Principal Report 2

Capital Building Project

I was absolutely delighted to share the incredible announcement that Belmore School had been allocated $9.677 million in the 2020-2021 Victorian State Budget to upgrade and modernise our most deserving school.  Along with out Business Manager Julie Nicholson and School Council President Brenton Carey, this  week I have attended an introduction to the Capital Works Program as well as a school facilities information session.

To maximise the opportunities this significant financial contribution can provide, we have been strongly advised to engage the entire school community in the early stages of the project. On Wednesday I briefed the staff on the scope of the project and last night met with School Council in an extra-ordinary meeting. Today I distributed a survey for all members of the Belmore School community to complete to assist in the development of an Asset Management Plan which details the school's educational vision, direction and aspirations and current facilities.  Your support in completing the survey will assist in appointing an architect who can incorporate the unique requirements of our students and school.

As the timeline to complete stage 1 of the Asset Management Plan is tight, I ask that you complete the survey by Sunday 13 December.  You can click on the link or use the QR code on your smart phone.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZVWMJQW

Your opinion is important and valued and will support the success in developing our buildings and grounds into 21st century learning spaces for our very special students.

2021 Preparations

2021 preparations are well underway and due to increasing student numbers we will commence the new year with eight classes - four primary and four secondary.  We are currently finalising staffing and student placements which parents will be advised of on Monday 13 December. On Tuesday, students will be informed of their class placements and have the opportunity to spend some time with their new teacher in their new classroom.

Reports

Today I wrote to advise you that your child’s semester 2 report will now be sent home on Friday 11 December.

Due to the significant change experienced throughout this year we are developing a modified digital portfolio report which will be presented on a USB to enable commentary and inclusion of videos of your child participating in their learning programs. A recording of the presentation assembly to be held next Wednesday will also be included on the USB.

I encourage you to participate in an online SSG meeting with your child’s teacher next week. Here at Belmore we are all delighted to be able to celebrate the achievements of our students despite the significant challenges we have all experienced.

2020 Yearbook

Thankyou to the parents who have returned the permission slip for their child to participate in the 2020 Yearbook, with a special mention to those parents sending in photos of their child learning at home.  In this unique and challenging year we would like to celebrate the many achievements of our students through both learning at school and at home.  

As our focus this term has been to engage fully with our students, production of the 2020 Yearbook has been delayed and will now be distributed at the start of the new school year.

2020 Finish and 2021 Start

Please note that school will finish for all students at the earlier time of 12.00pm on Friday 18th December. As Friday will be run as an alternate timetable, official farewells for all students and staff will be made on Thursday.  Please feel free to keep your child home on Friday if it is easier to organise care arrangements for the full day.

School will resume for students on Thursday 28 January 2021.  

Foundation students will commence on Monday 1st February.