Assistant Principal Update

Welcome to week 3 of our third term of 2024. 

Last week was certainly a highlight as Jessie, Nat, Deborah and I headed off to Mount Buller with 52 students and 14 wonderful parent volunteers. We got a nice variety with the weather; Tuesday was cool and overcast following a weekend of heavy snow which had opened much of the mountain.  Thursday was windy with rain and some snow. And although the conditions pushed our lessons back a couple of hours with lifts on hold, the afternoon was an immense one. All students on chairlifts and skiing in challenging conditions, but absolutely loving it! Friday had perfect conditions with blue skies and a light breeze - lots of people on Mount Buller reporting it as one of the best days of the season. 

The highlight as always was watching the amazing improvements that the students have as they learn to ski. There were a significant number of first-time skiers so there was plenty of opportunities for adults to support and witness the excitement and joy as students developed their skills and took on more challenging runs.

Friday morning’s whole group ski from the top of the ABOM lift all the way down to the Bourke Street run was an amazing culmination for all those involved to experience. The ski race down the Rossignol Skyline track also a highlight for our intermediate skiers. We look forward to starting the preparations for the next edition of our APS Ski Camp in 2025.

A massive thank you to all the parents who came along on ski camp.  It truly is like no other camp and without parent support both on and off the mountain this type of event simply could not happen.

Finally, a big thanks to the teachers who put in long hours both in preparations, and while on camp to ensure students can get the most out of the experience. 

3 Way Conferences - STUDENT FREE DAY

A reminder that next Tuesday 6 August is a Student-Free Day as we hold our 3-Way Conferences. Conferences are in-person and bookings can be made through Compass. These conferences are an opportunity for students to share achievements in learning with parents. Students will be guided by teachers in class to select pieces of work which they are proud of to share with their families at the 3 Way Conferences. With support from teachers, students will also share learning goals they have identified as their next steps for learning. 

Year 2-6 STOMP Dance Production – The Day We All Grew Up! 

When a group of school students begin their usual morning routine at Breakfast Club, their Weetabix begins to taste slightly different. With their new cook (Bills Meals) making Breakfast, the students decide to be polite and eat it anyway. With family evening that night, they need the school day to go smoothly. 

This does not go to plan when suddenly, they are thrust into the world of adulthood and must survive in the real working world. After all, we always talk about when we grow up! With the actual adults now behaving like children, and the children running the building, chaos ensues. They must try and keep the school running whilst also keeping Bill out the kitchen! 

It’s that time of year again when we begin preparations for our 2024 APS Year 2 - 6 Concert. This week Year 6 students have been provided a copy of the full script to read and consider if they wish to audition. As part of this process, all students complete a Google Form outlining their preferences for roles within the production. Next week Melissa, Alan, Megan and I will hold auditions for those students hoping to secure a speaking role in this year’s concert. 

Every Year 2-6 class will commence their STOMP Dance lessons from week 6 with full music and choreography provided. The 2024 concert will be held on Tuesday 17 September at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar Performing Ars Centre.

Mathematics Professional Learning Community (PLC)  

For Term 3 we are focussing on mathematics utilising the new Maths Curriculum 2.0 and the resources that have been developed with it. We are looking to explore ways to engage students in new and deeper ways, and how we can develop ‘low floor, high ceiling tasks’ and solving numeracy problems.

Have a great week everyone!

Shane Wilkie

Assistant Principal