The Countdown is On!

by Helen Freeman

School Review

Yesterday, the official review process began with the panel meeting to review our school’s achievements over the past 4 years. The panel consists of the independent reviewer Brian Mills, the Senior Education Improvement Leader, Joanne Wastle, Loretta Mangan from North East Region Office, Anat Garzberg Grant from Glen Waverley Primary School, Eric Huppe our School Council President, Rebecca Stonehouse-Melke and Clare Searle. A highlight for me was hearing the wonderful feedback from the panel members after their classroom visits, this included, students engaged in their learning, friendly happy students, calm supported learning environments, students able to clearly articulate their learning. Next Wednesday the review continues with Brian and Joanne meeting with a variety of focus groups including students, staff and parents. If you would like to be involved in the parent focus group, please come to school next Wednesday, the session will run from 2.30 -3.00 pm in the library.

Swimming

It has been a treat to witness this week all our students in Foundation to Year 2 heading off to their swimming lessons at Huntingtower each afternoon. A huge thanks to all our parent helpers who assist with the program, without this support we would find it difficult to run the program. As we are all aware, being safe around the water is incredibly important in Australia. The program gives the students the opportunity to become water confident and to improve their swimming skills and it also gives the younger students an opportunity to strengthen their independence in self-care.

 

Going swimming each day is intense but the students are all loving it!

I love jumping into the pool and getting wet - Landon.

Sometimes we go to the deep end - Lexi L

I get to practise nose bubbles - Zev.

I love swimming in the deep pool - Abigail.

I blow bubbles under the water, and I got the toy under the water - Amy.

2024 Parent Contributions

Next week information will be forwarded to all families regarding next year’s Parent Contributions. This documentation will be sent as a hard copy to all families. The contributions are described in several categories in line with the guidelines from the Department of Education (DoE). The curriculum contributions section covers all materials provided to each child throughout the year, including their book packs which will be waiting for every student in their classroom on the first day of school next January.

 

We look forward to your support with these contributions so that we may continue to ensure an outstanding level of provision and support for every student. If you have any queries regarding these contributions or would like to organise a personalised payment plan, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Forbes, Business Manager, on 9802 5277.

Move-a-thon Celebrations continue . . .

The celebrations continued last Friday when the students in 3B enjoyed their ‘Subway’ lunch. As mentioned previously they were the class that raised the highest amount of sponsorship money for our Move-a-thon. Our grand total of $13,064.55 is still being talked about, we are just so grateful for the support we received from all our families for this event.

Transition

Last Wednesday we welcomed back our 2024 Foundation students for their third transition session. The theme of the session was the book ‘Who Sank the Boat’. The skills practiced throughout the session included listening to instructions, fine motor skills and the important ones becoming familiar with the Foundation classroom environment and having fun.

Disco

Finally, next Friday we will see the return of ‘Disco Fever’ to Syndal South. We are trialing a change to times for the school disco. The students in Foundation to Year 3 will be hitting the dance floor at 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm and the Year 4 to Year 6 students from 2.30 to 3.30 pm. Flyers will be coming home today.

 

Have a great fortnight!

Helen