Assistant Principal's Report

During the last fortnight we have had a very successful Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival (and the weather was fantastic too), Prep and Year 3 Open Afternoons, various excursions, Mad Science Shows and a School Disco. 

The students are getting very excited as they continue rehearsing and preparing for our School Concert on Monday 4th September at Robert Blackwood Hall (Monash University). Tickets went on sale on Tuesday. It promises to be an enjoyable and memorable evening for our school. I am thoroughly enjoying the music and the singing coming from the hall these days!

On Wednesday 23rd August, we held a practice Emergency Management Lockdown Drill. I was extremely pleased with the way the staff and students managed and responded to this very important exercise. As I walked around the school and past the classrooms, I was impressed with how quiet and out of sight all the grades were. Well done to our staff and wonderful students.

Reminder: 2023 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey (PCGOS) Now Open

WE WANT OUR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS/GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK! 

Just a reminder that all our families have been invited to participate in the survey to tell us what you think of our school. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is open from Monday 7 August to Friday 8 September 2023.

The survey is conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. 

The survey results will be communicated to parents/caregivers/guardians through the newsletter.

Long Service Leave Announcement

I wish to advise our community that Signora Bilionis will be taking long service leave from Monday 28th August to Friday 15th September (the last three weeks of Term 3). 

The LOTE Italian program will continue during her absence.

Wellbeing

Acknowledging that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are inextricably linked, building a positive school culture that supports student social and emotional learning, is paramount.

As student wellbeing is a focus for our school, I will be providing wellbeing information as part of my Assistant Principal report. Please find information on the effects of Dopamine on wellbeing and some strategies to implement below:

Dopamine Impacts Wellbeing 

Dopamine contributes to a positive mood and emotions, helps with motivation and goal-directed behaviour as well as positive view of the future. 

Strategies to increase Adult Wellbeing:

• Connect with friends. 
• Write a 'thank you' text or note. 
• Dance or sing to your favourite song. 
• Do something kind for someone. 
• Get into nature. 
• Think about what you're grateful for. 
• Spend time on the things you love, even if it's not a long period of time. 
• Learn something new. 
• Notice what makes you smile. 
• Savour the good things.  

Strategies to increase Child Wellbeing: 

• Provide opportunities for free play. 
• Encourage them to get outdoors. 
• Prioritise breakfast. 
• Create simple routines.
• Praise their effort and persistence. 
• Each day, share three good things (stars) and one thing that could be better (wish). 
• Ten-minute jobs for each family member. 
• Support them to do something kind. 
• Make time, as a family, for fun and laughter. 
• Notice and share what they do well.

With thanks from Emma Furman – Founder, Activate Wellbeing Education

I would encourage everyone to try at least one of the above strategies within the next week. I would love to hear all about it. 

Georgia Despotellis

Assistant Principal