Principal's Report

Let the Good Times Roll!

Last Monday we opened the school gates for the first time in a long time, as we welcomed our Foundation students back to school. There was lots of excitement on the playground that morning, mixed with a little trepidation after such a long absence.

Last Thursday it was our Year 1 and 2 students who got back into their school routine and were into the swing of things in no time at all. With 150 students at school, the place was starting to get its groove back.

Last Friday, the Year 5 and 6 students joined Year 1 and 2 at school. The sports court was being put to good use and the Wingrove St Campus was once again teeming with life.

This morning it was the turn of our Year 3 and 4 students to return. They have had to be the most patient of all our year levels, starting the week after everyone else. However, this was soon forgotten as their smiling faces and laughter returned to the grounds.

Congratulations to all our students, staff and families for such a settled return. After experiencing an inordinate amount of time away from school, we have been so impressed by how the students have reconnected with their peers, teachers, routines and learning. They are clearly so happy to be back at school, enjoying every moment.

Next Wednesday 3 November we look forward to having all students back full-time. This will be a moment to savour, and everyone deserves to give themselves a pat on the back, for how incredible you have all been during this (amongst the many others) lockdown.

We are crossing everything and hoping that we have a smooth, uninterrupted rest of the term. Let’s now go and enjoy the rest of the year – we all deserve this.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Last term we postponed our semester two Parent Teacher Interviews. We recognise the importance of parents meeting with their child’s teacher during such a disrupted year, therefore we will hold parent teacher interviews towards the end of term.

To avoid an early dismissal and more missed school, these interviews will be conducted virtually during the school day. Classroom teachers will be replaced by a casual teacher enabling them to meet with parents. Keep an eye out in Compass for details.

Loaned Devices

With remote learning ending this week, we request that families return borrowed devices at their earliest convenience. These computers will be required for class use. A communication will be sent in Compass with further details.

Planning for 2022

This term, staff will begin to draft student class groupings for 2022. As part of this process, students will be asked to write down the names of five peers who they work well with. We aim to accommodate at least one of these requests. Staff will use their knowledge of individual students to help create classes, ensuring a balance of abilities, gender, friendship groups and room for social expansion. 

Whilst recognising that staff are generally best placed to make decisions about their students’ future placements, there may be specific considerations of which they are unaware. If there is an important situation that parents need to communicate to the school for 2022 class placements, please email Paul Wallace no later than Friday 5 November. 

Next year all year levels will be straight grade groups – like this year. Any families who are planning to leave the school this year are required to inform the school office to support the planning process. 

~ Paul Wallace, Principal