Principal Team's Report

End of Term 3 2022 @ The Springs!

In the final fortnight before the holiday break Health Education sessions have continued for our Year 6 students, Year 4 students participated in a special teamwork incursion, our Year 5 students had a ball whilst on camp, the Koorie Celebration day, Regional Athletics and our annual footy fun day (students vs Teachers) have all been fantastic celebrations and a positive end to a successful and busy term.

I think we'll all need the school holidays to recover from all the excitement! 

Term 3 Open Afternoon Postponed - Week 1 Term 4

Unfortunately, our Term 3 Open Afternoon was postponed, however, with much to celebrate, this termly event has been rescheduled for the first Wednesday back in Term 4. We look forward to celebrating our learning with all families on Wednesday, October 5th from 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm. Our classrooms will be open, our display boards updated and sausages will be sizzling on the BBQ (cash only please)!  See you all there! 

Uniform Reminder

We are proud to be members of the Pakenham Springs community, and we want all students to share this pride.  Our uniform is a direct reflection of the perceptions others have about our school.  All families are reminded that we have a compulsory school uniform which must be worn by every student, every day.  On the rare occasion that an item may be in the wash and unable to be worn, a signed and dated note for that single day, will be accepted.  Students have been reminded about this, and may be offered a 'spare' jumper or jacket to borrow for the day should this become an ongoing issue. 

School Visit to Observe our Junior Literacy Program

At PSPS, we have invested in using decodable books across the junior school. This in return is showing evidence of reading growth and a passion for reading in our younger students.  From our teaching and learning success, other schools are wanting to learn more about our approach.  This week, staff from Hillsmeade Primary School visited to observe Literacy lessons and to speak with Ms Anna Dougall about the program.  They wanted to thank our school for the time we gave and a special thanks to Ms Anna Dougall for expertly explaining and walking them through the Literacy learning, student growth and teacher professional development.  Hillsmeade has asked to send a team of teachers to observe our staff in Term 4.  As school leaders, we are very proud to have the excellent work we do recognised by our neighbouring schools.  Well done to Ms Anna Dougall and the Junior School staff.

PSPS gives a Warm Welcome to local VCAL students

This Thursday, VCAL students from Pakenham Secondary College visited our junior school.  They worked in small groups to deliver a lesson that they had arranged and prepared as part of their Year 12 studies in VCAL.  It was fantastic to see students connecting across schools and across ages. Our students warmed to the secondary students well and fully participated in the learning.  The secondary school students interacted with kindness and supported students to understand and complete the task. Overall, this was a great experience for everyone involved, including our own junior school teaching staff.  We wish these VCAL students all the best as they complete this unit of learning and prepare for the end of their secondary schooling.

Victorian Institute of Teaching, Full Registration 

Victorian teachers begin their first year of teaching as provisional teachers.  We have two years to complete further study and research through the form of an inquiry project, which then leads to our Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) full registration being granted.  At PSPS, we have six teachers working to successfully complete their VIT full registration this year.  Mrs Kelly Utting has the responsibility of working with our provisional teachers, supporting, collaborating and coaching them through this detailed process.  Below shows Mrs Kelly Utting and Ms Molly O'Donnell working together during their planning time to analyse teaching and learning.  We are very proud of our VIT program and of the support we offer to the newest members of this profession.

2023 Planning

It's that time of year again when we need numbers for 2023.  Please let us know as soon as possible if you have a child starting in 2023.  Step into Prep is already underway.  Also please let us know if you will be leaving. 

Accurate student numbers allow us to budget and employ the correct number of staff. 

We are beginning recruiting earlier this year due to the teacher shortage to ensure we lock in the best staff we can. 

NAPLAN Student Results

Year 3 and Year 5 students will receive their NAPLAN student results today.  If you have any questions, please contact the classroom teacher.  Results have also been uploaded to Compass.

COVID Safety Measures

Another supply of Rapid Antigen Tests arrived this week and have been given to students. If you require more please pop in and ask at the office. 

As we approach the next school holidays, take care and enjoy the break.  We look forward to seeing you on Monday 3rd October for the first day of Term 4.

The PSPS Leadership Team