School Council Report

We, the parent members of the School Council, are writing to you as a gentle reminder, to encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to make a payment towards the suggested curriculum contributions, as per the school’s parent payment policy (link to parent payment policy here). 

Whilst, as the name suggests, these fees are voluntary, we wanted to highlight the importance of contributing to providing the best possible environment and outcomes for our children. We do rely on voluntary contributions to fund many resources above the standard curriculum at our school. Currently we have received contributions for approximately 65% of students.  

We aim to reach a target of funding for 85% of students. Below are some of the resources and initiatives the school is providing and could be enhanced if further payments are made: 

Literacy 

Our school has implemented the ‘Little Learners Love Literacy’ program, a synthetic phonics-based approach to learning to read (this is the same program the Victorian Government has now mandated state-wide). This program requires significant resources, particularly to ensure the school has sufficient ‘take-home’ reading books in the required ‘decodable’ format. The school would like to similarly invest in an equivalent online decodable reading program for students to utilise, and further funding can support extending ‘novel-study’ texts in Years 3 to 6. 

Numeracy 

Our school has been fortunate to participate in the Department of Education’s ‘Primary Maths Specialist Program’. This has supported our staff with high quality professional development. To further enhance the quality of teaching practice, additional funding would support the school to purchase textbook resources to continue developing staff professional practice. The school would also like to further invest in online resources, particularly to supplement the current homework program. Online programs can reinforce taught concepts from home and also develop number sense through engaging experiences. 

STEM and ICT 

For the first time, our school is delivering a STEM program across all year levels this year. Further funding can help us to continue to resource this program effectively. The school has purchased some ‘coding bots’ for student use, and would like to extend this program. The school would also like to purchase a 3D printer and update older technology devices, including iPads for Prep and Year 1 students, as well as ensuring projection screens in classrooms are up-to-date and working effectively. 

Facilities 

School facilities need constant upkeep; some particular areas for more immediate attention 

include: 

● Carpets, painting, blind replacement and roof rectification works in the traditional building and senior learning centre. 

● Replacement of water troughs and drinking taps. 

● Updated student furniture. 

Making these contributions is straightforward. You simply need to log onto Compass and head to the payment action centre. You can contribute the amounts suggested by the school or you can manually enter the amounts you are comfortable with. If you are having trouble accessing the payments tab through compass, please contact the school office reception and the team would be happy to assist. 

Feel free to reach out to any of the parent council members at any time to discuss this further. Let’s all work together to help CSPS provide the best opportunities for our children to succeed. 

Warm regards, 

School Council Parent Members: 

Danny Benjamin, Louise Kuramoto, Natalie Ferguson, Katrina Davey, Jackie Dzienciol, Charles Ngo, Gary Sacks, Adam Shnider, Scott Vincent