Kyneton Primary School Newsletter

Principal's Message to the School Community

Dear KPS Community,

 

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news: Our school oval redevelopment project is scheduled to commence with the expected installation of a temporary fence this Friday.

 

What’s in Store?

  • Bore Installation: We’re sinking a bore to tap into the Earth’s natural water resources. This means a sustainable water supply for our oval, even during dry spells.
  • Water Tanks: To capture and store water from the new bore.
  • Bore Pump: A shiny new bore pump will ensure that water flows smoothly from the bore to our irrigation system.
  • Improved Drainage: Our upgraded drainage system will keep the oval dry and ready for action.
  • Irrigation: Smart irrigation technology will keep our grass lush and green.
  • Sprigging of Grass: We’re rolling out fresh, healthy grass across the oval.

Why These Upgrades Matter:

  1. Community Pride: These upgrades enhance our community’s pride and enjoyment in our school.
  2. Environmental Responsibility: By using bore water we’re doing our part for the environment.
  3. Healthier Playing Surface: Whether you’re kicking a footy or practicing yoga, a well-maintained oval makes all the difference.

Timeline: 

Work is about to get underway, and we expect completion by the start of February next year, weather dependent. Keep an eye out for progress updates! Stay tuned for more updates!

 

 Please see below our School Council President's Report from Katy McGrath

 

Dear KPS Community,

 

As we move through Term 3, I’d like to update you on recent School Council discussions and decisions.

 

Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) Mid-Year Progress

Our school leadership team recently met with our Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) to review our AIP. We received positive feedback on our sustained approach to school improvement, and positive NAPLAN results. There will be a continued focus on reducing the number of students needing additional support, particularly in Year 3 grammar and punctuation. While COVID-19 disruptions may have impacted some foundational skills for this cohort, we’re confident that ongoing efforts through our Professional Learning Community (PLC) practices and ensuring student data is used to inform practice will help address this quickly. 

 

Additionally, despite staffing challenges through previously engaging with an external wellbeing provider, our focus on the Resilience, Rights, and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) curriculum and Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) continues to support student wellbeing.

 

Overall, Kyneton Primary is on track with our goals and will continue to refine our strategies to ensure the best outcomes for all students.

 

2025 Enrolments

We’re excited that we will welcome a similar-sized Prep cohort in 2025. If you have pending sibling enrolments, please submit these as soon as possible to help us plan for the upcoming year.

 

Acknowledgements

At our last meeting, the School Council recognised several significant contributions made by members of our community. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for their efforts. Thank you:

  • Kirk Anstee for continually securing grants to support our sport programs. Mr Anstee’s ongoing efforts in this area are greatly appreciated as these grants significantly boost our school’s sports budget and the programs that can be provided.
  • Duncan Cocking for generously volunteering his time and expertise to plan and oversee our working bees – and going so far as to offer a masterclass in fruit tree care for families at the most recent working bee.
  • All Parents & Friends supporters for their most recent efforts organising a successful disco and preparing for the Father’s Day stall and Daffodil Parade.
  • Ten students who have been volunteering during lunch in the canteen, developing valuable skills and fostering community spirit.

Grounds and Sustainability

The tender for oval works has closed, and funds have been transferred to the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) for our contribution to the project. We’re also excited to see great enthusiasm from our new student sustainability group, with a focus on Resource Smart School initiatives next term, starting with the waste module as we continue our commitment to sustainability.

 

Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey

Thank you to those who completed the annual survey from the Department of Education — your feedback is invaluable. There’s still time to contribute before the survey closes on Friday, 30 September. Please refer to last week’s newsletter for more details or contact the office if you need the survey resent to you. The more responses received, the more meaningful data we have to assist decision-making. Staff will review the results at a staff meeting before School Council also reviews, where the focus will be on improving any areas flagged in the survey.

 

Year 2 Camp

We’ve approved the Year 2 camp being held 11-12 September at Lake Dewar Discovery Camp, and acknowledge a generous $900 donation from Preloved Peddler to help reduce costs.

 

School Council Self-Assessment

As part of our commitment to good governance, we conducted a self-assessment to identify areas for improvement. One area of focus will be formalising our standing orders, as well as how we can enhance community consultation. Please reach out if there are any issues you’d like to discuss with School Council. You can email me at Katy.McGrath@education.vic.gov.au – no ideas are too big or too small!

 

School Council Members:

  • Alistair Rayner (Executive Officer)
  • Katy McGrath (President)
  • Sarah Lander (Vice President)
  • Steven Sheppherd (Treasurer)
  • Samantha Lewis (Secretary)
  • Julie Arnephy
  • Ellie Tracy
  • Andrew Young
  • Lauren Richardson
  • Martin Hodge
  • Sarah Dilnot

Wishing you all a wonderful end to Term 3. Let’s continue working together to ensure Kyneton Primary School provides our children the best possible environment and opportunities.

 

Katy McGrath

School Council President