Notes from the Principal

Shrek the Musical Jr.

I may be biased, but I think we can all agree that our kids are absolutely amazing, and their performance was outstanding. Full credit to Mrs Rachel Huf for having the vision and ensuring that every child in our school had the opportunity to access this wonderful experience. Thank you for your work, Mrs Huf. You are an amazing, passionate educator whose optimism and positive outlook helps our kids achieve big things!

A massive thank you to all our supporters who gave their time and helped in a range of ways. From sewing costumes, to building sets, painting backdrops, making props, bringing children to rehearsals – the list goes on, and, as many hands make light work, you helped and supported us to provide the children with this opportunity.

I would also like to thank Monivae, and in particular, Gustav Pohl for allowing us the use of their theatre space. Not only did they give us a massive discount on hire price, Gustav was there to support every rehearsal, and even helped us load the sets on Tuesday afternoon.

Thank you to the PAC staff – Amanda and Mark, who set up and trained us in the use of the lighting deck and wearable microphones. Although some of the technology was temperamental, the show must go on, and our resilient children did just that.

A recording of the evening performance is in the process of being edited and will be available for our families to view in the coming weeks.

I have had so many people approach me and say that our production was amazing and that they thoroughly enjoyed.  Many wanted us to do more shows!

We also had a lovely letter brought in to school:-

'What a Professional Performance of "Shrek the Musical" the Cavendish Primary School gave us the privilege of enjoying.  Thank you Mrs Huf for having the belief that the School could manage such a Production.  The work that everyone put in to scenery - costumes etc. - a real Community effort.  What a talent in the small school with everyone participating in so many ways.  I am sure that all the performers will benefit from the experience in the future.  Thank you so much - Joan Lewis'

In finishing, I will let you know that, now Mrs Huf has set the bar so high, I have challenged her to come up with our next big show in 2027! Watch this space….

New Bell/Alarm System

We have had a new bell/alarm system installed this week.  The bell will now be heard over loudspeakers outside and small ones inside.  The system also has an emergency signal sound for any emergencies that may arise in the future and a microphone for announcements.  The old school bell will now be officially retired after all those decades but will still be available in the case of emergencies.

Last Day of School/ Early Finish/Jump Rope for Heart

Next Friday 19th September will be the last day of Term 3. We finish at 2:30pm. Please let the Office know if your child does not require bus travel on this day.

This day will also be our official "Jump Off Day" to finish our Jump Rope for Heart fundraising efforts.

Students are welcome to wear casual sportswear suitable for skipping. We ask that students who choose to wear casual clothes bring a gold coin donation for Jump Rope for Heart.

It's not too late to get online, register your child and fundraise. So far, our school has raised over $700.

"Jump Off" activities will run from 9:30-11:20am. After Recess we are going to settle down and celebrate our successful production by watching the video of our nighttime performance.

Families are very welcome to come along and join in - don't forget your active wear!

Official Opening of the School Stadium - 5th October

We know that the official opening of the stadium is in the school holidays, but we would love as many students and families to be there as possible, as students will be singing a few songs.  Please mark it in your calendars.

We will send home an order of events via uEducateUs next week.

At the moment, the plan is to start at 11am. Following the opening, we will have a BBQ lunch to celebrate.

Let our fellow Cavendish Community members know, especially past enrolments. Everyone is welcome.

Staffing Term 4

We are over the moon that Ms McLeod has decided to continue in her role in the 4-6 classroom for the remainder of the year. 

We are awaiting the release of our indicative 2026 budget at the end of term so that we can make firm plans for staffing in 2026. This will be discussed at School Council.

Hoop Time Basketball Year 3-6

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of coaching our Year 3 & 4 students in the Rookies division at Hoop Time basketball. It was a great day of sportsmanship and friendship. Our students played in the true spirit of teamwork and inclusion, ensuring that everyone got a fair go. The most wonderful part was - I didn't have to ask them to do that! They decided amongst themselves that was how they were going to play - it was about fun, not winning. Needless to say, they won every game, showing our CPS REDGUM Values throughout.

Many thanks to our parent helpers who supported us on the day. We are so lucky to have such a warm, supportive community that wraps itself around our kids. 

Our Year 6 students played today in the Future Stars division. They worked together as a team, showing unity, and won 2 out of 4 games. Every student gave 100% effort, and made sure everybody was included. Thanks to our scorer Claire Quinn for being my back up, and to our parent cheer squad. It was a nice finish to our Year 6 students' primary school Hoop Time.

School Council Meeting

Our next School Council Meeting is Wednesday 17th September.  This will once again be held via Webex.  A link will be sent out next week.

School Review

Our official School Review will be held next term on the 16th and 17th of October. Our review panel will include Deborah Harry (School Reviewer), Jo Amott (Senior Education Improvement Leader), Tara Hulonce (Principal - Narrawong District Primary School), Jo Van de Camp (Principal - Portland South Primary School), Tim Huf (School Council President) and myself. 

The review panel will spend two days collecting and reviewing evidence of the school's accomplishments over the past 4 years. Panel members will interview students, parents and teachers, and will also review data from NAPLAN, Parent Opinion Survey, Student Attitudes to School Survey and the Staff Opinion Survey.

The aim of the review is to set goals and targets for the school in our next Strategic Plan. This plan will be the driving force behind our school's strategic direction for the next 4 years.

I am excited to be part of this process, and I am looking forward to looking forward!

Uniforms

Part of demonstrating school pride and unity is the wearing of correct school uniform. We have, of late, noticed some students arriving wearing incorrect uniform. Please ensure that your child is wearing correct uniform to school.

We have plenty of uniform for sale - both new and second hand. You are also welcome to use your School Savings Bonus to purchase uniform.

If you need help and support, please reach out. All information is confidential.

Community Liaison Session - Bushfire Recovery

On Saturday 11 October there will be a Community BBQ, where community liaison recovery speakers will run a session focussed on the ongoing impacts after bushfires on community mental health. Information about how to recognise and what support is available for those suffering in the aftermath of the fires will be available.

The two speakers are:

Michael Gordon - background in farming, emergency management and community recovery.

Alexandra Howard - psychological first aid and disaster recovery.

At this stage I don't know time or location for the session.

I have been asked, on behalf of Gary Hearn and Sarah Cassidy, to reach out to our community and find out which topics of discussion would be most beneficial to the community. For example, psychological recovery, business recovery etc.

If you would like to make any topic suggestions, you are very welcome to email me kate.steele@education.vic.gov.au or pop into the Office and have a chat. 

I will pass these on to Gary Hearn.

Irrigator for sale

If anyone is interested we have our school irrigator for sale.  We are asking for $1,500.  If anyone is interested please come and have a look.

Have a great fortnight.

Warmest regards,

Kate Steele

PRINCIPAL