Principal's Report

Recently, I had some Principals from our network visit our school. This is part of a 'Community of Practice' that all network leaders participate in. All of them were very impressed with the school and its unique surroundings, particularly by our beautiful murals.  I explained their meaning, which they found very interesting as well. 

Please see this explained below:

Our Murals & Their Story 

Podcast Club

As we welcome back Ms Murphy from leave, we also welcome back our podcast club.

Please enjoy  Episode 14

Industrial Action 

This week, teachers across Victoria, including many from Whittlesea Primary School, participated in stop-work action as part of ongoing enterprise bargaining negotiations with the Department of Education and the Australian Education Union. The action, organised by the union, aimed to draw attention to key issues including workload pressures, salary conditions, and the need for improved support to ensure the sustainability of the teaching profession. As a result, most schools experienced disruptions to their usual programs, with supervision arrangements put in place where possible to support students. While the action was just for the day, it reflects broader advocacy efforts by teachers to improve working conditions, ultimately intended to support better student outcomes.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigated the process of organising this day. 

Staffing Update 

It was remiss of me not to provide a staffing update last week.  Staffing can be a bit of a puzzle, so I would like to acknowledge the staff and their flexibility as we worked through this. At all times, the continuity of learning and wellbeing for our students is our priority. 

Please be aware of the following changes:

• 34D Ms Amy Hicks has decided not to return to Whittlesea Primary School 
• 5C Ms Alanah Tebbatt joins us (replacing Ms Sophie Bell), with Mr Tom Thorneycroft teaching on Tuesdays
• 6A Ms Deanne Woodhouse returns from leave (W-F), with Ms Katie Murphy (M&Tu)
• 34A Ms Hope Cummins will be joined by Mr Tom Thorneycroft (Th&F) until September, when Ms Carli Scoberg returns, who will join 34A 
• Ms Tiarne Patterson and Ms Fiona Dandie are supporting additional teacher groups with our Year 1 teachers, Ms Madi Merritt and Ms Kate Leishman 

Have a great weekend,

Kaylene