Principal's Report

Dear Parents,

It's been a terrific week at Macedon Primary School. Students have continued to be settled, classroom and specialist programs have commenced, and teachers have made the most of extended sessions for collaboration.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to attend the first student leadership meeting with the year 6 students who were tasked with generating ideas for their various roles. They are all very eager to get started. If they approach their leadership work with the same integrity and enthusiasm as they have their buddies, they will be wonderful. Year six jackets have arrived and look fantastic.

I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting many of you before and after school. Please don't hesitate to make contact if you have any questions, concerns, or would just like to put a face to a name. 

To add some context about myself, here's a brief snapshot. I grew up in Ballarat, spending most of my time running or riding around Lake Wendouree. Teaching appointments resulted in a move towards Melbourne with most my schools being in Melbourne's northern suburbs. 

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to support newly appointed principals with the opening of two new Support Inclusion schools from 2019 to 2021, which led to eight months working in the Inclusive Education branch of the Department, developing a Graduate Certificate of Education (Learning Difficulties).

I'm passionate about inclusion, contemporary evidence-based instruction, cognitive science, student leadership, voice and agency, and anything to do with the environment. My present role involves 'filling in' for principals and assistant principals. I'm delighted to add Macedon Primary School to my list of schools.

Lego - Seeking Blocks and Volunteers!

A chance conversation in the yard has sparked the idea of a lunchtime Lego Club. All we need is lots and lots of Lego (or Duplo) blocks and some parents who'd be happy to be on a roster to supervise the students.  At this stage, Lego Club would run on a Tuesday from 1.00pm to 1.45pm (this allows the students to go to the toilet and get a drink before class).

If you've got blocks you no longer need, please bring them to the office.

If you are interested in being a Lego Supervisor, send me an email (cathie.morcom@education.vic.gov.au). Supervisors will need a valid Working with Children Check.

Change to Bell Times 

I've appreciated questions around the change to session times as this provides an opportunity for clarity. The impetus for the change was the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (2022) which included an increase in non-face-to-face time for teaching staff for 2023. This, combined with the school's specialist profile, set the scene for the change that was made by the 2022 School Leadership Team.

09:00 - 10:40 am:  Literacy Block

10:40 - 11:10 am:  Recess

11:10 - 12:50 pm:  Numeracy Block

12:50 - 01:00 pm:  Eat lunch in classrooms

01:00 - 01:50 pm:  Lunch Recess

01:50 - 03:30 pm:  Integrated Studies Block

STEM - Your Questions Answered

Another frequently asked question has been around STEM. My understanding is that the school has advertised, twice, for a STEM teacher and has been unable to make an appointment. The teacher shortage across Australia is continuing to have an impact on schools.

If you have any questions, please feel welcome to have chat in the yard (I'm on duty before and after school), email, or call to make an appointment.

What Makes Macedon Primary School Great?

Last year, students from all year levels, were asked to respond to this question to give me an insight into what they value about their school. The responses were made into a poster which has been shared with the students this year.

It's a girl - Congratulations to Mrs Swale

Congratulations to Millie and her husband Hunter on the  arrival of "Lottie Willa" arriving early,  at 27 weeks, 6 day wighing 886 grams. Little Miss Lottie has made it through many ups and downs during her first couple of weeks in the NICU and is currently doing well. 

School Council – Notice of Election

We are holding an election to fill the vacant positions on the school council for 2024/2025.  There are four parent positions that will be vacated by the end of February. The school council is an important opportunity for parents and staff to become involved in the governance and support for the school.  The school council oversees the financial, facilities and programs such as the before and after school care, the Macedon PS pine plantation and the Farmers’ Market. The school council also supports the school to operate with strong governance and transparency.  There is no special prior knowledge or experience required for parents to be on school council and we encourage you to consider this option if you are interested.  If you would like further information please contact the school to answer any questions you have.  All of our meetings are open meetings and we invite you to attend if you are interested in seeing how they run before you decide to nominate.  Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14th of February, please email the school for the details. 

The school council membership term is two years. Below is a timeline of the election process.

If you would like to nominate someone, or self-nominate, please fill in and submit your form to the front office by 4pm on Friday 16th February.  You can find the forms at the front office.

School Council Election Process and Timeline 2024

I look forward to seeing you at assembly this Friday at 3:00pm in the Jogn Curtin Building (JCB).

Finally, the staff have been working hard on co-ordinating their outfits :)

Kind regards

Cathie