Principal's Report

Principal's Report

A great deal of fun was enjoyed at our Trivia evening last Saturday night. The Parents’ Association did a wonderful job in preparing the Silent Auction, games prizes and some fabulous trivia questions. An impromptu live auction for the traditional opportunity to purchase the role of ‘Principal for a Day’ for students from one family, led to some competitive fundraising and resulted in Ethan (Year 6) ultimately enjoying this role yesterday.

Congratulations to everyone involved. We raised close to $1400 from this event, thanks to the generosity (and competitiveness) of those families who took part, and the hard work and planning of our Parents Association.

I am sure Ethan also enjoyed the experience of being ‘Principal for a Day’ yesterday. He certainly ensured all classes were positively engaged in their learning throughout the day, as well as researching opportunities for new school resources. Well done Ethan!

Staffing News

Recently, our STEM teacher, Mrs Mel Rowlands, has found the need to remove herself from teaching due to family and personal needs. Whilst the position has been advertised, we initially had no suitable applicant.

However, we are thrilled to be able announce that Mrs Dana Kroenert will be taking on the position of STEM teacher, increasing her part-time role at the school to 4 days each week from the end of this term. Dana will continue in her Primary Welfare Officer role on Mondays and Fridays, and will be teaching all classes their STEM sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Dana’s extensive research background, current studies and knowledge of sciences (particularly neuroscience) and her background in wellbeing, will enable the creation of a fabulous and engaging STEM program. I look forward to seeing and sharing more about this in future newsletters.

Visit from Eden Foster (MP).

We were pleased to be able to meet with Ms Eden Foster, our local state member of parliament on Tuesday and talk about a range of growth opportunities for our school, including updates to facilities, marketing and long term plans. Ms Foster toured the school with Mr Chris O’Shea (representing School Council), myself and our two school captains, Alyssa and Dwij. Our school captains did a wonderful job of explaining programs, strengths and all of the positive learning and wellbeing options available to students at ARPS. The school captains asked some serious questions about facilities (including playground upgrades) and represented our school very positively.

I believe the meeting was very fruitful and I look forward to seeking some positive outcomes for our school through our ongoing communications in the future.

Bunnings BBQ – this weekend 

We are still desperately in need of more helpers for our Bunnings BBQ on Sunday in Springvale. If you can spare any time at all, we would love to have some help from more families on the day. Even one hour would be great! This is a great opportunity to raise funds for our school and engage with the broader community. 

Contact the office if you have any time available to help. 

Remember:  We are doing this for the kids

I hope everyone enjoys the opportunity to relax with families and friends over the long weekend this Monday 10th June.

REMINDER: Parent Teacher Meetings and 3 Way Conferences- June 2024

Parents/Carers can now book a meeting/conference session for students on Compass.

Year F-6 students have conferences of 10 minutes each on Wednesday 12th June (day and Monday 17th June.

Please go to Compass to book your times: https://albanyrise-ps-vic.compass.education/ 

We are eager to talk to all our parents about the progress students are making in all areas of learning. If these times do not suit, please message your child's teacher to arrange another time.

Student mid-year reports will be available for parents to read on Compass from Tuesday 11th June. 

Judy DREW

PRINCIPAL