Principal's Report

We Are Back! 

We’ve had one of the most settled starts to the school year in my memory! Students and teachers have quickly built strong connections, set high expectations, and begun working towards learning goals. Classrooms are already buzzing with energy, collaboration, and a focus on a fantastic year ahead.

Welcome to Our New Families and Prep Students

This Thursday, we welcome our newest families as our Prep students begin their school journey! Our Prep teachers have been working hard to create engaging and supportive spaces in our wonderful Junior building, designed to foster both academic and social-emotional growth. New tables, chairs, and exciting learning areas are ready for our youngest learners to experience many ‘firsts’—first classroom, first (school) friendship, and first day of school memories!

Inclusion Works Update

Our school’s accessibility works are nearly complete! Over the summer break, significant improvements were made, with one of the most exciting changes being the removal and relaying of many pathways. These updates ensure safer and more accessible movement around the school for everyone.

Revamped Library Space

Our redesigned library space is almost ready! We are excited to offer students a warm and inviting environment to explore literature, ignite a love of stories, and discover new information. Soon, students will be able to borrow books, supporting their passion for reading at home.

Room Changes & Improvements

At the end of last year, we undertook a major reshuffle of classrooms, furniture, and teaching spaces. This process helped us refine our learning environments, ensuring each space is well-resourced and suited to different learning modes. We were also pleased to donate surplus furniture through Rotary Donation in Kind, with five schools in Timor now benefiting from our tables and chairs.

• Junior Classes are now in the building closest to the Sensory Garden.
• Middle & Senior Classes are in the Multi-Age Building near the oval.
• The Specialist Hub is centrally located, and we are thrilled to introduce Performing Arts as our newest specialist subject!

What's on for 2025

This year, we are implementing several key initiatives aligned with the Department of Education's guidelines to enhance learning and wellbeing:

• School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS): This evidence-based framework aims to improve social, emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes for all students. By establishing a consistent and positive approach to behaviour management, SWPBS helps create a safe and conducive learning environment.

   

• Primary Mathematics and Science Specialists (PMSS): This initiative focuses on strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics and science in primary schools. By providing specialised training to our MA teachers, PMSS enhances their expertise, leading to improved student engagement and achievement in these critical subjects.

   

• Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS): Recognising the importance of mental health, this program supports schools in promoting student wellbeing. MHiPS provides resources and training to help teachers identify and support students experiencing mental health challenges, fostering a nurturing and inclusive school culture.

   

• Music in Schools Program: This program offers expert support and resources, including coaching from an experienced music teacher. Additionally, it provides $4,000 worth of music equipment, ensuring that students have access to high-quality instruments and resources. The program also supports the development of a comprehensive and high-quality music curriculum. We look forward to this valuable addition to our Performing Arts specialist program. 

It really is an exciting year for our Marlborough community. I look forward to keeping you updated along the way. Look out for some of our learning in the newsletter and on our Wellbeing Hub. 

Health Update

Not my favourite newsletter topic, but I appreciate the kind words and support over the past nine months. Thankfully, my final surgery was successful, and I have healed well over the break. I’m looking forward to putting this foot issue behind me, getting back into classrooms, wearing two matching shoes again, and, most importantly, being a more active dad!

Warmly,

Tim Mulhall

Principal