LEADERSHIP TEAM

Over the past week, many in our community have been affected by the recent heavy rain and the disruption and damage it has caused. Our thoughts are with our staff and school families who have been impacted. We would like to sincerely thank our staff and students for their patience and flexibility as we continue to navigate the closure of several classrooms. This willingness to adapt has enabled learning to continue as smoothly as possible while repairs are assessed and organised.  

It has been wonderful to see the calm, focused atmosphere across the school despite some interruptions. Establishing strong routines early in the year plays an important role in helping students feel secure and ready to learn. Our staff have worked hard to create supportive and engaging environments where students know what to expect and can focus on doing their best work. I am particularly proud of how quickly our new year 7 students have adapted and how positively they are approaching their learning. I look forward to seeing continued growth and enthusiasm across the school as the year progresses.

Next Wednesday, 11th March, our Year 7 and Year 9 students will commence NAPLAN testing.  NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. Testing will progressively take place from Wednesday 11th to Monday, 16th March, during period 1 for year 9 students and period 3 for year 7 students.  Catch up test sessions will be held for any students who are absent. Further information has been communicated with families, and you are welcome to contact me via email if you have any further queries regarding NAPLAN. 

Year 8 and year 10 students will be completing their school-based PAT testing in Week 10 of this term and year 7 and 9 students will undertake their PAT testing in the first week of Term 2. This data will help inform teaching and learning and ensure our programs remain responsive to our students’ needs.

Term 1 progress reports are currently being completed by staff and will give parents and carers a good indication of how their child has settled into the new school year. Our Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on Monday, 23rd March. Please note that this will be an adjusted school day, and students will not be required onsite for classes.  Parents and carers will have the opportunity to schedule interviews between 11.30am and 7.00pm.  We value working alongside you to support your child, and this day will provide an important opportunity to come together to discuss your child’s progress. Bookings will open online via Compass next week and further information will be shared at this time.

We would also like to take this opportunity to advise families that Thursday, 23rd April will be a Curriculum Day.  Staff will be participating in professional learning focused on improving explicit teaching practices across the school. This work supports our ongoing commitment to strengthening classroom instruction and ensuring the best possible learning outcomes for all students. 

There have been some recent changes in the Junior School Team, following the successful appointment of our Assistant Principal, Josh Willersdorf, to the role of Acting Education Improvement Leader for the Mallee Area. We extend our congratulations to Josh and wish him all the best in his new role. In the interim, whilst I fulfil the Acting Assistant Principal role, Warwick McDermott will step into the Acting Junior Education Leader role, and we welcome Tina Binding into the Student Support Team as Year 8 Co-ordinator. Thank you to both Warwick and Tina for embracing this new opportunity and continuing to provide support to our junior school students and families. 

With the term now just over halfway complete, the long weekend offers a welcome chance to take some extra time to rest and recharge as we move into the final weeks of a busy first term. We look forward to seeing our students return on Tuesday.

Mrs. Jennifer Chatfield 

Acting Assistant Principal