto of being the best he can be.
"Students striving to be the best they can be"
Jason Coningsby
Principal