Principal's Report
Pupil Free Day
Don't forget that Tuesday 05 May is a Pupil Free Day. OHSC program is available for current families using the program.
Positive Behaviour
During the review process last year, it was recommended that we create a behaviour matrix that will ensure the students have clear picture of our expectations at Preston Primary. We are very fortunate that generally the behaviour of our students is very good. I always feel very fortunate when I read articles about schools where student behaviour is out of control that we do not experience extreme behaviours at PPS.
As a result of the recommendation we have been developing a consistent whole school approach to classroom and playground behaviour management using the principals of Positive Behaviours Support (PBS). This is an evidence-based, student-centred framework which will create consistent classroom environments. It uses proactive strategies, modelling and role-playing of positive behaviours. Positive behaviours are expected and will be the focus in classes to maintain a positive learning environment.
The framework will make it clear when consequences are handed out using a consistent approach. Students will be given time to reflect and learn skills to problem solve and adapt when making future decisions or facing challenging scenarios. Students will be able to communicate and learn to cope with stress, fear, and frustration, and learn to be accountable for their own behaviour.
The framework will be adapted over time using the feedback from students, teachers, leadership and families/carers. You will find two documents attached to this newsletter. The first is our PPS Positive Expectations Behaviour Matrix. These matrixes will be posted around the school for students to see. It identifies the positive behaviours students should be displaying at Preston Primary School in different settings. It is also includes the feedback teachers will use when redirecting behaviour. The second document is our Positive Expectations Plan Policy. This document outlines what the plan means and how we ALL play our part in creating the positive culture we all know at Preston Primary School.
Our student leaders have been busy creating a video to help our school community with the change around the school.
We will implement this framework over the course of this term.
Grade 5 Camp
The Grade 5 children started Term 2 with their three-day camp at the Creswick Log Cabin. After a day at Sovereign Hill, and then two days packed with fun filled activities, the students were very tired when they returned on Friday afternoon. Hopefully they used the lovely sunny weekend to rest and recharge.
I would like to thank the staff - Katia Aloia for organising, Jeremy Murphy, Felicity Carden, Claudia Caputo, Mary Kalogianis, Paula Sanford, Jordyn Smith, Denholm Stevanov, and Dale Adams who attended the camp.
Without their willingness to go to camp we would not be able to offer the children such a great experience.
Industrial Action
As the government and the AEU have not been able to reach agreement on the current log of claims, the AEU are now taking further action. As part of this action the staff will not be writing written comments on student reports this semester. They will also only attend one meeting per week rather than the two meetings that are normally scheduled each week.
There are also plans for future stop work action. On Tuesday May 19th all schools in our area will be taking a half day of stop work action. I will notify parents closer to the date of the number of staff taking action.
Interschool Sport
Our Term 2 Interschool Sport program begins this Friday, and we look forward to seeing our students show great sportsmanship and teamwork when representing our school each week.
Assessment Portfolios
The student Assessment Portfolios have been sent home for you to look at with your child. Please complete the ‘parent signature’ page by writing a positive comment to your child about the work that they have completed so far this year and return the portfolio to your child’s teacher once this has been done.
WOW! Term 2
Once again we will be participating in the Darebin Council WOW! initiative. We are encouraging our students to either walk or wheel (bike or scooter) to school every Friday. Each Friday the grades will tally up the number of students who walk or wheel to school.
At the end of the term the grade that has the highest percentage of students who Walk Or Wheel to school will receive a pizza lunch early in Term 3.
Please remember if your child wheels to school they must wear a helmet.
Lost Property
We already have a large number of items in the lost property this term.
PLEASE make sure your child’s items have their names clearly marked on them. One of the staff goes through the lost property every week and items that are labelled are returned.
We’re looking forward to a fantastic term ahead!
Regards,
Janet Paterson,
Principal.