Principal's Reflection

Preparing for Winter

Dear Families, 

In my last newsletter, I wrote about the many ebbs and flows throughout the term. The joys of commencing the school year, balanced with some of the challenges associated with changing dynamics amongst new cohorts. During term one, students go through a complex process of forming, renewing and sometimes dissolving social connections before finally settling into comfortable learning and social routines. 

As the cold sets in and the days become shorter, it can become far more challenging for all of us to stay active and engaged in many of the things that bring us joy, particularly those of us who enjoy the outdoors. I am heartened so far this term to see our students staying active in the yard and still making best efforts to walk and ride to school when they can. Even some of our staff have squeezed a beanie under their helmets on some cold mornings to ensure some active time still forms part of their week!

During this term, we will head deeper into winter and with it, Melbourne’s climate will challenge us as always. Just as many animals commence their winter preparations as the leaves continue to fall, I also encourage families to consider their school focused preparations for winter. Some points to consider might include:

1. Transport – Do you have a wet weather plan? This may involve different travel arrangements or times. Adding a raincoat and umbrella in school bags can also take some of the stress out of the day for those who walk or ride. Also consider your driving habits around the school. When our focus is on getting our own children out of the rain and cold we can forget that stressed children can be unpredictable. Slow down, be respectful of each other and consider that while a wet child might be undesirable, a traffic accident could be far more serious. 
2. Darkness/safety – As the days shorten, extra stops on the way home might mean children are waiting at train stations or bus stops in the dark. Consider whether travel times can be shortened, or communication maintained and be clear about your child’s expected departure and arrival times. We want everyone coming and going safely and without stress.
3. Uniform – Layers are key. Each of our uniform options offers up to four layers of clothing including a plain white undershirt (with sleeves not to be visible), a shirt, jumper, and jacket/blazer. Add to this a scarf and beanie as optional items and I am confident our uniform offers everything students need to cope with Melbourne's weather. Further, our classrooms are all heated and a raincoat of any style can be worn to and from school over the top of uniform items when needed. With this considered, I urge families to support us when we expect that non-uniform items be removed (especially the hoodies and track pants that are starting to appear), regardless of the weather conditions. We are building a supply of spare uniform and welcome good quality, clean items with no stains or damage to be loaned to students who forget or are unable to access uniforms. Notes for students out of uniform will be provided with a change of clothes from our supply wherever we can supply it, this is not a free pass. Families in need of support with uniform should contact homeroom teachers and we will do our very best to assist.

Athletics

As term one concluded, we celebrated our primary and secondary athletics days. Both days were a huge success with positive feedback from students, parents and staff alike. My sincere thanks go out to all the staff and student leaders who supported, but particularly the dedicated Physical Education team. Their ongoing dedication to improving these events and ensuring our students are healthy and active is commended. 

Congratulations to Yallukit-Willam who took out the primary carnival and Langhorne, who broke a long-standing drought and won the secondary carnival!

Student Leadership

Last week I met with the student leadership team (leaders in primary, middle and senior school) who are doing a wonderful job advocating for their cohorts. The students have voiced their cohort's views on issues including camps, excursions, sports uniforms and student engagement days. Their feedback has informed my planning and will be referred to in future School Council meetings and Executive planning meetings. With such a well-coordinated and confident student voice, I am sure I will enjoy many more rigorous conversations throughout the year. Stay tuned for some of their student led initiatives over the coming months.

Student Wellbeing and Engagement

Throughout term one our staff worked extensively with several students and families to better understand the needs of our students. This term, several programs have been booked in addition to the standard curriculum to support, challenge and extend students, particularly in the development of social skills, personal communication and reflection, self-regulation and leadership. We are very fortunate to have strong ties to local community organisations, especially Hobsons Bay Youth Services to support us in the delivery of these opportunities across both primary and secondary contexts. If your child receives an invitation to attend any of these programs, you will usually be contacted ahead of the invite. In the case of some larger programs, our team will send general information and be ready for your calls should you need further clarification. I look forward to seeing these additional experiences launch.

Looking ahead

Our next newsletter will be published in week 8 of term when we will be approaching end of semester reports and for the secondary students, the examination period. I wish everyone a wonderful term two and look forward to what coming weeks hto offer.

Warmest regards,

Nathan Guthridge

Principal