Galilee Newsletter

Principal's Report

Term Two

Dear Families,

It has been a busy Term Two with much more important learning to occur in the last week. As a community, we have achieved many successes and I thank the students for their extraordinary learning and growth. We feel privileged to work with such wonderful students each day. Congratulations to the staff for their teaching expertise, particularly with the extra work required to complete Reports. Thankyou to the Deputy Principals, Mrs Burns & Mrs Gerecke, who have made an outstanding impact upon the learning of our students, in only one semester. Their care, hard work, communication and professionalism have been acknowledged by many. Thankyou to Social & Fundraising group who have worked tirelessly for our school community. They deserve much credit for the increased engagement of our parents/guardians, together with Paul Mapley (D.O.G.s) our Parents Reps and Parent Partnership Leaders (Miss Evans & Miss Fahy). I thank Jess Conway (Family Liaison) and all the families that have supported those in need. It has shown the strength of our Galilee community. Thankyou to Donna McMaster and the outstanding School Education Board. While all members make a valuable contribution, I would like to particularly thank Donna for the generosity of time she contributes to Galilee. Donna is a parent who contributes greatly to our community and I recommend you read her report later in this newsletter.

Soirees

Congratulations to our students who successfully showcased their skills at our Musical Soirees over the previous two nights. On Tuesday we were thrilled to see the Voice and Drum performers. I was fortunate enough to be present and witness the startling performances of our students. The evening was facilitated by Anita and Richard and I thank them for their time. On Wednesday night we were again enthralled by the students' performances in Violin (Lynette), Keyboard/Piano (Tim) and Guitar (Trent).  I congratulate the students on the confidence and skill to be able to perform in front of such a large audience and thank the teachers again for their dedication.

Over one third of our students participate in our instrumental/voice program. Performing Arts is a valued part of our curriculum and also led by Mrs Reid and Miss Carnovale. 

The willingness and ability to speak or perform in front of an audience is considered a challenge to many adults who did not have the opportunities when at school, that we provide at Galilee. We are proud of our students always looking for opportunities for them to show their learning. 

21st Century Learning

At Galilee we recognise that change for improvement is a necessary part of education in the 21st century. As you are aware, we have submitted a MasterPlan to apply for funding for buildings and playground space. How many parents can remember this scene from their own schooling? Individual desks, talking to peers was considered copying, writing with fountain pens, using chalkboards, learning was about memorising facts, individual talents were rarely explored and the teacher did all of the talking... It was not an environment that necessarily developed: social justice, connections with community, social emotional skills, confidence in public speaking etc. Fortunately priorities have changed and schools recognise the need to prepare students with the skills to flourish in an ever-changing world. Learning can take place in all environments and not just in the classroom. That is why it's important to develop our environment to keep pace with student learning as they: conduct science experiments, use the computers to learn about other cultures, learn mathematical skills to solve problems, feel safe, are provided with opportunities to speak publicly, use their creativity to make inventions and learn at their own rate. 

The Building Committee are continuing to make contact with politicians to hopefully increase our chances of funding new buildings that will keep pace with the learning of our students.

Student Safety

Currently the playground equipment is allowed to be used at recess and lunchtime with teacher supervision but not before school. Once collected after school, students are not kept off the equipment if under parental supervision or attending GOSH Club. Please encourage your children to play safely to minimise the risk of injury. During recess and lunch breaks there are many provisions to increase the safety of our students while playing outside:

  • teachers on duty in all areas,
  • split play areas,
  • extra indoor spaces opened,
  • the playground equipment is only allowed to be used during recess & lunch (not before school),
  • soft balls made available for playing
  • playground expectations on display.

Funding for Catholic Schools

 

Recently there have been media reports on the amount of funding offered to Catholic Education for the upcoming ten years. If the Bill is passed in the Senate, Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) estimate that our system will receive less money for education in comparison to the Independent and State Government Schools. The government is planning to fund each school based upon their SES (Socio-Economic Status) score.  The SES score is based upon the wealth of a suburb and not those attending a school in a suburb. The video above shows the inaccuracy in using a school's SES to determine it's level of funding. CEM receives funding from the government collectively and distributes the money throughout the system according to each school's needs and population. We are hopeful that the issue is resolved providing in an equitable funding model for all students attending Catholic schools. Families are encouraged to read the email I sent home yesterday and send information to the appropriate Senators, in support of Catholic Education. The dialogue in my email may help you to phrase a message. Our system has asked us to encourage families to send their support in the hope of influencing a better deal for Catholic schools.

Staffing

For the first week of Term Three Mrs Burns will be on Long Service Leave to visit her husband's family overseas. I will also be away for the first week on Long Service Leave visiting my daughter in Canada. Mrs Gerecke with be Acting Principal and Mr Coaley, Acting Deputy Principal. Together with the other school leaders, Galilee will make an excellent start to Term Three.

Student Led Conferences

Student-led Conferences will be on Monday 26th June from 2:00pm-7:30pm (school finishing at 1:30pm) and Wednesday 28th June from 2-5pm (school will remain open as normal on this day) with specialist teachers supervising classes during an assembly. Please note that Semester One Reports are now accessible electronically.  Please refer to the full letter emailed home this week for more information regarding the Student Led Conferences. 

Reporting

An important letter was emailed home last week explaining changes to the Reporting against the new Victorian Curriculum. Please ensure you have read it thoroughly to avoid confusion with your child's Report. We have trialled a new method for you to access your child's report, through a Parent Portal. Please read the instructions carefully before contacting the school office, if you are experiencing difficulty. We are proud of the student learning in Semester One. A major focus is on growth but this won't be evident with the introduction of the new Victorian Curriculum.In Semester Two, we will be working with the staff to report against a greater number of skills to increase the amount of information parents/guardians receive about their child's progress.

 

Don't forget to come dressed as a Mad Scientist tomorrow for the Galilee Science Day.

 

Peace & Blessings,

Simon Millar