Principal's Report
Jells Park Primary School
Principal: Kevin Oakey
Assistant Principal: Julie Hall
Assistant Principal: Scott Zachariassen
s.zachariassen@jpps.vic.edu.au
Maggie K - TeamVic representative
Massive congratulations to Maggie on being selected to run in the National School Cross Country - we are all very proud of her and very excited. Please read the article later in the newsletter and support the effort to fundraise on her behalf so she can attend this championship event.
Early / Late Arrival at school
I have sent a letter home to all parents and carers. Please read this carefully and I would ask everyone to respond appropriately. I know this is a contentious issue and I appreciate that parents have their own jobs and schedules to fit. This is an important message.
Parent Opinion Survey
The 2024 Parent Opinion Survey will be made available next week, so please be on the lookout for the email, with the link, from me with the details. We greatly value the input and opinions of parents about the school, whether positive or critical. This is the best way we can learn, improve and make changes for the benefit of your children.
Buildings & Grounds - Feedback
We have invested a lot of time and money into improving the school grounds and buildings, which was in direct response to feedback from the 2023 Parent Opinion Survey. We would like to hear from any parent that has an idea, view or recommendation for other buildings and grounds projects in the school. Please email me directly on k.oakey@jpps.vic.edu.au
Staff Change
It is a bitter-sweet announcement on a staffing change from Week 7 Term 3.
Sweet - Kellie Stewart will be completing her stint as Acting Principal at Oakleigh PS and will be returning to Jells Park PS in her capacity of Assistant Principal - awesome news for us.
Bitter - we will have to say goodbye to Julie Hall who was filling in as Acting Assistant Principal. Julie has been wonderful in the 7 months she has been here and it will be sad to see her go.
Kevin Oakey
Principal
Power of Positive Parenting Seminar
On Thursday 25th July, Laura Serong our Wellbeing Officer conducted a seminar for families at Jells Park called The Power of Positive Parenting. It outlined the key principles of parenting:
- Having a loving, safe, interesting environment
- Having a positive learning environment
- Using assertive discipline
- Having realistic expectations
- Taking care of yourself as a parent
The last one really resonated with me - self care. Parenting can be very demanding and sometimes all consuming. The message last night was find regular, short bursts of quality time for your children and make time for yourself to do the things that bring you joy.
Keep an eye on the newsletter for the next parenting seminar on offer.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week was held in the last week of the school holidays. At our first assembly back this term, the Freeman (Narrang) House Captains spoke to the students about NAIDOC week, it's history and importance. In 1956 the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) was formed and the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for first nations people and their culture. Eventually it became a week long event and given the name NAIDOC Week.
This year's theme was Keep the fire burning! Black, loud and proud, fire being a symbol of connection to Country and each other and acknowledging the strength and resilience of the first nations people. At each school assembly our captains do an acknowledgement of country. We are also moving towards also using the animal's indigenous name for each house's mascot:
Bradman - Gurrng Gurrng (kookaburra)
Fraser - Burrunan (dolphin)
Freeman - Narrang (lizard)
Perkins - Oonah (platypus)
Julie Hall
Assistant Principal
Student Attendance
As we near the halfway point of the school year, and delve into the middle of a Melbourne Winter, we would like to point out the crucial role that consistent school attendance plays in your child's academic success and overall development.
Why Attendance Matters:
- Academic Achievement: Regular attendance directly correlates with higher academic achievement. Each day a student misses means valuable learning opportunities are lost, impacting their understanding of key concepts and ability to keep up with their peers.
- Skill Development: School is not just about academics; it's also where children learn essential life skills such as time management, collaboration, and problem-solving. Consistent attendance fosters these skills by allowing students to engage fully in classroom activities and group projects.
- Building Relationships: Being present in school helps children form meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. These connections provide emotional support and encouragement, which are crucial for their social and emotional development.
- Preparation for the Future: Regular attendance instills discipline and responsibility—qualities that are indispensable as students progress through their educational journey and prepare for higher education or the workforce.
Tips for Promoting Good Attendance:
- Establish a Routine: Set regular bedtimes and morning routines to ensure your child is well-rested and ready for the school day.
- Communicate Early: Notify the school promptly if your child is unable to attend due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances.
- Allow enough time to arrive at school: Our school day begins at 9:00am and students can be on the school grounds from 8:30 am onwards. It’s important to allow enough time to get your child to school prior to the beginning of the day. Late arrivals have impacts on a child’s social and emotional learning time.
- Encourage Engagement: Take an interest in your child's school activities and encourage their participation in extracurriculars that enhance their overall school experience. Jells Park has an extensive extracurricular program, far beyond other schools in our area. It is important that your child is present at school to ensure they can participate in these programs.
In addition to regular school attendance, being at school on time is just as important.
One of the important decisions our school made to our curriculum a few years ago, was to implement a 25 minute Social and Emotional Learning Lesson at the beginning of every day. Not many other schools do this however we have seen the benefit of this over the years it has been implemented. Constant late arrivals to school impacts your child’s learning of these skills so arriving at school on time is extremely important.
Some information and flyers are attached with information regarding the importance of regular school attendance. If families are experiencing difficulties in regular school attendance for their child, please reach out to your classroom teacher or myself for support or advice.
We currently have over 150 students with unexplained absence days totalling more than 300. Can families please use the Parent Portal App to change these unexplained absences. It is important for our school records that these are rectified before the end of Term.
Thank you for your commitment and support with this and please contact us if you require extra assistance.
Scott Zachariassen
Assistant Principal