Principal's Message

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

It has been lovely to see the way students have returned to school after the term break. Walking through the school it is obvious that there is strong student engagement in learning.   This is a reflection of the work staff have put in over the break in preparation for the term ahead and to ensure a smooth transition back into learning. It is also a reflection of the positive attitude that students have returned with. With mid-year reports completed and parent teacher interviews held at the end of last term staff focus now shifts to supporting students in making strong progress with their learning.  Parents can support their children in doing their best at school through encouraging good home habits such as sleep, limited screen time and nutritious food choices.  These all make a difference to a child’s ability to learn and play well. 

This week the school has also celebrated NAIDOC week. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for our students to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and acknowledge the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.  This year’s theme was  “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud”. The theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. 

Thankyou to Mrs Brown, our Art Teacher for the terrific art work she completed with students across the school as part of our school’s celebrations.  They have made a beautiful display in our foyer and some samples have been posted on our Facebook page. It has also been great to see our Year 5/6 students engaged in discussions around the history of indigenous people and building an understanding that Australia was made up of 250 individual nations each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. On Monday the school will hold it’s first Marrung Reference Group meeting to continue building our school’s capacity to recognise, celebrate  and support our indigenous students and community. 

Next week Mr Kelson will commence leave for the term, and will return in Term 4 as Assistant Principal. I would like to thank Ben for staying on this week to support a smooth handover as I commence my new role as Principal. It has been a lovely start,  with all staff and students making me feel welcome in my new school community.  I have already made many connections with students from families that I have previously taught at Good Shepherd, Macarthur, Hamilton North or Coleraine. I feel very privileged to now add Gray Street to this. Across the term I am looking forward to getting to know all students and staff, and meeting our families. If you see me out in the yard please make yourself known.

Yesterday two of our students, Alaska in grade 4 and Manaia in grade 6, competed in the State Cross Country Championships in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, an outstanding feat just to make it to this level. Alaska placed 9th in her age group over the 2km course, narrowly missing out on State Team selection for the National Championships where she will be a reserve.  Manaia placed 12th in his age group over 3km.  Congratulations to both students, we are all very proud of you. 

A reminder that we do have a Student Free Day coming up shortly though on Monday August 5th.

Jane Langley