Principal's Report

Last Day of School

A reminder that the last day of school is Friday the 20th of December. Students will be dismissed at 1:30pm. It is important that students are picked up at that time or are booked in with TheirCare.  

Class structures

As we prepare for the 2025 school year, we’d like to share some insights into how class structures and staffing are determined at Marlborough School. Our goal is to create the best possible learning environments for all students while balancing their social, emotional, and academic needs.

The process involves careful planning by our teaching team, principal staff, and Inclusion Leader. We take into account various factors, including individual student needs, social connections, class sizes, equitable access to support, and the overall needs of each cohort. These decisions aim to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive while maintaining balance across the school.

Research aligns with the belief that it is the teaching strategies and student-focused instruction that matter most. Composite classes, when implemented thoughtfully, create environments that promote differentiation and foster personal and academic growth. At Marlborough, we embrace these practices to ensure every child is challenged and supported to succeed.

For 2025, we have made changes to our class groupings to better align with the developmental and learning needs of our students. Previously, our classes included 1x Prep, 2x 1/2, 2x 3/4, and 2x 5/6. From next year, our classes will transition to the following structure: Prep/1, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 2x 5/6.

This change allows us to:

• Promote Collaborative Learning: This structure offers students greater opportunities to learn alongside a diverse range of peers, building their teamwork and social skills.
• Support Literacy and Play-Based Learning in Junior Classes: Our new junior hub will support our evidence-based literacy teaching, including systematic and synthetic phonics, while also providing designated time and space for developing personal and social capabilities through play-based learning experience.
• Enhance Flexibility Across the School: By balancing year levels differently, we can make the most of our staff expertise and resources, ensuring each student receives the support they need.

We understand that changes like these can feel significant, but they reflect a thoughtful approach to improving learning and wellbeing outcomes for all students. Our teaching and support staff are highly skilled at helping students adapt to new routines and relationships, and we will work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you for your understanding and trust in this process. We look forward to continuing to work together to create a positive and engaging school experience for all.

Having said that, we are excited for our 2025 plans and about what next year looks like. Our staffing profile and class structure is as follows:

• Prep/Grade 1 – Caitlin Lindsay and Jenny Turner 
• Grade 1/ 2 – Rebecca Fraser and Gabby Kotis 
• Grade 2/3 – Lisa Mackney
• Grade 3/4 – Pippa Davis
• Grade 5/6 – Sheena Cronin
• Grade 5/6 – Catherine Mason

Specialist Programs

Our specialist program has also undergone some changes. Next year we will be offering Indonesian, Visual Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Music & Drama. Our students will still engage regularly with Science, however it will be done with their classroom teachers. Our specailsts teachers are:

• Visual Arts – Jenelle Seregin
• Indonesian – Mary-Ellen
• Health and Physical Education – Bonny Chisholm 
• Drama and Music – Gabby Kotis. 

Welcome Back, Jenny Turner 

We are delighted to welcome Jenny Turner back to Marlborough! Jenny will be joining one of our junior classes, and her return is wonderful news for our school community. Families who have had the pleasure of working with Jenny in the past will already know the positive impact she brings to our classrooms.

Congratulations to Caitlin Lindsay and Rebecca Fraser 

A big congratulations to Caitlin Lindsay and Rebecca Fraser, who were successful in their applications to become our Primary Maths and Science Specialists. This is an exciting opportunity for our school, as Caitlin and Rebecca will spend the next two years undertaking specialised training to become leaders in maths and science education. Their work will enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics across our school for years to come, supporting staff and students alike.

Student Leadership Positions

We have finished our 2025 student leadership process. It really is a special time for me as a principal to hear the aspirations of our next school leaders. We are so impressed by the students who applied and feel that the group selected will make a positive impact on our school next year. The overall quality of application for this year was particularly impressive. 

We will announce these students at assembly on Friday. For some this will be a time of celebration, while for others they might feel disappointed. As a school, we will support all of our students through this process. We encourage those who are successful in their applications to be graceful recipients. For those students who miss out on a position, we encourage resilience and to be congratulatory of their peers. We will support all students through this process and support them in other opportunities moving forward. I hope our parents and carers can help by doing the same.  

Supporting Your Child’s Transition to a New Year

The end of the year and start of a new school year brings exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and friendships. Talking positively about this transition with your child can help set the tone for a confident and smooth start. Children often take their emotional cues from the adults around them, so your encouragement can make a world of difference.

Tips for Supporting a Smooth Transition:

1. Focus on the Positives: Talk about things your child can look forward to, such as new friends, subjects, or classroom experiences.
2. Acknowledge Feelings: Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous and share strategies for managing those emotions, like taking deep breaths or talking to a trusted adult.
3. Reflect on Past Successes: Remind your child of other times they’ve adapted to change successfully—this builds confidence in their ability to do it again.
4. Get Prepared Together: Involve your child in preparations, such as organising school supplies or visiting their new classroom or teacher. This helps them feel involved and reassured.
5. Stay in Routine: Establish or maintain routines in the lead-up to school starting—predictability can provide comfort during times of change.
6. Communicate With the School: If you or your child have specific concerns, reach out to teachers or staff for guidance. Sharing your thoughts can lead to tailored strategies to support your child.

Transitions are an opportunity for growth and learning. By framing these moments positively and offering practical support, you can empower your child to embrace the new school year with enthusiasm and resilience.

Health Update

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone quite as smoothly as I was hoping for and there were some complications with my surgery. I now need to have a second surgery on my foot in the next few weeks (unsure when). I am still hoping to get back before the end of the year, however I am unsure when or what that looks like at the moment. I will be working from home until I am able to get back to school. 

Thank you for all of the well wishes over the past few weeks.

Signing Off for 2024 

As we reach the end of the year, I would like to take a moment to thank the entire Marlborough School community for the warmth and support you've shown me in my first full year at the school. It's been a year of learning, growth, and connection, and I am truly grateful to be part of such a dedicated and caring community.

As we head into the holiday break, I encourage all families to enjoy this special time together. Take the opportunity to relax, build connections, and make wonderful memories with your children. This time is precious, and I hope it brings you all joy and rest.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Warmly,

Tim Mulhall

Principal