Principal's Report

Welcome

Dear Families,

I welcome everyone back to school for an exciting Term Two. The term has already been punctuated by public holidays and a school closure day. We look forward to returning to a normal routine for the students. I was away on a principal trip for the last two weeks of term and I thank Mrs Burns and Mrs Gerecke who performed the role of Acting Principal as expected, with outstanding professionalism and compassion. This year we have many new staff leaders and we are impressed by their progress and willingness to focus on the learning of students.

ANZAC Day Assembly

On Wednesday afternoon we gathered as a school community to mark ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day is one of the most important national commemorative occasions in Australia, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand armed forces during World War One. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the SRC Leaders and Social Justice Leaders for leading our moving assembly, together with our School Captains Charlotte and Ethan. We would also like to thank Lieutenant Michelle McCormack, mother of Angus 4R and Liam 1C, for her heartwarming address to the school. Thankyou to the many parents for their attendance and congratulations to Dante and Callum (School Photographers) for their photographs.

School Uniform

As communicated previously, a subcommittee of the School Education Board has been working to improve particular elements of our school uniform and introduce some new options.

All changes are reflected in the updated Uniform List for all students, attached.

You will see that the Uniform List clearly outlines the uniform requirements for our students in Summer, Winter and for Sport.

The summary of changes are as follows:

1. A new microfibre hat will replace the current slouch hat.  The new hat is softer and more comfortable to wear, will not discolour or fade and can be tightened at the brim.
2. A new navy school pant, with a more slimline cut.
3. A new navy trackpant with a zippered cuff at the bottom.
4. A new and improved style of jacket, with the correct length sleeve. Please note that this can be worn with the sport unifrom and can be worn in winter, over the top of the jumper. The microfibre top is not to replace the jumper.
5. A new rugby top for a warmer option for Sport in winter.
6. The introduction of shorts as an option throughout the year. However, please note that with this decision, it will be a requirement for students to wear a mid length sock.  That sock is currently in production. In the interim, the navy anklet sock can be worn through Term 2 but the new sock will need to be purchased in Term 3 if students want to continue wearing shorts.
7. Whilst not on the list, for Summer & Winter Uniforms, black school shoes must be worn.  Runners are only permitted with the Sports Uniform. Any child out of correct uniform should come to school with a note for their teacher, from their parent/guardian outlining the reason and timeframe.

These changes were in direct response to feedback from the School Community, which we appreciate.

As we transition to the new styles, PSW will be selling through the existing inventory.  Students will be permitted to wear the older styles through this transition phase.

However all obsolete items will not be re-ordered so once sold out, the only options will be those described on the attached Uniform List.

Over the years, and without this clarity, the interpretation of our Uniform standards has been varying. 

Now that we have made improvements and are clearly outlining the requirements, we ask that all families work toward adherence to our Uniform Guidelines through Term 2.

From Term 3, we will begin checking that students have the correct uniform on at all times.

Thank you.

2017 Reporting

Schools are mandated to report formally to parents/guardians twice a year and previously there have been rigid guidelines. Recently schools have been allowed to personalise the reporting to make it easier for parents/guardians to read. Our Semester One Report will be a similar structure to what has been used previously. However, at the end of 2017 our Reporting format will be different. You will still receive a grade for your child against the Victorian Curriculum but we will also report on a number of sequential skills related to this grade. A School Improvement Team (made up of staff, parents and students) will be providing feedback. First of all the format has to be selected and then the staff will need to identify the skills that will be taught and reported against in Semester Two.

Please remember that if you have any concerns over your child's progress to make a time to see their teacher and not wait until formal reporting is sent home.

Vision Statement

Last Term, a gathering of staff, students and parents met to write our new Vision Statement. Ideas were brainstormed and then sent onto a smaller team to refine the ideas. The team was made up of: Brendan Coburn, School Captains Charlotte B & Ethan W, Jane Ferris, Danielle Gerecke and Amy Burns.

Below is a copy of the draft created so far but with some more editing to go before it is finalised. How will we use a Vision Statement? It will be referred to during staff and School Education Board meetings, policy development and the way the behave and interact with those around us.

Save the Dates

A Parent Social Night is planned for May 19 and everyone is invited to attend. It is a Friday night at a local venue to be confirmed soon. Russell Robertson (Amber, Year 1) will be providing entertainment. Drinks will be at bar prices and meals availbale on the night. 

The Trivia Night is our major fundraiser and is confirmed for August 5 at the St Kilda Town Hall. There will be requests for donations from businesses and tickets will be sold on Tri-booking. 

Ireland Sabbatical

I recently away on a Catholic Education sponsored trip to Ireland for the last two weeks of Term One and the school holidays. It was a great opportunity to visit an Irish school and learn about faith leadership. Below are photos from Belfast and Derry, in Northern Ireland where I visited Miss Zara Boyle (who worked at Galilee until this year). Zara is missing everyone at Galilee however, she is getting married in July and enjoying spending time with family.

Prep 2018 Enrolments 

Next week we will conducting Prep sibling enrolments for 2018. We are looking forward to the children visiting with their parents as part of their transition to school. Non-sibling interviews will take place the following week before places are offered. We have seen an increased interest from families in our local area wanting to attend Galilee. 

 Master Plan Update

The Building Committee, led by Donna McMaster, completed a comprehensive review of surrounding schools and Galilee and why we require funding for a new building. Last week I met with finance staff from CEM to be clear on how much money we can borrow. We are likely to find out in August if we have been successful in attracting funding. We are also communicating with local and state politicians to assist us in financing our Master Plan. I thank all concerned as we strive for what is best for our students.

Peace & Blessings,

Simon Millar