Principal's Report

Off & Swimming

Across the last two weeks, our Foundation – Year 2 students have been experiencing the swimming program for the first time. If I am honest, I previously only thought of the swimming program as an opportunity for students to improve their swimming skills. However, after talking to numerous students and families, it is so much more than that. It has been described to me as ‘eight excursions in eight weeks’. 

Clearly improving swimming proficiency is vitally important, however I am being told that the favourite part for students is leaving the school, getting on a coach with friends, and being in a different place. And when I have seen them departing from the school gate, the excitement is palpable.

Well done to everyone involved. Sending 13 grades to a swimming pool over two days – for eight consecutive weeks – is quite the operation. The students have adapted quickly to the new routines, expertly supported by staff and parents. 

Six excursions left!

Sustainability News

Our students and parents have been very active with their sustainability work. ‘Eco Club’ meets with teachers on a Monday lunchtime, and the parent-led Environmental Sustainability Working Group (longest title ever!) meet twice a term.

Some of the improvements you might have recently noticed are the introduction of yellow bins for recycling. On days when I don’t have better things to do, I put my head in the bins to see what’s being disposed where. I have realised that lunch orders are tricky days, with packaging being a mixture of landfill and recyclable materials, and what do you do when you have a recyclable drink carton, still containing drink? We will continue to support the students with their use of these bins and ask that you have similar conversations when out and about.

We have also recently installed a Recycling Station, just around the corner from the main office. Here you can drop off writing tools, batteries, and bread tags for recycling. Thank you to everyone for your contributions to this important work.

School Review Update – Child Safety

Planning for our upcoming School Review continues to be important work. At last night’s School Council meeting, Sarah Abbott presented information regarding the new Child Safe Standards, and the associated policies.

These policies will soon be available to view on our website. Further information can be found in the Assistant Principal section.

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that Parent Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 11 August. There will be an early dismissal at 1pm to support the interviews. If you are yet to do so, bookings are still open in Compass. Please note, these interviews will be conducted online via WebEx. 

Morning Tea 

Each term, I host a morning tea where all parents are invited to attend. 

This is an informal get-together where I chat with parents to update on what is happening around the school and answer any questions that you may have.

• When: Friday 12 August, 9 – 10am
• Where: Staff Room

Congratulations to Brendan and Kathleen

Two weeks ago, Brendan and Kathleen, tied the knot in style. We congratulate them on this lovely news, wish them well for the future, and look forward to seeing photos of Pickle (Brendan’s much-loved pug) also dressed in a tux!

~ Paul Wallace, Principal