principal's message

Dear Parents and Carers,

The next step, our roadmap…

Like all of Victorians, I am eagerly waiting to hear the Premier, Daniel Andrews speak on Sunday when he’ll share the “Roadmap” for Victoria. As soon as information become available, I will notify the whole community. In the meanwhile, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all including parents, carers, children and our staff for EVERYTHING. This has been a very challenging time, and for some especially so. I have felt truly honoured to be in the position to lead this community during this time. I know that I’ve grown professionally and personally, and I trust that we have all grown in ways not always desired, but grown none the less!

Following are two helpful new resources from the Department of Education to help you support your children during remote and flexible learning and beyond!

Raising Learners podcast

The Department of Education and Training has funded a 10-episode podcast series through the Raising Children Network called ‘Raising Learners’. It features parenting experts from organisations including the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Career Education Association Victoria, as well as the Australian eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman-Grant.

Raising Learners provides parents with practical advice, tips and ideas for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement at school and at home. Topics include how to connect with your child’s school and community, how to best support your child’s learning, what to expect for VCE and VCAL students and how to keep your child safe online.

These topics were drawn from common questions that parents raised with the Department’s coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline and Parentline.

The first three episodes will be available on 1 September, and the rest throughout terms 3 and 4. Raising Learners can be accessed via podcast apps and Raising Children Network website.

Managing the Coronacoaster webinar

As mentioned in yesterday’s morning announcement, renowned child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is back by popular demand to repeat his Coronacoaster webinar.

On 15 September, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg will again present Managing the Coronacoaster – Tips for building resilient families in the coronavirus era. His first webinar in August booked out in three days, with more than 12,000 registrations.

In this webinar, Dr Carr-Gregg provides tools and strategies for parents and carers to help manage the lockdown period and remote learning. Topics include:

your supportive role
setting the emotional tone
focusing on what you can control
how to deal with disappointment
more resources and where to get help.

Webinar details

When: 7.30pm, Tuesday 15 September

Duration: 45-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session

Format: online via live stream

Cost: free

Building works update: STELA is coming!

Over the last 8 months, with oversight from the Department of Education and the Victoria School Building Authority, we have been working closely with Content Studio, a leading architectural practice on plans for our new learning centre, STELA. We are thrilled with the results of the design development process and the educational opportunities offered by the proposed buildings and considerable upgrades to our very old but beautiful main building.

The very exciting news is that we are getting closer to commencing these works. The current architectural scheme has gone out to competitive tender and we’ve received the preliminary costings. We are currently reviewing these and are hopeful of appointing a builder in the coming weeks. Project commencement has been earmarked for October. We’re notified neighbours and are going to hold a community meeting for interested parties to join.

Take care and stay safe,

Wendy White