Principal's Report
Jells Park Primary School
Principal: Kevin Oakey
Assistant Principal: Kellie Stewart
Assistant Principal: Scott Zachariassen
s.zachariassen@jpps.vic.edu.au
Student Free Day
Reminder that there is a Student Free Day (Teacher Professional Practice Day) for Tuesday 25 March, 2025.
This day will also be the Term 1 Parent-Teacher Interview Day, from 1pm onwards.
Parent Teacher Interviews
This year we are trialling having Parent Teacher Interviews at the end of Term 1 and Term 3. We hope this will provide an additional occasion for parents to be informed of how their child is progressing and to develop a more collaborative approach that includes parents in the learning environment.
In principle the framework for Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews is to address the following areas:
- Wellbeing/Social – how your child has settled in to school
- Preliminary testing results (where available)
- Student Goals set for Literacy, Numeracy, Personal (where available)
I would welcome your feedback if you have any comment on how the interviews go.
World Greatest Shave & Crazy Hair Day
This first fundraiser of the Junior School Council will be held on the last day of term - Friday 4 April - please support your child to go CRAZY with their hair on that day and consider donating to the cause (see link later in the newsletter).
There is some wild rumour that I will be also shaving my head....... this is true, but only if the $1500 fundraising target is met!! If this occurs there will be one lucky student drawn from the crowd to do th honours!! Over to you Jells Park.
Important Reminders:
Late Arrival: A matter of great concern is the large number of our students who arrive at school after the 9.00am school bell, meaning that many arrive late for class. This is both disruptive for the class and difficult for the late students who are missing out on their important start to the day. It can make them feel anxious or uncomfortable and they miss out on important information and learning. Please make every attempt to be on time.
Last Day of Term: On Friday 4 April school finished at 2.30pm.
School Council
I am pleased to announce the School Council for the 2025 year:
Parents: Jeff Moss, Nicholas Marollas, Peter Sprekos, Rachael Sketcher, Aditi Bhide, Renee McNamara, Ben Ritchie and Jaydeep Manavi (new).
DET Staff: Kellie Stewart, Scott Zachariassen, Melissa McLeod, Karra McLeod.
I will also be asking School Council to approve Katrina Derkacz as a Community Member on School Council, representing the JPPC .
Thank you to these parents for being willing to support the school in this manner.
2025 Parent Contributions
Parents are asked again to please consider contributing to Parent Contributions for 2025. We are a long way behind on expected budget, and we are very keen to not cut 'additional' programs or reduce resources. We would greatly appreciate your support. Please log into your SENTRAL account.
Kevin Oakey
Principal
Harmony Day
Harmony Week is a celebration that recognises human diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. Harmony week is celebrated from 17th - 23rd March and traditionally people wear orange to show support. Australia is one of the world's most successful multicultural countries and at JPPS we aim to model and demonstrate inclusiveness and respect in all aspects of school life. This is often commented on by visitors to our school. Inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone, is something that all humans deserve and desire, and I am very proud to witness it in action by the students at our school.
Due to NAPLAN, Ride to School Day and several other events, we will be celebrating Harmony Day at the beginning of Term 2. Keep an eye out for further information about this very special day.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kellie Stewart
Assistant Principal