A Warm Welcome to our Weeden Heights Community

The first term has absolutely flown! We have had a fabulous start to 2022 and it is wonderful to see our preps here fulltime and become a part of our community. We have managed to come through quite well with a small number of cases and absences. I know and understand how frustrating it has been for our families but I thank you for your patience.

I would also like to acknowledge our wonderful staff who have been working under extreme circumstances. It is a challenge to have most of the class at school and some of the class at home. I truly appreciate the ‘extra mile’ they go every day to make sure our student’s learning is continued. Thank you!

Staffing absences

Staffing absent teachers has become a big issue for the school system. The agency for replacement teachers often sends messages days ahead of time highlighting they have no staff available. Classes have to be split or if we are lucky enough to employ a replacement teacher, they can be different every day.

I would like to thank parents for their ongoing support and understanding. We do appreciate you all!

Ms Crookes has not been well and our year 4 class has managed impressively during this time. Well done grade 4! Sarah will hopefully pop in to reconnect with her students before the end of term and we are all crossing our fingers after two more weeks of rest she will be able to return for day 1 next term.

On another note, Mr Saville has chosen to take long service leave for next term and will be replaced by Ms Kirralee Turner. We are absolutely delighted to have Kirra return to us for the leave position after working at another school for the last two years. Kirra is the perfect replacement as she knows the way Weeden Heights operates and has worked with our year 3’s when she worked in the junior school in 2019. Please make Kirra welcome when you see her.

Capital Works Update

Each fortnight I am involved in planning meetings for the impending upgrade. It is so nice to see our school having a small make over. It will make a huge difference to us! We are currently talking about external cladding and working out all the electrical works which involves the telephone system, PA and moving the school server. It is a massive job so I am also learning a lot as we move forward with the process. The architects will provide the school with some drawings soon so I will share them with you. In the meantime, we are beginning to clean out cupboards and resources as we will be moving to alternate spaces during the decanting process. The building will begin late September or early October.

At the school level, we have been discussing the direction and use of ICT in the school. Our lab will disappear and we will be purchasing or leasing ‘mobile labs’. If you have been into school lately, you will have seen the notebook trolleys in the foyer. These will allow for a smoother integration of technology into the classrooms. Last year, on the school survey and after remote learning, parents indicated that they wanted more ICT available to their children and in the classrooms. The leadership team are also discussing this further to develop a strategy moving forward. Exciting times ahead at Weeden Heights PS!

Up Coming Camp for Years 3 – 6 (Term 3)

It is terrific to see the planning for our Years 3 – 6 camp moving forward. Exciting times ahead! This year, for the first time (& our second attempt!), we will be heading off to Lady Northcote camp together. The Year 3/4 and 5/6 camp will occur at the same time, at the one venue. This camp has the perfect setting for two camps to operate together but unite the year levels together for a meal. Considering our community, this is perfect. Lady Northcote can actually accommodate two schools at once so by aligning our camps, there is no need for us to share the site with another school.

While outdoor education is a part of the Health and PE curriculum (yes camps are actually covering learning outcomes and reportable), they have the opportunity to teach so much more. It is important that students can look after themselves personally and interact in different social settings. Risk taking skills are developed and co- operative learning including team work, is focused on.

It is great to begin preparing your children for the camp in many ways. One way is the ability to regulate the water in a shower by themselves. Making beds, brushing teeth thoroughly, cleaning ones face and completely changing clothes independently (including underwear!!) is important. I love that we are a kitchen/garden school as using knives and forks and demonstrating table etiquette is not an issue for this school as it has been for many schools that I have worked in.

The staff have sent out a notice to parents to identify your intention to commit to the program. It is a valuable learning experience for all so please make sure your note has been returned.

A massive ‘Thank you’!

A big thanks to our PFA for organising the Easter Egg Hunt for the whole school. The school were also involved in an Easter Bonnet Parade. The hats were incredible as many were hand made and a lot of effort had been put into making them.

We posted some gorgeous pictures of our very excited students on Facebook so please take a look.

Last Day of Term

Our whole school assembly will be conducted today under the sails at around 2.15pm. Students will be dismissed at 2.30pm ready for their two week break. Parents are of course welcome. Please stand at the back with masks on. There will be several awards presented and a performance from our choir.

Just a reminder for next term.....

masks will still be required in classrooms
RAT testing will continue for at least the first four weeks of term

We all return to school on Tuesday 26 April 2022 (after Anzac Day).

I wish all of our families a safe and restful holiday and Easter break. Please return to us safely in term 2 after having some fun!

Until next term…..

Kylie Campbell

Principal

Futures are Bright at Weeden Heights!

Community

Forest Hill College