From the  Principal 

Celebrating Learning

Last week ten teachers gathered to develop a ‘renewed’ two year scope and sequence learning overview for CPS, aligned to the revised Victorian Curriculum. There is a lot to look forward to. We are rebranding our Discovery learning as HaSS; an acronym representing the Humanities and Social Sciences. This review is aimed at enhancing the educational experience for our students, making learning more meaningful, and encouraging deeper understanding and engagement. 

We understand the importance of moving beyond surface-level learning. It is our goal to help students grasp not just what to learn but also why they are learning it. We want to inspire curiosity and a passion for knowledge. We are aiming to ensure that the content covered in our curriculum aligns with the real-world needs and interests of our students. 

One of the exciting features of this initiative will be the development of rich learning tasks. These tasks will be designed to be multi-faceted, allowing students to showcase their knowledge and skills in creative and practical ways. By moving beyond traditional assessments, we can provide students with opportunities to incorporate cross curriculum priorities, and demonstrate their understanding through projects, presentations, problem-solving, and other forms of assessment that encourage a deeper level of learning.

Prep Orientation Dates

We are starting our orientation sessions for our new prep students for 2024. We ask that new preps for 2024 attend all the transitions sessions listed below. These are very important to ensuring that your child is familiar with the school and comfortable with transitioning to Primary School next year. They also allow our teachers to plan more effectively for a positive start for your child.

• Wednesday 8th November 2.30-3.20pm
• Wednesday 15th November 2.30-3.20pm
• Wednesday 22nd November 11.45am-1.15pm
• Wednesday 29th November 11.45am-1.15pm

Class Placement 

Determining class lists for the following year is quite a lengthy and considered process. The process takes in the social, emotional and educational needs of the students and ensures that classes are balanced as best as possible across the level. Our teachers will begin this process shortly. Please trust that our teachers know our students well. They will liaise with both current and past teachers, including specialists to determine the ‘best fit’ for your child/ren.

World Teachers’ Day

Australia will celebrate teachers on World Teachers’ Day on Friday the 28th of October. It would seem we have ‘over celebrated’ as our wonderful parent community created a wonderful feast for us earlier in the term that we were very grateful for.

Showing appreciation always is displaying a beautiful value known as gratitude. I encourage you to say thank you on Friday, a small gesture of appreciation goes a very long way.

Student Free Day

On the 8th of December we have a Student Free Day. During this day our teaching teams will be planning for 2024. Students are NOT required at school on this day. Please make sure that you have this date in your diaries. 

Our before and after care will be providing a program for the day for parents that require it.

Celebrations

Congratulations to Amy Carhart and her fiancee, Dion on the recent birth of their daughter, Georgie Joyce. Georgie is flourishing at home with her mum and dad. We will be excited to meet Georgie when they are ready to visit.

More Baby News

We are thrilled to share that Rebecca Batten, our music teacher and her husband, Joel Pollard, our PE teacher are expecting their second child in 2024. Ziggy will be excited to be a big brother to his new younger sibling.

 Alicia Parker and her fiancee, Dane are excited to welcome another baby to their family. Their 3rd child will be a younger sibling to Gracie and Hannah. Their baby is expected to be born later in term 1 next year. 

Building Project Update

Stage 1 of the accessible ramp project is coming to a close. We expect the concrete to be poured this coming Thursday, 26th October. Students should be able to access the main toilet block once this has been completed. Stage 2 involves adding ramps to some of our other buildings to make them accessible to all. This part of the project will continue once the main toilet block is complete.

Gratitude

I know I am forever welcoming of students who visit at the office. The grade 3 student cohort spend many Friday afternoons in my office showering me with displays of their learning. 

I feel so blessed to be part of such a warm and welcoming community. Thank you