Principal's Report

Welcome Back

It is great to be back at school after what was a much-needed break for students and staff. As I was getting ready on Monday morning I was reminded that it was a year ago when we were launching into Remote and Flexible Learning for the first time. While there have been a lot of challenges over the past 12 months, it is nice to reflect on the year that has passed since we were met with the challenge of lockdowns. 

All Terms are exciting but for our Year 3 and 4 students, they have their camp coming up in a few weeks. With events such as camp not being able to take place last year it is especially exciting as for all students this will be their first school camp. Manyung is a wonderful first camping experience and so close to home so not too far to travel. Camps provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for students to build independence and resilience and develop a sense of who they are. 

 

New Chaplain

This week we have had Melissa Moore start at Marlborough. Melissa has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with young people and their families in a range of capacities.  Melissa will be working on Monday, Tuesday and every second Wednesday. All students have met Melissa already and she is spending time in classrooms getting to know all students. We will be to working to design an approach to the Chaplaincy programs that will provide a range of opportunities for students to access support. This may be whole class support, small group support or 1:1 support. For 1:1 support parent permission will be required, however, we will slowly work towards this over the coming weeks. Melissa will also be running a weekly breakfast club and parent drop-in sessions to connect with the community. 

 

Building Works

If you haven't already had an opportunity to take a look at the progress of the Sensory/Passive Playspace next to the Administration and 1/2 buildings I would encourage you to take a look as there have been large developments over the school holidays and what is already completed gives a sense of the space. 

 

Hoodies Up for Autism Day

Next Friday we will be participating in Hoodies Up for Autism Day below is an extract from the Amaze website that explains why we are participating. On Friday April 30th, all students are encouraged to wear a hoodie (non-school uniform hoodie over usual school uniform) and we will be taking some time at assembly on that day to show our support. 

 

Since 2019, individuals, businesses and schools across Victoria have showed their support for autistic people by putting their Hoodie Up for autism. We’re excited that once again in 2021, the community will Hoodie Up to raise funds and show their understanding, acceptance and support for autistic people.

 

Why hoodies? Some autistic people experience sensory sensitivities and can become overloaded by stimuli in their environment; wearing their hoodie up means they can block out bright lights and busy environments which helps calm them.

 

By gathering together on 30 April 2021 and putting our hoodies up, we’re showing a little more understanding of how we can support and embrace autistic people and celebrate the diversity autism brings to our world.

 

Amaze advocates to ensure the autism community’s voices and needs are recognised in government policy and the media, break down stigma in the wider community through public education campaigns, and up-skill the wider world in how to support autistic people so they can fully participate in, and contribute to, our society.