Principals Message

NAPLAN Starts 15th March

With NAPLAN testing coming up next week, I would like to share some tips on how you can support your child to perform their best at home. Firstly, ensure that your child gets plenty of rest and eats a nutritious breakfast on the day of the test. Encourage them to approach the test with a positive attitude and remind them to take their time and read the instructions carefully.

It is also essential to support your child's learning throughout the year, not just in the lead up to NAPLAN testing. Take an interest in their schoolwork, read with them at home, and provide them with a quiet and comfortable space to study.

Finally, remember that NAPLAN is just one part of your child's education journey. As a school community, we will continue to work together to support every student to reach their full potential.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I wish our students all the best for the upcoming NAPLAN tests.

Sincerely,

Cameron Nicholls

PRINCIPAL

Staff Professional Learning  - Friday 10th March

On Friday, March 10th, our school staff participated in a Community Understanding and Safety Training led by Kaylene McKinnon, Koorie Education Coordinator for Inner Gippsland | South-Eastern Victoria Region. This training is a key part of Marrung, the Aboriginal Education Plan Victoria's ten-year strategy to improve outcomes for Koorie learners in Victoria.

The training was designed to increase our staff's understanding of Koorie culture, history, and experiences, as well as to promote culturally inclusive practices in our school. It aligns with the state-wide priority of creating a positive climate for learning and will become an expectation for all schools in Victoria.

The workshop covered several topics, including a welcome to country or acknowledgement of country, a discussion of pre- and post-colonization history, and an exploration of Aboriginal communities today. Additionally, the training included an examination of inclusion and reflective practice, including topics such as culture, white privilege, equity, and inclusion. Our staff also learned about the requirements for including Aboriginal perspectives in the Victorian Curriculum.

The training concluded with small group table talks in which our staff discussed practical applications for what they learned during the day. We examined what this means for our teaching practices and how we can better include Koorie families, students, and perspectives in our school community.

We believe this training was an important step towards ensuring that our school is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to Koorie people at every stage of their learning and development journey. It will also help us ensure that every Koorie person feels strong in their cultural identity and achieves their potential.

We look forward to continuing our work towards creating a positive and inclusive environment for all students.

Cameron Nicholls

PRINCIPAL