Principals Report

Welcome back to school after what we hope was a recharging break for our students. 

It was wonderful to see so many smiles as students returned to school. Term 4 is traditionally a very busy one and this term will be no exception as you can see from the calendar of events listed in the Key Dates section of this newsletter. There are a few big events such as Our Great Fete and our Art Show in November that will be occasions worth celebrating with our community.

SUNSMART REMINDER

Even though the weather is still cool, the number of sunny days will be increasing so it’s that time of the year to wear hats every day. 

Students without a hat will be instructed to play in the allocated shaded areas. Students are also reminded to wear a hat (and sunscreen) by their teachers before leaving the classroom and once in the yard, they are not allowed to re-enter the building. 

A sunsmart school hat is available in the following styles:

• broad brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5 cm
• bucket or ‘surfie-style hats' – with a deep crown and brim of at least 6 cm
• legionnaire hats with a flap that covers the neck. The side flap and front peak should meet to protect the side of the face.

PLEASE remember to label hats with the child’s name so they can be returned if temporarily lost. 

Class Formation for 2025

Learning to work and interact with others is an important life skill that builds resilience and fosters relationships with a broader range of individuals as children grow and change over their seven years at primary school. Often the friendship choice overrides the process of trying to balance the classes evenly and causes distress for some students. Each year, the teachers form classes in a collborative process, taking into account the many factors that provide balance across a year level.  

A reminder that we are continuing with the same process as the last few years and will not be asking the students for friendship requests.

Teachers in each grade level will work together to balance the grades for 2025, based on their knowledge and observations of the students. We will create opportunities for the classes to mix up more throughout this term, so the students interact with all their peers in the cohort. 

As we begin to plan for the 2025 school year, we would like to make you aware of our Class Formation policy that can be found on our website, and on Compass under School Documentation. This policy is used as a reference when forming classes. 

Student placement is something we take very seriously and is initiated according to a process involving time and careful thought, concerning the best interest of every child in each classroom. To create balanced classes of students, the following factors are considered: 

gender, ability levels, student needs, behaviour concerns, and special program needs. 

Student placement letters are neither encouraged nor discouraged but provide parents a means of expressing exceptional circumstances that might need to be considered. Parents have this opportunity to provide information regarding their child that may need to be taken into account as they progress to the next year level.

We ask that you carefully read the policy information. Only letters that have followed the guidelines of the policy will be considered.

We are using a new and updated software program called Class Solver, to store information that we gather to make decisions about the classes to be formed for 2025. Historical information was not able to be transferred across so please ensure you put in writing any requests that are ongoing that we will not be aware of. Classes undergo extensive review to produce the best outcomes for all students. 

Please note that the final decision on all student placements rests with the Principal. For letters to be considered, please submit via email to: wales.street.ps@education.vic.gov.au

With subject heading: “Parent Request for Student Placement Considerations 2025”.

2025 Planning

Could Parents/Carer's who currently have children attending Wales Street but do not plan to return in 2025 please notify the school office by Friday 25 October. It is vital that we have accurate information as it impacts the planning of class numbers and staffing. 

Pupil Free Day 

On Monday 4 November (Melbourne Cup Eve) staff will have a common professional practice day. The work undertaken on these days are consistent with departmental and school priorities including planning, preparation, assessment and reporting, curriculum development and relevant professional development.

Students will not attend school on this day, however TheirCare will provide a service on this day. They have organised a fun incursion so please book in as soon as possible to ensure a spot.

World Teacher's Day

Every day, Victorian teachers are shaping the future and making a profound difference to young lives.

Celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, World Teachers’ Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society. 

In Victoria, World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated on 25th October 2024, providing an opportunity for our community to say, 'thank you' and celebrate the achievements and leadership of teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting young people.

We have an amazing group of hard working teachers who are committed and dedicated to ensuring that our students have every chance at success. This day is an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution to our school. To support this day, I am asking our community to wear a hat when dropping kids off or picking them up and for all students to also wear a hat of choice to support the theme of 'HATS OFF TO TEACHERS'

Congratulations to our Parent Band who participated twice in the 2024 Northside Battle of the Bands. An offshoot of their wonderful performances is that they have raised money for our performing arts program through ticket sales and were given a scholarship for a grade 6 child to the Rock Academy.

Amelia Woods is our first recipient of this amazing scholarship. The scholarship gives the recipicent a 4 day workshop with professional musicians including songwriters. They also perform a live show on a big stage in a venue like the Espy or the Howler. Such a great experience. We look forward to our parents participation in the 2025 Northside Battle of the Bands!