Principal's Report
Dear SEPS Families,
Surveys
As mentioned in the last newsletter, the annual Parent/Carer Opinion Survey (POS) is now open. The POS an important way for us to collect your feedback. You should have received a link via Compass earlier this week. We really hope you can find 10 minutes to complete the survey so that all families are represented in the data. One of the measures that we are judged on in our school review is on how many families complete the survey. Since Tuesday we have had 35 responses which is a 12% response rate. Last year we had 124 respondents out of 296 families. We understand that a 100% response rate is possibly unrealistic however 75% would be great. Can we do it? Yes, but only with your help!
Last week, staff were asked to wear a touch of sparkle to school. Leadership threw a little surprise party at our staff meeting to celebrate the outstanding achievements that have been gained in our Students Attitude to School Survey (AToSS). This survey collects data from Yr 4-6 students. We use this survey data to set targets and plan for our key improvement strategies. Over the past several years we were receiving low satisfaction rates for Student Agency and engagement in learning. After a significant focus on the wellbeing of our students for the last couple of years we have finally seen a shift in survey results. This year we saw a significant increase in responses to all areas in the survey. Positive responses to Stimulated Learning increased from 54% to 85%. Sense of Inclusion increased from 78% to 93%, high expectations increased from 87% to 99% and student voice and agency saw an increase from 46% to 75%. We are extremely proud of these results but will not be resting here. We know that our work is the right work and we will continue to prioritise the learning engagement and wellbeing of all SEPS students in our care.
SEPS Air
What a highlight for 2026!?! I am sure there has been much discussion around this dinner table this week about SEPS airways and flights to Curious City. We are absolutely in awe of Wilko, Mrs Cullen and Safety Sue. This team would have to be among the most creative, inspirational educators that I have had the pleasure to work with. Our students are so lucky to have this calibre of teaching and learning here at SEPS. I hope you have an opportunity to come and experience Science for yourself over the next week or two. Flights are open after school for parents and carers to experience.
Buildings & Grounds
We have a small team of staff who meet a couple of times each term to review all works related our buildings and grounds at our school. We use a departmental tool to ensure that our maintenance schedule is up to date and we have a separate OH&S team. We are currently in discussion with the new developers next door and having community insight is always invaluable. We are keen to have some more parents join the B&G Committee. If you have expertise in building, construction, maintenance or landscaping and are interested in coming on board, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the office for more information.
Curriculum Day
Please note the important dates section of this newsletter and the addition of our Curriculum Day in Term 4. We somehow missed this date on our calendars (my fault). The new date was approved by School Council last week. We hope that being on Cup Monday, it does not cause too much disruption for families.
A very excited Grade 4 left for camp this morning. We wish them a fun time at Phillip Island. Good luck to all our parents who will be tackling some muddy washing on Wednesday night.
Have a great fortnight ahead!
Jane Briffa