Principal News

Allied Health Professional in School

As indicated in last week's newsletter, I am currently reviewing our policy on external Allied Health Professionals providing in-school therapy sessions. This is related to students who are currently connected to external therapists outside of school hours such as Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists etc (self-funded by families or through NDIS). This is not an offer from the school to provide such therapies.  At this stage in the process of developing the necessary policies for Allied Health to provide onsite therapy sessions, and will provide a further update once this process has been finalised.

Staff Absences and Class Splits

I wanted to take a moment to address a few important issues regarding our school's operations, particularly concerning class splits and the use of casual relief teachers.

As you are aware, staff illness in any industry can significantly impact operations. In schools, it can at times affect our ability to maintain regular classroom teaching. When a teacher is unexpectedly absent, my first priority is to ensure that our students continue to receive quality education. Unfortunately, the significant shortage of casual relief teachers (CRTs) across all providers, and at times budget restraints, is not always straightforward.

Our school operates within a diverse budget, which can at times limit our ability to engage additional casual relief teachers. Additionally, our dedicated teaching staff are frequently involved in professional learning opportunities to enhance their skills and teaching strategies. While these professional development sessions are essential for maintaining high teaching standards, they can further strain resources.

The shortage of available casual relief teachers compounds the challenge. Despite our best efforts, there are times when we cannot secure a qualified teacher to cover a class. In these instances, we may need to split classes, which means students from the affected class will join other classes for the day.

It is always my preference to have a teacher in front of every class every day. However, given the current circumstances, this is not always possible. We are making every effort to utilise all our existing human resources to minimise disruptions. This includes Mrs Ward, our Literacy and Numeracy intervention teachers, and myself, stepping in to cover classes whenever feasible.

We understand that these measures can be challenging for students and parents alike. Please rest assured that we are committed to providing your children with the best possible education and continually seek ways to improve our contingency plans.

Thank you for your understanding and support during these times. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Education Support Staff Appreciation Day

Last Thursday, our school celebrated Education Support Staff Appreciation Day with a morning tea provided by the teaching staff. This special event was an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible ES staff, from integration aides to the dedicated members of the admin team.

Our education support staff play a crucial role in the ongoing success of our school. Their hard work supports our students to receive the best possible education and care. Whether they are assisting in classrooms, helping in the first aid room, managing school operations, or supporting student well-being, their contributions are invaluable. Thank you to all our amazing ES staff for making our school a better place every day.

CEPS Community Working Bee

The School Council would like to express their appreciation to all the families who participated in our recent Working Bee on Saturday, May 25th. Your efforts and dedication were key to making the event a tremendous success!

Because of your hard work and commitment, we accomplished a variety of maintenance tasks around the school grounds, creating a safer and more appealing environment for everyone. Tasks like weeding, cleaning drains, digging trenches around the playground bordering preparation for the installation of new sleepers, blowing leaves, installing new anti-slip stair nosing, wheelbarrowing mulch, raking, pruning, and line marking were all crucial to the upkeep of our school.

Your contributions not only enhanced the physical condition of our school but also strengthened our sense of community spirit and teamwork. It was heartening to see parents, carers, and students collaborating, all with the common goal of improving our facilities.

We eagerly anticipate more opportunities to unite as a community and continue making our school a place we can all be proud of.

Robert Ridgway