Principal's Report
Start of the School Year
It is extremely pleasing to report to the school community that the students have experienced an excellent start to the school year. They are busily engaged in learning activities within their classroom and acting responsibly on the playground.
The ‘Meet the Teacher’ event was held on Wednesday 7th February. It was a perfect summer evening and the barbeque at the Bundoora Campus gave parents/carers an opportunity to communicate with each other as well as the school staff. Similarly, large numbers of parents/carers attended the ‘Welcome BBQ’ last Friday evening at the Watsonia Campus. At Concord School we value the partnership between parents/carers and the school staff and we sincerely thank those of you who attended these important evenings.
Curriculum Days
Government schools in Victoria are required to have four Curriculum Days (Pupil Free Days) each year. Concord School, as we do each year, had two of these days at the beginning of the year. I can advise that the two remaining Curriculum Days for the year will be on Monday, 21st May and Monday, 26th November. Please make a note of this in your calendars.
School Building Works
I am pleased to announce that Concord School will be commencing large-scale building works early in 2019. The budget for these works is expected to be in excess of $4,000,000. The building will be completed and ready for use at the start of the 2020 school year.
The school recently engaged Law Architects to complete a Masterplan as well as a design for Stage 1 of the project. This project will focus on the Secondary 7/8 building at the back of the school as well as the land between this building and the back fence which is adjacent to the Loyola Reserve car park. To cater for the continually increasing student enrolment, this building is expected to include eight additional classrooms, an Art room, Food Technology Centre and a student-run café that can be accessed by all members of the school community including parents/carers.
I will keep you informed of the progress of this exciting project throughout the year.
Partnership with Laurimar Primary School
Concord School has formed a partnership with Laurimar Primary School which we believe will be extremely beneficial to both schools. Laurimar PS is a mainstream primary school located in Doreen which has a current enrolment of 1044 students. It is in the centre of Concord School’s enrolment zone and 88 current Concord School students live in the local area.
Concord School will be supporting Laurimar PS through the provision of a teacher, Jessica Fitzsimons, from Monday-Wednesday each week who will work with selected students in the key areas of literacy, numeracy and social competencies. Laurimar PS will facilitate inclusion for Concord School students and families through participation in a variety of school and community events. The two schools will also exchange knowledge between staff and share resourcing.
I will keep you informed of developments in relation to this partnership throughout the year. Please contact me if you have any questions in regard to this coningsby.jason.a@edumail.vic.gov.au
North East Link
North East Link is keeping our school informed in regard to the possible impact on our Watsonia Campus. My understanding is that while it is likely the Greensborough Highway will be widened it will not impact on our school.
The community are invited to take part in upcoming workshops on Tuesday 27 February, 6pm-8.30pm, at the Veneto Club, Bulleen. There are three topics to contribute to: urban design, walking and cycling or your environment. Registrations close 4pm on 27 February 2018.
For more information, go to northeastlink.vic.gov.au/community
School Communication and the Use of Compass
It is important that all parents log into Compass so our school can communicate effectively with you. If you have any questions regarding Compass, or are having difficulty in logging-on, then please ring Karen Jordan at our school on 94673972. The Compass log-on can be found at https://concordsch-vic.compass.education or through the ‘Compass Parent Portal’ link on our website.
School Uniform
This is a reminder that it is compulsory for all students to wear the full school uniform each day and that the school uniform policy is strictly enforced. Thank you to parents/carers who have supported their children in wearing the correct school uniform.
For parents/carers of students in Years 7-12, class teachers will be informing you as to which days the sports uniform is to be worn. Please note the following policy in regard to the wearing of the school jumper.
Sport Uniform
The red woollen jumper is not to be worn with the ‘sport uniform’. Only the spray jacket and/or rugby jumper are to be worn with the ‘sport uniform’ over the polo shirt.
Formal Uniform
The spray jacket is not to be worn directly on top of the school shirt or dress. The red woollen jumper is the first item that must be worn if the student is cold. The spray jacket can then be worn over the red woollen jumper if the student is still cold.
Please contact Deb Whiteway in the school office regarding purchases of uniform. Further information, including policies and price lists, can be found through the school website at http://www.concordsch.vic.edu.au/our-school/school-uniform/
Principal's Award
The principal's award goes to Akeila Briones
Akeila is in PKD and is a very responsible class member. She approaches her work with enthusiasm and enjoys learning new things. Akeila asks questions to deepen her understanding. She is always happy and willing to help. Akeila has been a great support to our new class members and has helped them to learn the routines at the Lower Primary campus. Akeila sets a high standard for herself and her work is always presented beautifully.
Well done Akeila.
"Students striving to be the best they can be"
Jason Coningsby
Principal