Principal Report

Dear families,

I hope the winter break was full of fun family events. Keeping warm around the house was the aim for my holidays, with an occasional adventure outside when the boredom kicked in. My girls visited the Melbourne Museum and spent some time learning about Dinosaurs. We also visited Scienceworks. The girls had fun, but the real reason was for me to check out the school programs for 2025. I would recommend visiting both in the next holidays.

Review

At the end of term 2, we completed a school review. A school reviewer (Stephen Daly), two high-performing principals (Andrew Moore Ruskin Park PS and Erin Norman Mitcham PS), DETs school improvement leader (Dee Deklijn), Jasmine Mischra (School Council President), as well as the school community stakeholders. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We have a great school, amazing curious children, a team of caring and giving staff members, and lovely parents. Thank you to those who attended a focus session one morning. 

Strengths highlighted are the relationships between staff and students. The students articulated they feel cared for and heard. The quality of curriculum and assessment practices, as well as the consistency of teaching practice. 

There are always things we can improve; this also includes a great school! That work has started now as we begin to shape the next five years. 

We want the students here to have the best opportunities we can find for them, and to reach the heights we know they can achieve. This includes the areas that they love, as well as those we need to give them some support. 

NAPLAN

Students in years 3 and 5 received their NAPLAN results last week. We know you are proud of their efforts. We are still looking at the big picture compared to other schools to see how we have matched up. At first glance, we seem to be matching similar schools. Regardless of where our school results are, we will continue to push those students between now and year 5 who are showing they are ahead, as well as working tirelessly to support those who need it most. We have Maths Club, MacqLit, and Spotlight sessions weekly.  

Policy 

The school council education committee has been working on the Student Wellbeing and Engagement policy and recently submitted it to the school council. Please find a copy of the policy. We do not have a council meeting until August. We will keep you updated with any policies after this. 

Child Safe Standards

I am also pleased to share that we received a completed 'Child Safe Standards' review recently. A lot of work has happened in the background to be compliant. A big thank you across the school, especially Elyce Munnecke and the Office Team, Jenine Farley, Wendy Schilling, and Helen Plunkett.  

Illness

There are still several winter bugs around. Although we always strive for excellent attendance, we want healthy children to attend school. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home and in your care until their symptoms have passed. It is truly appreciated by all.

Keep an eye out for a term of fun filled activities including swimming, specialist open nights and book week.

Best wishes,

Craig