Principal's Report 

From Mrs Barr's Desk

Staggered Return until Monday 1 November when ALL students attend school- Woohoo

This week is the last week of the staggered return. Everyone will be on site from Monday 1 November, the day before Cup Day holiday. 

Foundation to 2 start at 9:10am and finish at 3:25pm 

Grade 3 - 6 students start at 9am and finish 3:30pm

Students and staff have been adjusting to this new learning – a mix of on site and home learning. We are waiting for the last year level grade 3 and 4 students to join us on Tuesday 25 October- they have had the longest wait. 

DET guidelines indicate that schools will not provide home learning when students are required on site unless the absence is for medical reasons.

Masks: 

• Mask worn until 24 November 2021(TBC)
• All adults must wear masks including staff and essential visitors.
• Parents must wear masks
• Students from grade 3 to 6 must wear a mask indoors
• Recommend students in foundation to grade 2 wear masks.

What Brings You Joy?

I have reflected on an amazing few months and how to find the positives when it would be easy to fall into the negative mind set. A little more freedom? Neighbours out walking and exercising? Cafes opening? Returning to school?

I saw the joy in the eyes of many students and parents last week. I joined many staff welcoming back our students and parents and visiting into classes throughout the week- this brings me joy.

I am sure you are looking forward to handing the responsibility of home learning back to us. You probably have an insight into your child’s learning as never before. Thank you for your efforts over this lockdown. 

Our partnerships with families has never been more important. 

Gratitude Garden

Our first returnees from home learning, Foundation students wrote their gratitude statements and planted them in the garden near the green mile entrance from Scott St. 

World Teacher’s Day – this Friday 29 October

What a year to acknowledge the amazing work by our teachers and support staff. It is World Teachers Day this Friday and we have a few surprises planned for our teachers. 

I encourage our students to write a note, make a card or give a small something to show their appreciation of the role their teachers have in their lives.

“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.”

“Every child needs a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” 

Rita Pierson

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

Nelson Mandela

Production for 5/6 Students - The Show Must Go On!

Rehearsals are underway. The performances with two casts will go ahead on Monday 8 November.  It will be filmed and not a live performance. More details to be sent out to families in the near future. 

Classes for 2022

Traditionally, we have asked parents and carers to keep us informed about any strong educational reasons that they have for their child’s placement next year. At our school every child is encouraged to build friendships and resilience.  

All classes put a strong focus on the culture of the beginning a new class with the teacher and students on how we learn and work together. All students are given an opportunity to nominate 4 friends. These friendship groupings are considered when planning 2022 classes but they are not the only consideration. If a student is not with one of those nominated friends, their classroom teacher will contact the family before the classes are announced in the last week of this term.

Please note that in 2021 students moved into their grade 6 year with their grade 5 teacher from 2020. This was a school decision based on consultation with teaching staff. This will NOT be happening for 2022 grade 6 students. Current grade 5 students will be allocated to new teachers in 2022 in line with the rest of the school.

If you wish to inform us about educational considerations for your child’s 2022 placement, you have until Friday 5 November to do so. Please put this in writing to myself through an email or note, addressed to the Principal re Parent Request.

Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 2  November is a public holiday 

Planning For the Future Survey 

Please take this link. The survey is for a master plan concept  to develop the buildings to reflect a contemporary learning environment.