Principals Report 

In the last newsletter of term, I want to note some highlights from the beginning of the year, as well as looking ahead to what we have in store in Term 2.

Student Leaders

Our student leaders, both across our Year 6 Leadership Program and our Student Representative Council, were presented at special assemblies this term and have already shown what great young leaders they are. Our School Captain team are leading school tours on a weekly basis, whilst our other student leaders have worked on projects such as Harmony Day, proudly raising our flags daily, lunchtime clubs and specialist interest areas. Our SRC ran a successful ‘Crazy Hair Day’ today, with raised funds supporting the Good Friday Appeal, whilst continuing to meet as a group on a weekly basis. 

Student Learning 

Our classroom learning programs are finely-tuned to ensure all students are being challenged at their ‘point of need’. Whether we’re discovering what ‘good-fit’ books are in Prep, or undertaking ‘Market Day’ preparations in Year 6, and everything else in between, high-quality learning is always our focus. Our new online decodable reading application is supporting the take-home reading program for our junior students, whilst our Year 3 and 5 students recently navigated the NAPLAN assessments successfully. Learning comes in all forms; our Year 4 students are learning about what it takes to perform on stage and will be starring in ‘Scaree Nights’ at the Phoenix Theatre in Elwood. 

Buildings and Grounds

Our new mini–Soccer Pitch has been a huge hit with students (and staff, and parents!) since it opened a couple of weeks ago. On the Clark Street side of the pitch, we will soon begin construction on a ‘sensory garden’, giving our students another beautiful area in which to play in. A huge thanks must go out to a couple of our parents here, Katie Woods, for your creation and design of the space and Anthony Moran, for your continued input and counsel. Thank you so much to you both for your contributions.

You may have seen a new welcome sign at the front of our school, installed only yesterday, whilst we will have gate entrance signs across all entrances of our school shortly. Over the holidays, areas in our Prep space, Library and STEM room will be re-carpeted, whilst final defect improvements will be made in the administration and Year 5/6 building. 

Traffic Safety 

Our traffic safety working group continue to meet, with our goal of working with local council and our state member to provide the safest possible road conditions around our school. Our ‘Kiss ‘n Go’ area has successfully moved to the Poolman Street end of Clark Street, whilst other key improvement strategies will be discussed further early in Term 2 with our local councillors. 

What’s Next?

In Term 2, I particularly look forward to these upcoming events:

• Our ANZAC Day Choir performing at Port Melbourne’s Annual ANZAC Day Ceremony on Tuesday 25th April.
• Our Term 2 Working Bee on Sunday 7th May.
• Our Mother’s Day Lunch on Friday 12th May.
• Our 2024 Prep Information Night on Tuesday 16th May at 5:00pm (onsite).
• Our Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Wednesday 17th May. 

Please note, as communicated previously, our final day of term is next Thursday 6th April. Students will be dismissed at 2:30pm. We will have a slightly unusual start to Term 2, with our students and staff returning on Monday 24th April, before all Victorian Schools are closed for ANZAC Day on Tuesday 25th April, returning again on Wednesday 26th April. 

Have a safe and happy holiday, thank you for your ongoing support and keep doing your best.

Rohan.