Dear Parents and Carers,

Three weeks have flown past and we are well into the term. Over the past few weeks we have celebrated a number of key events in the school.

Grade 2 Sleepover

The students enjoyed a fabulous Grade 2 sleepover last Thursday at school. The students were thoroughly engaged in the variety of activities during the evening which included fruit kebab making, biscuit decorating and a game out on the 5-6 synthetic pitch.

The students took their first step towards independence by setting up bedding and getting themselves off to sleep at a reasonable hour. A huge congratulations to all students on their first school camp experience.

Special mention to our wonderful staff who took time away from family to ensure this event went ahead.

Writers’ Festival

In the past few weeks the corridors have transformed into a writer's paradise in preparation for the annual Delacombe Primary School Writers’ Festival. The students worked extremely hard to ensure their visual artwork and written pieces were ready for the event. After reading some of the pieces, it is evident that we have many talented writers amongst our school. Thank you to all those parents and carers who were able to attend the event and participate in the scavenger hunt.

Girls program

Last week there were about 40 girls and their parents/carers attending some Muay Thai and enjoying a high intensity martial arts session. It appeared to be lots of fun and plenty of laughs and red faces (from the workout) at the end of it.

School Council News

Our October meeting of School Council met last week and discussed the following agenda items:

Our indicative budget for 2025.
2024 Staff opinion and parent opinion data which showed that we had improvements in both areas of the school
The disability inclusion program update
Ongoing success of the DASH program
Ratified the Yard duty and Privacy policy
Approval for school excursions and camps for the remainder of 2024.

Our thanks to the ongoing support of our school councillors.

Assessment Weeks begin next week

Next week our Grade 5-6s commence their Assessment weeks in preparation for the end of year reports. Assessment weeks normally go for a two week period and it can be tiring for the students during this time, so a good bed routine is important for the best results.

Report Writing Day

On Monday 25th November it will be a Report Writing day for the teachers to look to complete the end of year reports. Our aim is to have reports posted on Compass to parents by Friday 6th December.

Student Leadership Positions

Our Grade 5 students who are looking to be our leaders in 2025 have submitted applications for positions and interviews for School Captains will occur on Monday 11th November. This will be followed with speeches to the staff and students on Wednesday 13th November in the stadium from 2.30pm. Once this process has been completed, we hope to announce the first stage of our leadership positions for 2025.

Student Class Placement 2025

Our teachers place students in classrooms where they feel they will work best. There are a range of processes they consider from academic to social to balance a class. If you feel strongly that your child will not work productively with another student, we require this request in writing before November 6th (the day before Melbourne Cup). Please either email your child’s classroom teacher or a member of the Leadership team.

We strive to achieve the best educational outcomes for all students.

Staffing News 2025

The school has appointed three teaching staff to commence in the school next year. Those staff are:

Ms Abby Simpson
Mrs Allyssa Quick
Ms Bella Huggins

Ms Abby Boyle returns to the classroom fulltime in 2025.

Mrs Dawson returns to work two days a week in the school.

At the end of year we farewell a number of staff.

Mr Brandon Egan will take 12 months leave and work in Ireland for the year and travel.

Ms Gerrard will also be taking 12 months leave and work in the UK and travel.

Mr David Collins will take up a position at Lucas PS.

Mrs Demeye who has taken leave this year will resign her position at the end of year after being a long-term employee of Delacombe PS.

Facilities Update

In the past week we have had our new toilets delivered and will have our Mod 10 on site in the latter part of the week.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Thank you for supporting the summer school uniform. We have had very few students we have had to follow up with about hats and wearing them. This has made life easier, particularly when the sun has been out more than we have been used to.

We have noticed that an increase in the number of bike shorts and low cut shorts has been worn and staff are following up students who are wearing them and informing them of the correct uniform.

PARENT LIAISON GROUP

The next date set for the Parent Liaison is Thursday 31st October at 2.30pm. This session is time to talk about what is coming up at school and listen to any other suggestions from parents.

Topics that will be on the agenda are:

P-2 Athletics - any food to be provided
End of year raffle
School savings bonus
Recent parent and staff surveys
Upcoming facility upgrades

All parents are welcome to attend.

Kind regards Scott, Marnie, Stephanie and Michael

WORD WIZARDS & MATHS MASTER