From the Principal’s Desk

Book Week Celebrations

Our recent Book Week celebration on Thursday, August 22 was a fabulous success! Students from Prep to Grade 6 embraced the joy of reading by coming to school dressed as their favourite book characters. The fun-filled parade was a highlight, showcasing an array of creative and imaginative costumes, well done to our students and families for their creativity!

We were so lucky to welcome author and illustrator Gigi Anderson, known for her delightful book ‘Pizza My Heart’, she captivated our students with her visit. A special thank you to all the families who visited in the afternoon to view and celebrate the students’ writing pieces in their classrooms. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the excitement of reading and writing within our school community. We appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm and support in making Book Week yet again such a memorable event! A big shout out to Mr Delaney and Ms Prim for all their efforts in preparing our Book Week celebrations.

Staff Professional Learning

The last fortnight has been filled with learning not only for our children, but for our staff also. I am excited to share with you the highlights of an enriching professional development day that our staff enjoyed on Monday, August 26th.

Our day began with an exploration of the new English 2.0 curriculum, which is set to be implemented from 2025. Revised content descriptions now show a clear progression of skills at each level. This means students will experience a more logical development of their English abilities, from early stages to more advanced skills.

Our staff engaged in thorough discussions about various changes and how they will enhance our current teaching practices. I am confident that Mitcham Primary School is exceptionally well-prepared to embrace these innovations and integrate them seamlessly into our curriculum.

The afternoon session was equally impactful, as we participated in the ‘Making Space for Learning’ Professional Development workshop, facilitated by the Australian Childhood Foundation. This program is designed to enhance our ability to support students who have experienced trauma and disadvantage. It provided our teachers with valuable insights into trauma-responsive principles and strategies, including how trauma can affect a student’s learning and how we can create a supportive classroom environment.

Through interactive activities and case studies, our staff developed a deeper understanding of trauma-responsive teaching practices. This training will undoubtedly enrich our approach to student wellbeing and ensure that we continue to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all our students.

In addition to our recent professional development, I am excited to report on our participation in the 2024 Victorian Principal’s Association Leadership Conference: Our Communities, Our Schools, held from August 22–23. Michelle Anderson, Laura Ellis, and I had the privilege of attending this dynamic conference.

The conference was officially opened by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP. Our first keynote speaker, Mark Carter, sparked a whirlwind of possibilities as we explored the critical role of school leadership both within and beyond the school gates.

Kieran Flanagan captivated us with his insights on the importance of adaptability and innovation in educational leadership. The emotional highlight of the day was James Castrission’s inspiring account of his journey to the South Pole and back. His focus on collaboration and resilience left us with a standing ovation.

Friday morning’s sessions were equally enlightening. Futurist Gihan Perera provided a visionary look into what 'future fit' leadership entails, encouraging us to prepare for the evolving landscape of education. Nathan Wallis offered a compelling neuroscience perspective on the vital role of a positive and loving environment during the first 1000 days of a child's life and its impact on lifelong outcomes.

The conference concluded with Julie Cross, who delivered a powerful closing address. Julie’s resilience, humour, and positivity in the face of adversity were truly inspiring, leaving us with a deep sense of gratitude and hope.

Overall, both the professional development day and the leadership conference have been invaluable in enriching our understanding and practices. I am proud of the dedication our staff demonstrate in continuously improving their skills for the benefit of our students.

Hoping you have a lovely week.

Warmly,

Erin

Montessori Moments