22nd Nov 2024

Dear Families,

Transition Sessions for 2025 Preps

Last week, we hosted the first of three transition sessions for our 2025 Preps. Starting school is a significant life transition for both children and their families. It is a time of change that can be both exciting and challenging, as children and families adjust to new roles, identities, expectations, relationships, and interactions. The transition to school is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing experience that begins well before the first day and continues well beyond.

Many children will start school after attending kindergarten, while others may have been in childcare, and some may not have participated in any formal early childhood programs. Regardless of their prior experiences, all children will have developed a range of skills and abilities that form the foundation for positive school experiences.

While the children participated in their transition session, parents attended a workshop on "How to Support Your Child with Mathematics," led by Miss Loren. It was a wonderful session filled with fun activities and helpful ideas to assist our future students with their numeracy development.

Our next session is on Tuesday, November 25th, from 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM. Future prep parents are invited to attend a session on "Supporting Your Children’s Literacy Development."

2025 Class Structure and Teacher Allocation

We understand that parents and students are eager to know which teachers will be assigned to each year level for 2025. While we are still finalising our workforce plan and class structure, there is one remaining position currently being advertised. The class structure will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks, and students will learn who their teacher is on Step-Up Day, Tuesday, December 10th. Please note that the class placements on Step-Up Day are final, and no changes will be made afterward. Our staff invests significant time and effort in carefully considering each student’s placement, and we ask families to trust our professional judgment in this process.

Assessment and Report Writing

Teachers are currently in the Assessment and Reporting End of Year cycle. We ask that families maintain school routines, as absences hinder the assessment process. Reports will be distributed to families via Compass on Thursday, December 19th. Families are reminded to save the reports electronically in a location on their own devices. We do not print report copies, and once your child leaves KPS, you will not be able to access the reports.

Brooke Slopak and KPS Video

We are excited to announce that Brooke Slopak has been recognised for her learning journey while completing the Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties). The Department of Education has created a video that highlights her experience and the progress at KPS. You can watch the video here: [Watch the video]. Congratulations, Brooke, on your achievements! We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our staff, who are working together to create the best educational environment for our students.

Delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

In further recognition of the great work at KPS, we have been chosen to host a senior delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by the UAE Minister of Education. The group, consisting of approximately 8 people along with representatives from the Department of Education, will be visiting our school on Thursday, November 28th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The purpose of their visit is to learn about Inclusive Education and our approach to supporting all learners. This is a great privilege for our school and reflects the outstanding work being done by our dedicated staff.

Cybersafety

Recent media coverage has raised important concerns about the risks young people face online. The Government is exploring ways to enhance protections for youth in the digital space, including discussions around the appropriate age for accessing online platforms. Parents are encouraged to take online safety seriously and to actively engage in their children’s digital lives. We urge you to begin researching cybersafety measures and implement strategies to monitor and support your children’s online activity.

Stay well and safe over the next couple of days of high temperatures,

Loren Peavey

https://keelonithps.vic.edu.au/

https://www.facebook.com/KeelonithPrimarySchool

Prep News