From the Principal
"There are beautiful places in the world, and Preshil is one of them."
- MYP teacher, October 2021
I hope you will join with me in congratulating Natalie Kunst in steering the amazing team of educators at Blackhall Kalimna through the MYP Evaluation process, which wound up last week. In her article, in this edition, she describes the work that went into this significant milestone, and the collaboration which she orchestrated so that students, teachers, families and our Board could share their MYP experience.
The MYP was the first of the International Baccalaureate Programmes that Preshil adopted, in true Preshil fashion starting not at the bottom (PYP) nor at the top (DP) but slap bang in the middle. Every five years, the Programmes are evaluated which is a joint effort by the School and the IBO team.
To say the IB has revolutionised our little revolutionary school is an understatement. The Programmes have given us an important touchstone against which we can measure and test our philosophy and practices. They have provided us with structures around planning, implementing and assessing our curriculum, and a valuable set of principles that help us reflect on what we do best, and where we will focus our energies to make ongoing improvements.
In true IB fashion, the Evaluation is an important step in a school's learning cycle. Reflection is a cornerstone of understanding ourselves as learners, and enables us as a school community, just like our students, to better understand our growth.
It was confirming to hear from the evaluating team their feedback; observations they shared demonstrated that they really saw us for who we are. They were unreserved in their delight that students at Preshil are able to 'develop their cultural and personal identity', supported by the School and the way we implement the Programme. This is an incredible achievement, and one in keeping with the best of Preshil.
COVID safe update
You will have received communications from Karoline regarding what is in place for the staggered return of students. The School's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is now in place, and all staff on site are compliant with the requirement to be vaccinated within the timeframes set out.
The Ventilation Audit is underway, as I write, with engineers on site assessing our learning and working spaces.
The School has signed up for a roll-out of HEPA filters through Independent Schools Victoria, who provide this service to their member schools, just as the state government provides this for government sector schools.
We are 'bubbling' our Year 12 students for the duration of the DP exam period. They will be limited to the Kalimna building, and this will be off limits for the rest of the School - with the exception of the music rooms.
In terms of how we are all experiencing this return, Amir will be sending out some information on how best to navigate this time of great joy and also great trepidation. His support, given to staff and students, continues to be exemplary.
We are taking these steps to provide surety and confidence that a return to school is one in which the safety of the students comes first. If you have concerns or questions, as always, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Cressida Batterham-Wilson
Interim Principal
cressida.batterham-wilson@preshil.vic.edu.au