Principals Report
Jenny Deeble
Jenny Deeble
We are fast approaching the end of term and there are many events coming up in the next two weeks. We have grade 4 camp, celebrations, regional swimming, grade 2 swimming, Harmony day to name a few. Please check the calendar and Compass regularly for further dates and details.
Evacuation Drill
Two weeks ago, we practised an offsite evacuation drill as part of our Emergency Management Plan (EMP). Upon hearing the evacuation alarm, all the classes walked with their teachers to Clyde Reserve following a guided map to test out our EMP. This was a useful exercise to gauge out timing of the walk and evacuation of the buildings. This exercise provides us with an opportunity to make any improvements that we may need for future planning. The students were very responsive and cooperative and we all arrived at the park within 15 minutes. The day was perfect for this drill and we are required to complete the offsite drill once a year. We will conduct other types of drills throughout the year so that we have a very comprehensive and effective EMP in place in case of emergencies.
SAC farewell afternoon tea
Please find attached the invitation for all parents and carers to come along to say thank you and farewell to Vanessa Poppy and Cangie.
Their Care launch
Their Care are the new OSHC providers that will begin Before/After care at the beginning of term 2- April 15. To get the registration process started and provide information for families, there will be online information session on Monday 25 March. Please find attached information regarding the program and information details.
Grade 4 Camp to Arrabri
Our grade 4 students and teachers will be heading off to Arrabri in Warburton for their annual camp next Monday. Arrabri has been a wonderful camp that Grade 4 Wales Street students have been attending for many years. This is the first experience of being at camp with their friends and teachers. We hope they have a wonderful, safe and fun filled adventure!
Working Bee
Thank you to the small but dedicated crew who came along on March 5 for our first working bee this year. The team were able to mulch the gardens, pull out weeds and refill the much loved and explored sandpit in the Junior area of the school. We organise 3 working bees per year and we hope to encourage more families to come along to support the school council and grounds members to refresh the school grounds throughout the year.
Curriculum Day
Last Tuesday, our staff participated in a day of professional learning that was focused on the implementation of a new program- UR Strong for all grade levels. We have felt that the pandemic years have had an impact on the students social skill development and through the Mental Health funding, we have invested in this friendship based program.
The program will be delivered in term 2 by the class teachers with lessons focused on giving students strategies to manage their friendships and the self-confidence to build strong relationships. There will be a parent component delivered online next term by the creator of the program, to support a common language when supporting the children both at school and at home. Our Wellbeing framework is being updated to reflect the UR Strong principles which align with our IB learner profile.
Finally...
We have a new School Council for 2024 and the first meeting- AGM will be on Wednesday 27 March 6pm onsite.
Congratulations and thank you to the parents and teachers who have volunteered to serve our community this year.
- Nadia Cooke
- Marian Tosif
- Paula Bateson
- Kellie Marks
- Tim Sheedy
- Suzy Sagar
- Rebecca Scott
- Davor Stanic
- Ed Rutherford
- Laura Fisher ( staff)
- Georgia Prince (staff)
- Robyn Owens
- Luisa Kalenjuk (staff)
Thank you to our retiring members, Jess Davis and Marie Apostolou for your support over the past two years and your contribution to School Council and the community. Kellie, Tim and Luisa have returned for a second term and I would like to acknowledge their extended commitment to continue on School Council for another term.
Robyn will stay on council representing school leadership in her role as Acting Principal due to my retirement at the end of the term.
I would like to thank all past and present school councillors for their time and commitment during my tenure in leadership. I have enjoyed the support, positivity, and productive discussions we have had over the journey.