Assistant Principal's report 

End of year assessments

As we hurtle towards November, teachers have begun the important work of confirming student progress in order to provide you with a written report at the end of the year. As we did in Semester 1, you will be able to view your child's specific progress against the Victorian Curriculum by using their 'Continuum' on Compass. The Continuum also makes it easy to see what their next steps are as they continue to progress through the curriculum. The written report is a companion to this.  At Kalinda we make a committment to there never being any surprises in these reports and they will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate your child's progress in 2024. With assessments and classwork already scheduled well ahead of time, please ensure that if you know that your child is going to be out of the school for any reason you have notified your class teacher by email or conversation, as well as entering this absence on Compass. 

Oban visit

Last week we had the pleasure of the company of students and teachers from Oban Rd Pre-school. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and notice how the children have grown both in height but also school-readiness since their last visit. Many students were keen to see Roxie as a familiar (furry) face and she did not disappoint, and there were lots of smiles and pats for her in return! Mr McClare read a favourite story with the group, then Mrs Weekes sang a song and made some craft. We finished our visit with a play on the playground. 

It was such a lovely time for everyone and whether or not they will be Kalinda kids next year, we have loved getting to know this year's group. Forging strong partnerships with our neighbours is so important, we can all learn a lot from each other!

Bugs and nasties and virus' oh my!

With the change of seasons comes many illnesses circulating in the community including Covid and other virus'. We are very grateful to our community for your vigilance in keeping your child at home if they are unwell. You may also find reason to give a Covid RAT to your child and many families have reported that the nasal versions are more reliable. If your child has been unwell but will be returning to school with some lingering symptoms of any illness (but no longer infectious) please let the class teacher or school office know so that we can support your child in the best and most efficient way.  

We have also reported a few cases of head lice in our community, if these critters make their way to your house please ensure that treatment has commenced before your child returns to school. It is for this reason that we do not allow sharing of hats. 

Head Lice Factsheet

Kalinda Giving Tree

I am pleased to let you know that our connection with Uniting Homelessness and Support Services will be continuing this year, with the Kalinda Giving Tree. Our tree will go up in the school foyer in a few weeks and we invite families to consider donating a new and unused toy, game, book or craft that can be used to bring some much needed smiles to children and families in the Maroondah area at Christmas. I am so proud that we are continuing this tradition and when I contacted Uniting, they were quick to offer their immense gratitude, mentioning the legacy of generosity that the Kalinda community has become known for with the organisation. It can be challenging to spare money or gifts around the end of year but if you can help in any way please consider helping your child to select a small unwrapped gift to leave under our tree. 

We will also be taking donations of Christmas 'lolly stockings' once again to be passed on so consider popping one in the trolly when you are doing your grocery shopping. 

Take care Kalinda, you are very important to me. 

Lauren Hopkins