Principal's Report

Principal’s Message

Building Works!

This week has seen work finally begin on the refurbishment of our deck and Birdwood Street entrance. This work was identified as a maintenance priority by a Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) Audit due to rotting and degradation of the existing decking. Coordinated by the VSBA and designed by Spaces Design, the new decking and entrance will feature some greenery and additional seating, as well as improving access by creating a sloped single level from the entrance to the decking area.

Indications are that the work will take a couple of months to complete, we're looking forward to the finished product! We're working with the builders to ensure safety and to minimise disruptions and distractions while the work is ongoing.

Deck Construction drop-off and pickup reminders

A reminder of the Compass Note that went out yesterday: 

Due to the works on the Junior Deck we have noted that there is some congestion around the Devon St exit. This is causing some limited access for students and parents/carers to drop off and pick up their children in the Junior area.

For the safety of everyone, the foundation parents/carers can pick up students from the grassed area in front of the classroom on the Devon street side. For year 1 and 2 parent/ carers please remain on the nature strip, outside the gates and the students will meet you here 😊

We will continue to review this as the works continue.

We have also had a reminder from the Council that the pedestrian crossing should be used while Kath our friendly crossing guard is on duty. We would love your support in ensuring the safe crossing over Birdwood St.

Other Building and Grounds Updates

Aside from our deck project, we have a number of other building and ground initiatives at various stages of planning, supported by the work of our School Council, PFA, as well as the Fair and Art Show proceeds.

Heating & Cooling in the Devon Street Building

As discussed in the newsletter previously, our building running adjacent to Devon Street is in need of a new heating and cooling system. We have been in discussion with the Department of Education about this issue for some time regarding the issue. I am pleased to report that the Victorian School Building Authority have agreed to rectify the issue for us, with a tender process currently underway. Fingers crossed that we see further action soon!

Solar Panels

Following discussions with School Council and the Fair committee in recent months, School Council have approved a proposal to install solar panels with the proceeds from our recent Fair. We're looking forward to reducing our environmental impact, as well as our power bills! The monitoring software will also offer students the opportunity to do some real life maths looking at our usage data.

Development of area between 3/4 and Gym

Planning is ongoing to begin some exciting development for this area, including play space, garden, shade and an upgrade for the adjacent entrance, in keeping with our Landscaping Master Plan. This area will be developed over a number of stages, beginning with the play equipment in the middle, then gradually building out in the coming years.

Flags and Flag Poles

Local members of Parliament, Karina Garland and Paul Hamer, visited earlier this year to present us with some new flags. We are planning to display the Australian Flag, Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait flags around the school. PFA fundraising has seen a new flag pole already arrive in the 5/6 area, with Mrs Cheung and Mr F looking at options for displaying the flags in the gym. Finally, a third set of flags will shortly be displayed in the office foyer area.

Thanks to Anjelika, Sandre and the Year 6 team who look after putting our flags up and down each day, you are doing an awesome job!

Soccer Goals

A group of pro-active students has approached PFA to request that we procure some soccer goals to go on the blue synthetic grass surface. We think this is a great idea - Mr F is already researching options!

In less exciting, but still important, news, we have also recently had extensive works done in oval drainage, tree pruning, cleaning of the synthy grass and on fixing roof leaks.

Campfire Conversations

On June 15th the students will be participating in a special event, Campfire Conversations. This engaging day is designed to introduce students to the rich heritage of our Indigenous culture and foster meaningful discussions about our past and our journey forward. 

Please refer to "What's Happening" for further information.

Peter Watson

Principal