PRINCIPAL UPDATE 

Last week Sarah and I meet with all staff individually reflecting upon successes, challenges and areas of focus for next semester. It was great to have this time with each staff member and we loved hearing about the year so far.

Multiple successes with introduction of new curriculum, student attitude and motivation towards learning, along with the positive impact that strong relationships with students, colleagues and parents have on student engagement and learning. They also spoke highly of the Parent Teacher Interviews, which aligns with parent feedback over the past couple of weeks.

One of the most discussed topics was our staff connection and collaboration this year.  Our staffroom is a buzz, our cohort teams are highly effective, and we are really connected as a team.

In addition to this we reflected upon upgrade to facilities including the new ramp, sensory garden at the front of the school and redevelopment of the basketball and netball courts which is up and coming later this year.

Challenges obviously come with change and the introduction of the new phonics curriculum.  Teaching staff are really noticing the positive impact this is having, however are still attempting to find the balance in the daily schedule to ensure this is not overtaking other core subject areas, and that this is able to keep students engaged and challenged in their learning.

Some other challenges that were discussed were around the impact of student absences on collaborative work and learning sequences, due to multiple factors and more frequency this term due to the illness season.

Further developments or areas for focus next semester is around continuing to build upon our clubs and the variety of clubs offered.  We were impressed with how we engaged in Neurodiversity week earlier this year and want to ensure we continue to be prepared and plan for special up and coming events/ weeks such as Book Week, NAIDOC etc. 

Staff are keen to continue to undertake learning walks both at school and in other schools within Geelong to observe best practice.  All Specialist staff visited Armstong Creek School last week, and were really impressed with student expectations, transitions and preparedness for learning, something we are keen to further explore here.

The main focus for staff in the following semester is around continuing to plan and implement a rigorous curriculum for students and challenge them in their learning and achievement. 

Thank you to all staff for their excitement, vulnerability and confidence to be open and honest.  It sets us up clearly for continued direction next term.

Thank you also to all staff for their commitment and effort to our young people this semester.  It has been busy but rewarding for all.

Congratulations to EJ for being successful in his place in both state Basketball and Football teams this year.  He is heading up to QLD to compete against other states in July and we wish him all the very best, hoping he gets a lot out of this experience.

Grade 4 to 6 and relevant staff had a wow of a time yesterday at the GSODA Performance of High School Musical.  It was a great day, a lot of singing and fun had by so many.  It is great they we can offer these experiences to students, whereby they can see students their own age, or a little older, performing on stage in an area of interest they are passionate about.  Great talent and wonderful show.

We farewell a few students to new schools next term and wish them well.  Along with this we would like to thank Meegan Baker for her commitment to Performing Arts and our school these past 2 years.  The students have really engaged in this subject, with great activities and events such as Busker’s Day, Bush Dance, Choirs, and Concert.  We wish her all the very best for next semester and beyond in her new role.

Have a great break everyone and I will see you when I return on the 11th August.

Kind regards,

Meg