From The Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Carers, 

We have commenced the term with a number of engaging programs for some of our upper students.  Last week we saw the launch of the Boys' program and followed by some Thai boxing on Monday night.  We also had some of our students involved in the first workshop for the Ballarat Young Authors’ program.  Both events provided some wonderful experiences for our students and they add to the day to day experiences our students have at Delacombe PS.  It also extends our school relations into the wider community. 

Later this term we have some school camps occurring. We have our Grade 5 camp in Week 6 and our Grade 3 camp in Week 7. These are experiences our students remember and look forward to.

At our recent School Council meeting our school captains were invited to raise a few topics with School Council. They raised three ideas with school council:

• Should the school uniform allow for hoodies as part of it?
• Do students (particularly Grade 3-6) take any notice of their school reports?
• Can the school provide toastie makers for the students?

Our school captains discussed the idea of a school hoodie and pros and cons of such a uniform. They also discussed the warmth of the current t-shirt we have. School Council asked questions to the students to which they responded extremely well. The idea of the hoodies presented by the students has raised some further questions about providing an optional school jacket. The idea of hoodie is not a one that is being considered for the school uniform but the jacket idea is one we are exploring. The jackets below at Beleza are $70 (soft shell) and $80 (puffer)respectively and we have spoken to students in JSC and Grade 6 about them. Beleza will be bringing in some samples to look at before we take the idea further.  

We have explored the idea of toastie makers in the Grade 6 classrooms.  We have discussed with the school captains and Mrs Burns on what this will look like and a trial will commence in 6A and 6B this week.

It does show that our students can make a difference in our school and look to improve the lives of their fellow students.

Wellbeing specialist  

Last week Mr Costanzo was appointed to the role of Wellbeing Specialist until the end of 2025.  Mr Costanzo had been acting in the role for Term 2 and we appreciate the support he has given to the students and families.  As a result of this appointment Mrs Kate Austin and Mrs Aileen Shearer-Cox will remain the teachers of 5A for the rest of the year.

Complaints policy   

At the School Council we also discussed our complaints policy and endorsed it. This policy is a policy provided at all Department schools and provides information as to how parents can register a concern or complaint.  This policy is provided on our website.

https://www.delacombeps.vic.edu.au/copy-of-policies

The complaints process in pamphlet form is attached here:  

Our students also have the right to register a concern and complaint. They can do this by informing their teacher or one of our wellbeing staff members. They can also fill out an incident report form and send this to any member of the Leadership or Wellbeing team.  

The process for the students for registering their concern or complaint is one that we will look to make more clear in the classroom.

National day against bullying and violence  

On Friday 18th August we will be running a program recognising the National day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This day is a lead up to the messaging we have been promoting around the school in classes and at assemblies.

Facilities update:

27th July and 28th July installation of shade sails

This has been a long time coming, but this week we are finally expecting the installation of the Shade sails over the Grade 6 portables and the front of the school (P-2 play space).  The picture of the shade sail over the P-2 play space is a slightly bigger one than what is pictured, extending to the garden bed. This will add some added protection for our students in summer and winter.

August 15th (Week 6) P -2 playground 

The Prep -Grade 2 playground works will commence. I am anticipating that this project will take about 3 weeks and will block the area in the P-2 area from the bike shed down to the sand pit. The pictures below are some of the features you will see in this area.

Mid-August (Week 6 - 7) - Specialist classroom delivery

The Specialist classroom will arrive in mid-August and be available for use in Term 4 after steps and decking has been applied.

September 1st (Curriculum Day) - Grade 3-4 playground shade sail installation 

The Grade 3-4 playground will have the shade sail installed on the Curriculum Day we have later this term.

September school holidays - Grade 5-6 tennis courts 

In the Term 3 holiday break the school will transform the tennis courts into a synthetic pitch with a netball court, basketball court and soccer pitch.  A new fence will also be included in the upgrade.

Early Term 4 - shade sails for Grade 4 portable area

In Term 4 we expect our shade sail cover over the Grade 4 portable area, again providing protection for our students. 

Advanced Notice:

Some key dates and events coming up:

• School Working bee this Saturday in the garden 10.30am -12.30pm
• Book week dress up day will occur on Tuesday 22nd August 
• Parents and staff school trivia night - Friday 25th August

Have a great week – Scott, Marnie and Stephanie