Assistant Principal Update

Shane Wilkie

Hello everyone,

 

Welcome back to school for the final term of 2024. Term 3 was certainly a busy term and Term 4 is traditionally the busiest of the year. Already we have had several incursions and excursions taking place. And there are many more to come. Tomorrow Martha and I are attending the Mathematics Association of Victoria 2024 Maths Talent Quest Awards ceremony in the city with 12 Year 5 students after their entry was awarded a High Distinction. 

This year Term 4 is also the longest at 11 weeks. So, with that in mind I would like to remind families and students to make sure you be kind to yourselves, build into the term and ensure that there is enough remaining energy come December and the busy end of year time. 

Year 2-6 Concert: The Day We All Grew Up

What a wonderful way to finish Term Three, with our Year 2-6 performance at the Ivanhoe Girls Grammar Performing Arts Centre. The feedback from families, staff and most importantly, students, has been fantastic. It was wonderful to be able to put together such an entertaining evening – a highlight of the year to date.

The success of such an event is down to the hard work of many people so I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Alan and Megan in Year 6 for their time, contributions and extra hours ensuring the students were well prepared. To each of the class teachers for supporting with the class dances, planning costumes, and supporting throughout rehearsals and the evening. The team at the Ivanhoe Girls Grammar PAC were amazing in providing us with all that we needed and supporting us throughout the day and evening. And to the STOMP Dance crew for a wonderful script, fantastic music, and choreography.

 

Term 4 Class Newsletters

Please keep an eye out for your child’s Term 4 Class Newsletterwhich will be released by the end of the week. It is important that you take time to review the items in the newsletter. You will find information about a range of topics for this term.

  • Curriculum overviews for English, Mathematics, Inquiry, Wellbeing and Specialist subjects
  • Upcoming dates relevant to your child’s classroom
  • Information about possible events, incursions, and excursions/camps.
  • And general information – nut policy, sun safety, birthdays, home learning.

If you have any questions about anything in the class newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers.

Learner Dispositions & School Values – What’s the difference? 

Our five school values are linked to our behaviours and are embedded in all aspects of life at Alphington Primary School and cater to learning, social and wellbeing needs. They support our endeavour to assist students to be outstanding in all that they do. Whereas our five learner dispositions are the characteristics or mental tools someone has when approaching learning. The are the characteristics we want students to develop self-efficacy and become the best learner they can be.

 

School Values                   Learner Dispositions

  • Respect                                Collaboration
  • Kindness                              Determination
  • Integrity                                Reflection
  • Curiosity                               Creativity
  • Resilience                            Optimism

Over the next few weeks at assembly each year level will deliver a presentation on one of the learner dispositions. 

World Teacher’s Day 2024

World Teachers’ Day is held internationally on 5 October. As it falls during the school holidays in many parts of the nation, Australia celebrates a little later, the last Friday of October each year. This year we will be celebrating in Victoria on Friday 25 October. World Teachers' Day is a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions teachers have made in Victorian communities. As a school we will acknowledge our teachers with the support of the School Council.

Northcote High Public Speaking Contest

Tomorrow Melissa will attend the Northcote High Public Speaking contest.  Rani, Heidi, Maya and Eve Hughes were selected by their peers and teachers to represent APS. All Year 6 students were invited to prepare a speech on the topic ‘Team Effort.’ At assembly on Friday we heard Eve and Heidi’s speeches and we look forward to hearing Rani and Maya this week. We wish them all the best for tomorrow’s event.

Emergency Evacuation Drill

On Friday 1 November we will hold an onsite lockdown drill. The drill is scheduled for some time prior to recess and will allow us to review our processes and protocols when locking down the school. This will be the first lockdown drill for the year, and as such, we will announce the drill to the students. We will be using the scenario of an extreme weather event. We will request that all classes and buildings are locked, and students move to a safe space in the room. Staff will be briefed about the procedures for the lockdown drill prior to the alarm being sounded and the announcement being made through the PA system.

Riding to School and Securing Your Bike

With spring well and truly in bloom and the weather improving it is a great time to be riding to school. I know I am trying to ride 3-4 times per week and with a noticeable increase in traffic it certainly is the healthier and environmentally friendly way to travel. 

At Alphington we have two main bike storage areas, one at the Northern part of the school with an entry on Yarralea Street and a larger area at the Adams Street entrance near the three-level learning centre building. We encourage students and adults to use these areas but also to ensure you have a quality lock and chain your bike using the bike storage racks provided. Unfortunately, the storage areas can be accessed during class hours by people from outside the school community and could be a target for those looking to steal bikes.

 

Enjoy your week.

Shane Wilkie

Assistant Principal