Principal's Report

Welcome and Welcome Back

What an amazing start to 2022 we have had at Marlborough. After a much needed Summer Break staff returned over the two weeks prior to students returning to ensure a smooth start to the school year and to create a positive transition into 2022. Our Curriculum Days at the start of the year were filled with a range of vital professional learning for staff to ensure a consistent approach across our school, not only from Foundation to Year 6 but also building upon the work we have achieved over the past years. 

 

It has been lovely to welcome our new staff to Marlborough this year. They have each included a small welcome message on the School News page of this weeks newsletter. 

 

Tuesday morning was filled with such energy and excitement across the school as students returned. After some initial nerves and worries were supported I had the pleasure of visiting each classroom and I was amazed at how settled all students were. Being able to say 'Welcome' to our new Foundation students and others across the school and 'Welcome Back' to all of our students and families who were at Marlborough last year was a great way to kick off 2022. 

 

We will be hosting our Welcome Back BBQ on February 10th (fingers crossed please as it has not been able to run the past two years) and I hope as many families attend as possible. QR check-in and vaccinations are required as per DET guidelines for attending school events. 

 

2022 Staff

Our staffing for this year has been finalised over the Summer Break and below for all families is our staffing list for 2022:

 

Foundation: Melissa Den Elzen

Year 1/2: Anies Davidson, Helen Edwards, Adam Jarvis

Year 3/4: Anna Bondini/Lisa Mackney, Peter Moore, Alec Baroni

Year 5/6: Nathan Baxter, Pippa Davis

 

Visual Art: Jenelle Seregin

Indonesian: Mary-Ellen Dowling

Physical Education: Bonny Chisholm

Science: Caitlin Lindsay (Years 1-4) Neil Butler (Foundation & 5/6)

 

Learning Tutor: Caitlin Lindsay

 

Classroom Education Support: Jane Barnes, Tracy Mullenger, Amber Kim, Nicole Robb, Rachel Saad, Rebecca Trevillian, Sandi Kelly, Joel Barnes

 

Business Manager: Christina Penna

Administration: Natalie Watson

 

Principal: Neil Butler

 

I am very much looking forward to being able to be part of our teaching team and have some exciting things planned for our Foundation and Years 5&6 Science program this year. 

 

Simone Ryan has begun her Maternity Leave a little earlier than planned. Everyone is happy and healthy and we wish Simone and Cam all the very best as they enjoy these few last weeks of peace and quiet before they begin the exciting journey into parenthood. 

 

Hats and Uniform

At Marlborough, we ask all students to be in full school uniform. Towards the end of 2021 we noticed that this expectation was slipping and we are on a mission to ensure that 2022 starts of in a positive way regarding uniform.  Over the first few days I have noticed that we have a number of students who are not in a school hat. This is part of the Marlborough Primary School uniform policy (see below) and is a requirement of our school uniform. School hats can be purchased from the office (broad-brimmed) . Students who do not have a hat are asked to play in the walkway next to the administration building.

 

We will be giving families until the end of next week to source a school hat, however, after this time non school uniform hats will not be permitted as substitutes. School hats must be Sun Smart hats, not caps. 

Face Masks

We also have a number of our students in Years 3-6 not wearing face masks which is currently a requirement as per DHHS guidelines. We are still waiting on our DET supplied face N95 masks and as such do not have an abundance of masks to provide to students. Please ensure your child has their mask (and a spare) at school. 

 

Compass

Compass, our student management system, is the most important tool that we use to communicate with families. If you have not been receiving updates over the past two weeks (our Year 6 Families have been contacted today regarding an error in some of our communications) please contact Natalie in the office. Not only do we want to have all families to have access to everything you need to support your child at school, this is how we provide vital updates and information at school.  

 

Camp Australia

Just a reminder to families that if you need to use Camp Australia's program you must book through them and enrol with them. Our systems from last year cannot be rolled over and we are also not able to take bookings for you anymore. I understand that adjusting to a new system can be a challenge, however, if you need information on how to enrol please pick up a flyer from our office, or contact Camp Australia on 1300 105 343.