Principal's Report
From the Principal...
Staffing Update
Marika Evans has commenced her teaching position at another school and the Year 3 position at OPS will be advertised for a new staff member to begin at the start of Term 4. Rae Galvin will continue in the role and she will conduct a full handover when this new staff member is fully appointed. We have appreciated her stepping in to support our Year 3 students during this unsettling time.
The school is currently looking at staffing for 2020 and we will be placing jobs on recruitment online in a timely manner. Staffing considerations need careful planning in alignment with student enrolment numbers, the school financial situation and a well-balanced workforce profile. The school leadership team and administrative staff are all involved in workforce planning for 2020.
Capitol Works Update
The capital works group met last week to discuss the tender quotes for construction. The tender assessment panel recommended that the contract be awarded to Allmore constructions. Following a review of some trades that appeared to be overpriced – namely painting and plastering – they were able to offer some substantial revisions to pricing, along with several cost saving recommendations. This also resulted in an allowance of nearly $55, 000 for tender options to be included.
All those present at the recent building meeting felt comfortable with the outcome and the cost savings. Construction is still scheduled to occur over the next break, with work sheds appearing on site in the next few weeks.
Special Events
From house athletics, bike education to Lacrosse clinics back at school. Our health and physical education program is always a buzz of activity and students engagement. I would like to thank Emma Milliken for her co-ordination and organization of so many wonderful events and learning opportunities. Gymnastics will be the next focus and I am sure the Year 2 and 3 students will enjoy the opportunity to explore this area of physical education.
The school trivia night sounds like it was a huge success with great costumes, food and merriment. Thank you to the organisers and to Helen Kupfer and Michelle Nichols for their preparation of the outstanding art auction pieces. These pieces have adorned our office entrance, adding colour, texture and beauty. The students should be truly proud of their creative contributions.
This week the school participated in Book Week celebrations and families attended student led conferences, where students discussed their learning goals for Literacy and Numeracy. Thank you to parents and guardians for attending the conferences and for supporting students with their fabulous book week costumes. The staff also enjoyed dressing up and many took the opportunity to promote our school values, our Ormond PS ‘secret powers’.
Highlights from our Curriculum Day
On Friday August 9th, the staff had a curriculum day focused on student voice and agency. The day was run by the school leadership team and there were opportunities for teams to collaborate and review current practices. Student agency gives student voice and often, choice, in how they learn. Their ability to make decisions triggers a greater investment of interest and motivation.
What student agency is not?
• It is not having a ‘topic’ given to you to learn.
• It is not having an option of ‘how’ to move through the curriculum
• It is not always knowing where you are on a ‘topic’
• It is not learning something that is limited by ‘how much is left to learn’
Real, sticky learning only happens when we have power to choose, and we facilitate that in schools by creating the conditions and the space. When students are empowered as learners and leaders, actively contributing to both their own education and to whole school initiatives, their self-efficacy is enhanced and they experience significant growth in motivation, wellbeing and achievement.
2020 Planning and Preparation
At this stage, we have 49 Foundation students officially enrolled for 2020. We have 2 definite classes secured but may be looking at a third if numbers creep up. Additional considerations lie with building works and the decanting of students from September onwards. There will be a strategic process put in place to ensure our staffing profile is viable and within budget and that the most effective teams are created to work at each level. Much of 2019, has been about building the leadership capacity of staff and embedding new departmental initiatives and priorities that align well with our new strategic plan.
The school review has provided us with clear directives, goals and targets for the next four years. The school improvement team has worked together to look at actions for each target, as well as setting appropriate timelines.
Enrol Now for 2020
We are open for 2020 enrolments and forms can be collected at the Office. If you have a child turning 5 by April 30, 2020, please complete an enrolment form and bring in a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunisation record and we will process the enrolment immediately. It helps us enormously with planning, if we have a clear indication of enrolments as early as possible. We will be conducting further tours for those who may have missed an opportunity to visit our school, please keep an eye on the website.
Foundation Transition is scheduled to start in September. Please ensure your child is enrolled to confirm their participation in the program.
Kerri McLeod
Principal
Out of School Hours Care
Reminder of our Cancellation Process
If your child wakes up sick as long as you contact the program by 9:00am you will not receive a cancellation fee for Before Care or After Care.
However, if you need to cancel Before Care you need to either ring the Program and leave a message or write in the diary before 6:00pm the night before. For Aftercare you need to notify the program by 9:00am. If you remember these things then you will not receive a late cancellation fee.
After School Care Activities
Thursday 22nd Aug Plastic lid Monsters
Friday 23rd Aug Juggling balls
Monday 26th Aug Father’s Day Activities
Tuesday 27th Aug Father’s Day Activities
Wednesday 28th Aug Father’s Day Activities
Thursday 29th Aug Father’s Day Activities
Friday 30th Aug Father’s Day Activities
Monday 2nd Sept Broaches
Tuesday 3rd Sept Rock Garden
Wednesday 4th Sept Stress Balls
Sharelle Davis
Assistant Coordinator
Out of School Hours Program