Principal Team

Principal’s March Newsletter Report 

It has been a very productive Term 1 at Somerville P.S. Our students have settled into their new grades really well, routines and expectations have been established that has provided a solid foundation for learning and growth to occur. This is obvious when I see the high level of engagement occurring in the classrooms during instructional time. 

Enrolment

Currently we have 392 students enrolled at Somerville P.S. This was confirmed on census day; this will be used for the baseline of our SRP Funding in 2024. We have completed our first 2025 Prep school tour for the year with a number of other tour dates organised during Term 2. We have had a great response from prospective families who are all interested in what Somerville PS has to offer.

NAPLAN

Well done to all the Grade 3 and 5 students who recently completed the statewide NAPLAN testing schedule. Mr Gagiero and Miss Lord have done an exceptional job in co-ordinating the testing protocols at Somerville P.S. They have done a terrific job in ensuring all the boxes have been ticked and we have been following the procedural guidelines, co-ordinating and providing technical support where needed.  I would also like to thank the Grade 3 and 5 teachers who have done a wonderful job in preparing the students for the testing, making sure that the supports are in place for not only the student learning but as importantly, for the students’ wellbeing. It has been a busy term for them! 

FOSP

Last week we organised a Friends of Somerville Primary morning tea to not only thank people for their great work that is already happening but also to encourage other members of our wonderful school community an opportunity to be part of the fun. We are encouraging anyone who is interested in joining the group to assist in organising fundraising events for the school (even if only for one event). The FOSP structure will be re-organised in accordance with DET guidelines to have elected office bearers that will report to the school council. This process will take place early Term 2.

Events Galore

We have had a number of excursions, incursions and school events during Term 1 including Prep Pet incursion, Prep Fire station incursion, Prep Road safety day, District swim trials, School Cross Country, Dolphin research excursion, Ride to school day, Sausage Sizzle meal deal, Easter Bonnet Parade, Harmony Day, Family Fun Night, Grade 4 Werribee Zoo Excursion, Grade 5/6 Camp and You Tell us Interviews.

Thank you to all the staff and parents who organised or assisted in facilitating these events. 

Somerville Star Awards

Attendance 

 Our 2024 year to date attendance rate is currently at 93.1%. School attendance is an important indicator for student learning so we will continue to work extremely hard to ensure our students feel engaged and supported at school. We have been assisting those students (and families) who have recorded high absenteeism this year to attend school with a range of supports. Across the year levels we are recording very good attendance results compared to other schools (similar/ network and state) with the standout being the Prep cohort that currently have a 96.4% attendance rate. The school has been contacting parents everyday to follow up with Attendance. Any student who is absent for 5 days or more will receive and absence learning plan from their classroom teacher to support their learning whilst away from school.

Staffing News

Congratulations to Shane Gagiero who will be the Acting Principal at the commencement of Term 2 and Eloise Arthur who has been appointed to work as part of Educational Support Staff team.

Thank you!

I would like to sincerely thank all members of the Somerville school community for all their support of me during Term 1 this year. I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to perform the role this term. I am extremely excited about my next appointment at Eastbourne P.S and know my time at Somerville P.S will have helped prepare me for leading the Eastbourne community. Somerville P.S is very well regarded within the network and beyond and all involved should be commended in the outstanding learning culture that has been established here.