From the Principal 

I would like to shout out to P&F that I appreciate their hard work in 2023, especially the disco, amongst icy pole days etc. I also want to acknowledge the community engagement group again for their hard work at the working bee. 

I know the mangoes are arriving soon and I will again smell that wonderful aroma as I enter my office. The mangoes are always placed in the corridor outside and I can see first-hand how diligently this drive is organised and how efficiently the boxes are distributed to our community.

What’s Happening Now

Teachers have completed writing their reports in preparation for them to come to leadership. Susan and I will now thoroughly proof-read and engage in conversations around student learning growth with all teaching staff.

I always comment on the Foundation reports and Year Six reports, as I truly enjoy reflecting on their entry and exit at our school. They are both the senior leaders and foundation students that help shape whole school culture at OPS.

Recently, panels of staff and external educational members have conducted interviews for multiple positions across the school. This is a very complex and time-consuming process with staff needing to be released and then to conduct follow up referee checks etc. The positions arise when we need to fill contract positions or administrative roles. This year we have far more than usual that needed a complete merit and equity process.

I will meet with the turf organisers and Grassports this week to discuss how to ‘make safe’ the play areas. A reminder to the community that it was not our choice to be linked with three other schools in a project hub. We had no power over this!

Currently, I am completing our 2023 AIP with final reflections and preparing the new AIP for 2024 with my leadership team. We will then share this with our senior educational leader and consequently this will be shared with school council.

As you all know, we have begun a partnership with Adam Voight looking at improving school culture (this will include school council, parents and students). The Real Schools Project is about restorative practices, positive relationships and collaboration. Our initial curriculum day was a major success and the feedback from staff was very positive.

Amongst all of this – we are still taking many new enrolments. In fact, I have had several tours this week. There seems to be a lot of interest in the area and the school which is great! We are monitoring numbers across each grade level. I even had an ex-student contact me who is desperate to move to our school with twin boys. It may have given me a gentle reminder of how quickly the years pass!

I met with Nick Staikos last week at his end of year gathering and sat strategically opposite him to talk all things Ormond PS. He was aware of our desire to fast track the Astro turf and I hope he can be the voice to the powers above to ensure we are being listened to. He is always very supportive. We will see him soon presenting our Lorraine Francis Year 6 award at assembly.

Kerri McLeod

Principal