From the Assistant Principal

Dress to Impress - School Pride

At the start of a term we like to revisit our class expectations with students to set the tone of the classroom, as well as to remind students of our Dress Code. Our Student Dress Code is in place to:

foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance;
support Oakleigh Primary School’s commitment to ensure that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities;
reduce student competition on the basis of clothing; and
enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community.

At last week’s assembly two of our leading Yr 6 students spoke to uniform articles that shouldn’t be worn as part of school uniform. Due to safety concerns students shouldn’t be any wearing any jewellery, specifically earrings with drops or charms that may catch on another item. Students also shouldn’t be wearing any makeup or nail polish. Our school colours are blue, white and yellow and therefore any accessories should complement the school uniform. There should be no additional coloured or patterned long sleeved t-shirts or leggings. Please note uniform items do not have to have the school logo.

It was great to see the efforts students had gone to coming back this week to ensure that they were keeping in line with our Policy. It made a huge difference. Of course, there are always exceptions. Please come and see Michele or myself if you have any concerns around this policy. A copy of our Student Dress Code can be found on our school website Sample school policy (squarespace.com).

Student Absences

On return to school this week, I had the opportunity to analyse our student absence data for Semester 1. One of the lasting impacts of the Covid lockdowns has been around student attendance and engagement. All schools are accountable for ensuring that students are at school every day and that every day at school counts. It is therefore really important that we have accurate data and that absences are coded correctly by both parents and teachers in regards to reasons for absence. To this end we are trying to follow up with families during Parent Meetings this week, where there are consistent Late Arrivals or Unexplained Absences so that we can better support you. A copy of our Attendance Policy can also be found on our school website Oakleigh+Attendance+Policy+2021-2025.pdf (squarespace.com).

Student Voice and Three -Way Conferences

This week, across the school, staff are holding Mid-Year Conferences with families. It was great to hear one of our Yr 6 teachers tell me yesterday how well the student presence in the Three Way Conferences went on the first day. I hope that parents and carers can also see the value of having students be part of this process. Just shy of 80% of our families made bookings to meet with class teachers, while specialist teachers were at capacity.

We strongly recommend contacting your child’s teacher if you were unable to make a meeting this week to discuss in greater depth your child’s progress, as well as their social and personal health and wellbeing.

Parent Involvement

This term there will be plenty of opportunities for parent involvement in the school with some high profile community events on the calendar including the Foundation, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 and 4 Productions, as well as the Father’s Day Breakfast. Please be on the look out for communications around these events and others that may be planned.

Bron

Assistant Principal