Principal News
Whole School Communication
Following community focus groups and conversations with staff, it is evident that we need to adjust and improve our current communication processes. We must endeavour to provide information to families that is easily accessible, clear and timely.
As a result, we are going to trial using Sentral's 'news feed' for formal school communication and continue the use of Dojo for teacher/parent communication and to celebrate classroom learning and school events. We will also continue the use of our digital sign which is located on the corner of Coolac and Silver Streets. I ask families to be patient and understanding during this transitional phase.
Sentral News Feed
From Monday 7 August, we will begin trialling the use of Sentral's news feed functionality to filter the following communication to either the whole school, year levels or individual classes:
- Important information/reminders
- Promotion of events/excursions/incursions
Class Dojo News Feed
Class Dojo will continue to be used as follows:
- 1:1 communication between teachers and families.
- Staff posting pictures to celebrate classroom learning or school events.
Please note that I encourage the importance of work/life balance with our staff. Staff will send and respond to Dojo communication, between the hours of 8.30am - 5.30pm. Staff will always endeavour to respond to families within 24 hours as the priority of our staff is the face-to-face teaching of their students. The 24-hour response time also applies to email communication. Should messages be of a more urgent/timely nature, please do not hesitate to contact the school office between 8.30am - 4.30pm.
School Promotion - Social Media
We have such an amazing school with wonderful staff, students and families, though we can do more to promote this outside of our internal communication platforms. We will now be regularly using our page (Instagram to follow) to promote our school to our broader community.
Click on link below to access Facebook platform.
Communicating concerns/issues
Should you have an academic or wellbeing concern regarding your child, it is always respectful to first communicate with your child's teacher as your first point of contact. Our school offers an open-door policy, and our teachers are more than happy to meet with (coordinate a meeting) parents/caregivers to best support your child/ren.
Should you feel that a concern or issue is not being addressed or improvement is not evident, then a meeting with either myself and/or Leisel can be arranged. We also offer an open-door policy however, to ensure our availability, please contact the office via email or phone to book a meeting. Please note that Leisel and I don't access any individual messages sent to us via Class Dojo. Our preferred method of contact is via email or phone.
cheltenham.east.ps@education.vic.gov.au
9583 5746
Respectful Communication
This is a friendly reminder to ensure that all communication (written or verbal) demonstrates our school values of Respect and Courtesy. We understand that every parent/caregiver wants the best possible education and school experience for their child. Respectful communication enables the school to work positively with families towards solution-focused outcomes.
Fundraiser - Dress as your favourite sportsperson
On Friday 11 August we will be holding a gold coin fundraiser to support Charley N and Sam B who will be representing our school, and the state of Victoria, at the National Cross Country Championships on Saturday 26 August in Canberra. By bringing a gold coin, students can dress as their favourite sportsperson.
We wish Charley and Sam all the very best. We know they will proudly represent our state and our school.
Veggie Garden Beds
We are currently in the process of redeveloping our veggie gardens beds inside the Avalon Court entrance. Thanks to some sunny weather we have been able to weed spray the beds in preparation for planting. Thank you to Mrs Kerr and her family, and one of our wonderful parents Karen H for completing this task.
Our maintenance man Jon will now work with the student maintenance crew to dig out the dead weeds. They will be focussed on preparing two beds at a time. Mrs Kerr and Mrs Waugh will then utilise the lunch time garden club to install the new plants. How exciting!
We are also keen to engage more parents in the upkeep of this space. Please contact Mrs Kerr, Mrs Waugh or the school office if you are able to assist.
Kind Regards,
Robert Ridgway
