Principal's Report

Term 2 is a busy term for me with Network Meetings, Statewide Principals Conference and many other opportunities to contribute to State Education and to undertake learning with principal colleagues to bring back to my school. I will add information to the newsletter following these events, so I can help our families understand educational initiatives and what is happening in schools. I hope you enjoy reading these and find the information useful.

Last week our Deer Park/Sunshine Network spent some time with Shaun Faulkhead who is the Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support Coach. He spoke about the importance of looking at student behaviour in a different way.

“If a student can’t read….we teach, If a student can’t do maths….we teach, If a student can’t behave ….we punish? Or do we need to teach by asking ourselves what part of this does the child not understand and how can we help them practice the expected behaviours? Some children will need more time and repeated support to learn how to play cooperatively than other students and we need to be consistent, have high expectations and reteach.

This does not mean that there are not natural consequences eg. if a student throws rubbish, they will need to pick it up. 

Mother’s Day

I would like to wish all our mums a very Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday. I hope that you get an opportunity to spend quality time with your family and they spoil you and show how much they appreciate everything that you do.

It was beautiful to watch children carefully choosing gifts for their mums at our Mother’s Day stall today. Anyone who missed out or if they were away today will be able to purchase something tomorrow, so please bring your $5. 

 Occupational Health & Safety audit

All schools are regularly audited against the Occupational Health and Safety guidelines. The auditor looks at a range of school processes and supports in place to ensure that the school remains a safe learning environment for students and adults.

I’m very pleased to say that we performed very well, and we successfully completed our audit.

The auditor was impressed with our processes such as the way we conduct our termly evacuation drills, the induction of staff and parents, and maintaining a safe physical environment through regular playground equipment audits, regular cleaning and mowing as well as many other checks and activities.

I would like to thank all the staff for their diligence each and every day to ensure that our school is a safe and organised environment for all. I would also like to extend an extra thank you to Ms. Scott for coordinating and leading the audit process together with our consultant Elise. A special mention also to Ms. Myall who contributed to the process through her management of First Aid, as well as helping Ms. Scott prepare for this complex and detailed day long audit. 

Reminders:

1.  School Council Meeting – Tuesday, 13th May
2. Curriculum Day – Wednesday, 14th May – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Kind Regards,

Senka King

Principal