This week, we close the term, one that has seen us work in a place so unfamiliar you have to pinch yourself to believe Newlands has such wonderful spaces for the students, teachers, and admin staff. Much has been achieved while also presenting challenges. The usual predictable requirements, such as NAPLAN, arrived early for this term. Participation rates were again high in both Years Three and Five. While The assessments were early, student NAPLAN reports are still expected to arrive in term three.

The teachers and students are still getting used to the new buildings. In fact, I still walk around in circles trying to locate a specific class. One positive this term has seen a reduction in plumber callouts to our older toilet block. I know it sounds weird, but the cost of the callouts is horrendous. Maybe it has something to do with having new non-gender toilets in the new buildings.

We hope to complete a number of unfinished works in the new buildings over the school holidays and then start work on relocating and refurbishing a couple of classrooms in the north wing into a 'state-of-the-art' staffroom facility. We hope the completion of the staffroom will coincide with the completion of the new gym near the end of term two.

It was great to see the number of school/community activities taking place this term. The welcome-back picnic saw our trusted and newly elected School Council President Adam Palmer on the tongs again. I'm sure Heinz is running through his veins. A big shout-out to our new school council for 2024. As a team, we are in for another big year building on the solid foundations of the 2023 school council.

This year saw several new staff come on board - Paula [Foundation], Felipe [Music/Performing Arts], Steph [Spanish Lang Assistant], Nerida [Inquiry], Kehani [Library] and Harri [OSH team]. While we welcome our newbies, we also farewell Jack [ESS to Loui]. While Jack only came early last year, he has been a valuable member of the Newlands teams. We wish him well as he returns to study as a teacher; there's a job waiting for you here, Jack; all the best.

This term has been very focused for Raul, a P.E. teacher. He has overseen our big bang return to interschool sport, something we have been away from for some time as a school. Ride to school day again, another successful event for the kids. And he finished the term with a couple of talented AFL Carlton boys chatting with the kids.

The other massive change for Newlands has been Sab, our new groundsperson. His work ethic and beaming smile have elevated the appearance of the school grounds. He has liked being at Newlands so much that he wants to be here five days a week, and we agreed. So, get used to seeing more smiles per week.

Simon will be setting off on a well-earned vacation to Europe. We would like to wish him very safe travels and can’t wait to hear all about his adventures upon his return. He will be taking Long Service Leave for the first 4 weeks of Term 2. Kaya will be covering his absence in 34EF. She has previously worked in educational support at NPS and, this year has been a regular casual relief teacher in our classes. More importantly, Kaya is excited to learn with 34EF and get to know us all even better. Simon will be returning to work on May 13 (Term 2, Week 5) excited to share his adventures and hear about the many happenings.

I'd like to thank all our parents who, in one way or another, deeply support our teachers and the curriculum they present to the students. We all read the news and social media posts of negativity about teaching and teachers, which can sometimes be overwhelming. We have a great team of leaders, teachers, support staff, and admin team at Newlands who make my role as principal so much easier.

Have a great holiday break, and we will see you all for term two - Monday, 15th April

Thank you

Ross Dudgeon

Principal

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