Principal's Report

CARNIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It was little over a week ago that our school enjoyed a little bit of luck (weather) and an extraordinary amount of good management to enjoy a fantastic Twilight Carnival. The committee, led by Emily Beasley and Kim Phillips can feel enormously proud and responsible for raising an incredible $55,000. This is a monumental figure and well beyond expectations, achieved through the generous contributions, donations and sponsorship everyone gave. From a bag of tortillas to thousands of dollars of in-kind donations, it all helped! The evening also provided a long-overdue event that so many from the community could enjoy. To everyone that volunteered, I thank you sincerely for this collective achievement. We will be able to totally re-develop the Quad area to ensure it’s better suited for assemblies, students to work in and parent events. Once this is completed, I hope that everyone who contributed in whatever way, feels a sense of contribution when you happen to be enjoying the outcome.

PARENT OPINION SURVEY DATA RELEASED

This year’s Parent Opinion Survey data has been released. This survey was sent to approximately 180 randomly selected families throughout the school as selected by DET. The data below evidences some very positive results (* indicates highest score in 5 years) with 17 of 19 areas improving on last year and 13 of 19 showing the most positive results in 5 years. Some of these can perhaps be attributed to being on-site for the year (such as School Connectedness) and some that are areas we’ve been working on, such as Teacher and school Communication. There are also areas that we look to, to focus on in subsequent years and thank the respondents for the feedback. 

VOLUNTEER THANKS!

A huge thank you to Melissa, Megan Lester and Kirsten Morris for their work in setting up and manning the Second-Hand Uniform Sale last week. $445 was raised and it is fabulous to be able to recycle such a lot of uniform that would otherwise be waste. 

Thank you to the Beare family for donating and planting two Mandarin Trees near the BER area. They did the same ten years ago with the Linden Trees near the same area which are now flourishing.

This Saturday there will be an Election Day Sausage Sizzle, and we would be very grateful to any families who can donate an hour or so of time to come down and help cook and serve. A Compass post will be shared shortly with a link to sign up for. I’m sure there will be a lot of hungry voters queued up and very grateful for a democracy sausage!

PARENT PAYMENTS

This week Parent Payments will be shared via Compass. School Council and the Finance Sub Committee have worked hard to maintain costs given the current cost of living pressures we understand families are experiencing, without compromising the educational programs, diversity of offerings and quality of schooling your children enjoy. We thank you for your ongoing support and contribution to the school. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office.

KISS & GO REMINDER

Changes to the gate that students wait near for the Kiss and Go collection has initially had a very positive impact. Foot / bike traffic around Gate 3 has decreased significantly and car flow appears to be safer and more efficient. Thank you to those that have made the adjustment, we’ll continue to remind students over the coming days as they get used to a new habit. 

STUDENT TRANSITION

Foundation 2023 Transition is already well underway, with whole school transition beginning on November 30 over three weeks. This process is important in supporting students to feel both excited and informed about the following year, with activities specifically designed by teams to support students in this process and build connection. The groups students are in for the first two sessions do not reflect their final 2023 classes, nor the teacher they will have. The final session is when students will meet their teacher and class for 2023. 

SOIREE 

We are all very much looking forward to tonight’s Soiree at Sandringham College. A huge thank you to Traci for the organisation that has gone into organising the event, for the first time in a number of years. I also congratulate your children for their dedication to practise and courage to perform in front of a large audience. I’m certain they’ll do you, us and most importantly themselves proud!

NEW & IMPORTANT DATES

• 23rd November – Soiree
• 30th November – First whole school transition session
• 15th December – Christmas Carols evening
• 16th December – Final Assembly (2:50pm)
• 30th January – First day of school for students 2023

To stay up to date with all events and key dates, see the Compass Calendar. 

REMINDERS

• Please remember that all final day events (assembly, staff v students soccer, etc. will be held on Friday 16th December. Monday 19th is a Curriculum Day and Tuesday 20th is a half-day for students and we therefore anticipate there will be low attendance.
• The library is not open at lunchtimes currently. 

CONGRATULATIONS

Recently, three of our students were invited with their team to meet the Australian Female Soccer Team, the Matildas. This was an outstanding experience and was added to when they found out that they will be player escorts onto the pitch at one of the World Cup games next year. Well done to Tess H, Isabella B and Ella D, we wish you all the very best in your career that is now inspired I’m sure.