Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning 

It is amazing to think that we are about to wrap up Term 1. 

Considering how quickly it has flown by, we should all feel incredibly proud of all the things we have achieved. Our collective achievements add up to a sizable list… 

• Foundation students have settled into their first year of school, making friends and building their confidence!
• We began our new specialist program, Media Technologies. 
• Our students participated in cyber safety incursions, learning how they can stay safe online. 
• Selected Karoo students participated in District Swimming.
• Hockey Roadshow worked with our Year 1 and 2 students during their PE lessons. 
• Our teachers and parents got to know one another better through our Getting To Know You Interviews.
• We continued our partnership with Real Schools, continuing to implement whole school best practices to support student’s wellbeing, including but not limited to Restorative Practices.
• Students brainstormed mottos to encourage full school attendance, beginning the process to establish a whole school Karoo Attendance Motto.
• Selected students began their participate in the Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI), the Literacy Enhancement Activity Program (LEAP), High Abilities Student (HAS) sessions and Wellbeing Groups. 
• We ran our first Parent Reading information session and had a great response, enabling the parent to offer their support in our classrooms.
• We had a Police incursion, where officers taught our students about crossing safety.
• We celebrated Clean Up Australia Day.
• The Foundation cohort came together for their annual Foundation Family night and BBQ.
• All students participated in the Karoo Cross Country Day.
• We celebrated Harmony Day and students and teachers engaged in a variety of cultural activities.
• Staff engaged in a full day of learning about the Science of Reading and how to implement a structured reading approach, during our whole school Curriculum Day.
• We conducted a ‘Born To Soar’ parent information session, successfully gaining enough interest to enable us to offer the program at our amazing school.
• Our new school Council for 2023 was formed.
• The Year 6 students had a visit from Rowville Secondary College, including past Karoo students, and learnt more about what it is like to attend high school.
• Our Year 3 and 5 students participated in NAPLAN - and did a fabulous job! 
• We celebrated World Maths Day and students participated in a series of multi-age mathematical problems with different teachers across the school.
• We had our amazing Karoo Family Colour Explosion Run, raising funds for our school, all the while sliming teachers and enjoying a BBQ. 
• Our Year 5 students experienced City Camp, making memories, forming new friendships and strengthening others. 
• Year 6 graduation committee met, to begin making plans for our Year 6 graduation and planning for a very memorable year for our eldest students.
• Teachers Vs Year 6 student Netball game. Teachers won this round (Go teachers). Look out for further matches in the near future. (Please see a few snaps below from earlier today).

Tomorrow we will end the term on a high, with our F-2 Easter Bonnet parade, Easter raffle and whole school assembly. Also, a reminder that it is PJ day (cold coin donation), where all funds raised will go towards supporting our sponsor child. I hope that parents will be able to join us for the fun and frivolity!

Looking ahead to next term, we have a lot to look forward to. First up, please note that we have a Curriculum Day on Monday 24th April and students are not expected at school. OSCH will not be running this day, as all staff will be engaging in whole school professional development with our partner Real Schools in the area of Wellbeing. Tuesday the 25th is ANZAC day (public holiday), therefore students first day back to Term 2 is Wednesday 26th April. 

In the meantime, I hope that you all have a very safe and happy break, full of chocolate and laughter. 

Looking forward to seeing you all in Term 2! 

Ms Ashley Kuusela 

Assistant Principal