Principal's News

Dear Parents, 

Greetings from Skala on Patmos in Greece! As advised, I have started my holidays one week early to sail around Turkey and Greece with my husband on our friends' catamaran. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to experience other cultures where the lifestyles are far simpler than our own.  

Having time now to reflect, it has been affirming to see the impact of the changes we have made so far with our work around MACS' Vision for Instruction and Engagement. Through our intervention program, our phonics program in the Juniors and the novel studies in the Middles and Seniors, with the support of the Ochre resources in both literacy and numeracy, we are starting to see positive results in terms of student outcomes. I compliment my staff in their openness to changing their practice to be in line with MACS' vision of explicit teaching which is considered to be evidence based best practice. We still have some work to do for our high ability and gifted students which is an area I'm keen to further develop. 

Outside of the wonderful learning that has occurred in the classrooms, we have had a number of activities to engage the children and the community. 

Our new chess club supported by Northern Star Chess Club continues on a Monday lunchtime and has been well attended. Beginning and experienced players are encouraged to sign up. We look forward to our school hosting some chess tournaments later in the year including the Junior Primary School Qualifier on 5th November and the Primary Open Grand Final on the 10th November. 

Leading up to Father's Day, our school staff hosted an event for our community to come together to celebrate all the Fathers and significant male role models in our children's lives. 

The morning started with a breakfast cooked by the staff then a basketball showdown between our Year 6 students and their dads, finishing up with some trivia. Thank you to the staff for coming in early to cook and serve breakfast. 

Also, thank you to the Parents Association and the parent volunteers for organising and running the Father's Day stall. I know the children love this opportunity to choose a special gift for their dad or special loved one in their lives. 

As we approach the AFL Grand Final, it was great to see all the different colours of the AFL teams on Footy Colours Day. Go Kangas!!

Recently, we again joined together with the Parish to run Children's Liturgy at the Sunday 10.30am Mass. It was wonderful to see so many school families at Mass and 20 children in attendance at Children's Liturgy. This is a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership with our Parish. It is also fantastic to see our staff supporting this initiative with the Parish including Mrs Blake, Miss Boyhan and myself, who help lead the Children's Liturgy. The next Children's Liturgy will be held on Sunday 19th October at the 10.30am Mass and all are welcome. 

Finally, I would like to wish you all a restful holiday break and I look forward to seeing you on the first day of Term 4, Monday 6th October. 

Warm regards

Robyn