Principal Report

I am excited to welcome you all to the beginning of our last term for the school year. The journey so far has been filled with growth, achievements, and memorable moments, and I'm confident that the long term ahead will be no exception. Our students are poised for success, and with your partnership, we are well-equipped to ensure a fulfilling and productive term. We'll also celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our students, including their academic achievements, artistic endeavours, athletic triumphs, and community contributions.

Camps

Well done to everyone who was involved in our recent 5/6 and 3/4 camps. They were both extremely successful, with smiles draped across the tired faces of every student when they return. Later this term, our 1/2 students will get a taste of camp life through an 'Up Late' session, with dinner and some special camp style activities - more information to come our via Compass soon. Later next month, some of our 5/6 students head off to Somers camp, returning around lunchtime on the day of the Colour Run. Looking forward to hearing those highlights as they run their laps around the oval.

Playground

The wait is almost over. We are in the final stages of our playground project, with our playground expecting to be complete in the coming weeks. Thanks to everyone for their support and patience with this one - it will have been worth the wait.

Specialist Programs at Aberfeldie in 2024

Following amendments to face-to-face teaching requirements for our teachers, as part of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement, we have opened up room in our program to include an additional specialist program for 2024. I am pleased to advise our community that Aberfeldie will welcome the introduction of a Performing Arts Program in 2024. We can't wait to get this one off the ground and introduce high quality performances and events back into our community. More information about the staffing of this will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Voice Referendum

Over the weekend, the Commonwealth government conducted a referendum to amend the Australian Constitution for the recognition of First Peoples through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The referendum did not secure enough votes for approval. This marks Australia's first referendum in over two decades, emphasizing the importance of referendums in our democratic system. In a democracy, allowing people to express their opinions on crucial national matters is vital. Given the personal significance of this referendum to many, it's essential to engage respectfully and considerately, including across our school, as various responses, such as disappointment or distress, are expected among students, staff, and communities.

I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge this and ensure that support is available to students and staff who may be impacted. Please reach out to Erin or myself if we can support.

The Premier and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples put out a joint statement on Voice on Sunday that I encourage you to read.

World Teachers Day

The 27th of October marks World Teachers' Day. Please join me in expressing our gratitude and appreciation for the dedicated educators who tirelessly work to shape the future of our students. Teachers are there to inspire, motivate, and impart knowledge, not just in the classroom but in life. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning is truly remarkable. Let us take a moment to recognize and thank our teachers for their invaluable contributions to our school community and society as a whole. For more information on World Teachers Day, click HERE.

Thanks to everyone who supports us with the work we are doing here at Aberfeldie, we are looking forward to completing the year strong.