Principal's Report
From the Principal...
What a fabulous school disco we had last Friday. The children looked amazing in their Halloween gear! I want to thank the parent organisers for an engaging and fun event. I thoroughly enjoyed attending both discos and I appreciate the staff who turned up to have a quick boogie with their students.
The pace has certainly kicked in as we race to the end of the school year. I am very aware of the hours staff have spent assessing students, writing reports and preparing for the following school year. I am eternally grateful for their knowledge and insight in to what best meets the needs of the students in our care.
We are encouraging families to respect our deadline for any requests for 2020 as the creation of new grades is always a time consuming and well thought out process. The school considers both academic needs, as well as social and emotional requirements. Teaching teams are created based on a spread of experience levels, knowledge plus skills and strengths across the entire staff.
In 2020, we will welcome four new staff members coming to us with much experience. I am pleased to announce that Amy Jones, Elly Wood, Justin Ward and Ryan Serpanchy will be joining the Ormond PS teaching team in 2020. Staff that have successfully applied and secured positions for 2020 include Laura Cecil, Melissa Kah, Emma Milliken, Mary Thanos, Laura Bainbridge and Jack Capicchiano. Simon Brown has pursued his interest in accessing the catholic education system and therefore he will commence next year at Sacred Heart Parish School. We wish him well for 2020 and congratulate him on his successful appointment to a position that he was eager to secure.
Building Update
The reality of building works has certainly been on our mind as leadership and the staff plan for 2020. We are excited by new learning spaces that are far more flexible and accommodating of individual student needs. We appreciate the effort and time our key architects and building site managers give as they carefully consider a staged approach to these works with minimal disruption to classes. The transformation to the school will be incredible and clearly evident to past families and our new families showing interest in enrolling in future years. At times the engineering and structural lingo goes way beyond our comprehension but when it comes down to the vision and expectations for student learning spaces, the school has had significant input and our direction is encouraged and well received.
2020 - Planning
We are currently completing the reviewing of our Annual Implementation Plan and how well we have addressed targets and goals. The school is in a positive position for 2020 with 18 straight classes across the school. It was terrific watching the 2020 Foundation students ease in to the latest transition activities with less anxiety and with an enormous sense of excitement and anticipation. Our enrolment numbers are slightly lower in 2020 but we should note that we will be welcoming a number of international students who will join us throughout the year.
As the number of children attending the school is crucial in our planning, urgent notice of student transfers and exits is also important. This determines our ability to staff our school and plan for the required number of classes. If you have any plans to relocate from our area and/or enrol your children at another school, please email the office as soon as possible. ** This is not necessary for departing Year 6 students.
Classroom placements for next year will be strategic based on our staged building works. I do ask parents and families to understand and respect decisions made by leadership and school council at this time and of course I am available to discuss any issues or concerns if you need further clarification.
Transition
Successful transition and settling students in to new classes and teachers is paramount for the school. We have a very strong values, wellbeing and mindfulness focus across the school which will have a huge impact on transitioning students to new levels. The whole school transition days and opportunities to meet their new teacher are all part of the settling in process. As a smaller school in the Ormond community we have an advantage of students knowing and connecting with staff prior to working with them. Yard duty, first aid, camps, excursions, sporting and fundraising events are where students from across the school connect with all staff. My teaching team and support staff are very excited about the journey ahead and 2020 promises to be the year of positive growth and transformation for our wonderful school. Student voice and agency will be encouraged and instrumental in this cultural and symbolic change to the school!
Outstanding Absences
End of year student reports are currently being complied by teachers, and a part of the reports is student attendance. So that the most accurate data can be uploaded into your child's Semester 2 Reports, could all parents please ensure that they approve and process any outstanding absences for their child on Compass by Friday 6th December 2019. If you have any issues regarding Compass please contact the office.
Kerri McLeod
Principal
Curriculum Day - No School
There will be a Curriculum Day on Friday 15th November. Students are not required at school for this day.
Out of School Hours Care will be available on this day for those who require care. Please contact the program directly on 9578 1327 or see April or Sharelle in the Hall during program hours.
Working Bee - Save the Date
The final Working Bee for the year will be on Sunday 24th November.
More details to follow in the coming weeks.
Out of School Hours Care
To prevent any errors occurring during sign in/out could parents please scroll down to look for your child instead of using the search function as you can accidentally signing in/out for another session. If you are having difficulty finding your child’s name please speak to April or Sharelle for assistants.
2020 Program Enrolments
For new families and families currently using the BASC program
Enrolment forms for 2020 can be found attached below and will also be sent out on Compass. Alternatively you can pick one up in person from the program or front office. Please also return the Pink and Yellow forms.
An immunisation certificate must be attached to the enrolment form for new children attending the service for the first time. Incomplete enrolment forms, without a booking commencement date or forms stating (To be announced or confirmed) will not be accepted and will be returned.
Any families requiring Before & After School Care or Vacation Care for 2020 must submit an enrolment form by Tuesday 10th December.
Holiday Program Dates
Summer Holiday Program 2020 will be available on Wednesday 27th November. The Holiday Program will run from Monday 13th January till Tuesday 28th January (excluding the Public Holiday on Monday 26th January). Booking forms will be available at the service on the sign out desk or on the school website. Holiday Program bookings will only be accepted with completed 2020 enrolment form and a deposit.
After School Care Activities
Thursday 14th November Multi Face Stick Puppets
Friday 15th November Cooking
Monday 18th November Peg Butterflies
Tuesday 19th November Potion and Spell Books
Wednesday 20th November Hanging fish
Thursday 21st November Box Feet
Friday 22nd November Foil painting .
Monday 25th November Mermaid Note Books
Tuesday 26th November Folded Paper Friends
Wednesday 27th November Stone Magnets
Sharelle Davis
Assistant Coordinator
Out of School Hours Program