Principal's Report 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now in full swing as the long holiday break fades into memory. Our prep students have settled very nicely into their new routine, supported by Tamara Bonnici, our newly appointed early years teacher, supporting the grade prep and one teachers. Tamara has been a welcome addition to our specialist support staff and her work is already showing very positive results. 

Last week our student leaders led their first assembly and did an outstanding job. They had clearly rehearsed and prepared very well, and their contribution over the year beyond assembly will continue to grow. 

Those of you with students in grade three and/or five may have heard your children telling you about their NAPLAN groups. From last week and until NAPLAN commences, students in grades three and five are participating in tailored support groups each Monday and Tuesday unpacking what NAPLAN questions look like, strategies to support them during NAPLAN, and how to answer NAPLAN questions on an iPad. These sessions are designed to take the mystery and scariness out of NAPLAN, and give students the assurance that they know what to expect so they can give it their best shot. 

Starting this week, your children will see either Jessica or Nicole from NJ Education in their classrooms working with them and the teachers to improve our maths understanding. Jessica and Nicole are working with staff throughout this year aligning our current great work with new elements of education brought out by the Department of Education recently called the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM). 

This week are our meet and greet sessions with teachers. These meetings are an opportunity for parents and caregivers to let us know aspects about your child/ren that will support us in making sure they have a successful year. Proformas were sent home in hard copy for students in P-2, and digitally for 3-6 for parents to fill in if they choose as discussions starters.  If you haven't done so as yet, please be sure to book in a time via XUNO as we would like to see all parents or carers come along on either Tuesday or Thursday. 

Finally, our first pupil free day for the year is fast approaching with Jessica and Nicole leading this day with a focus on mathematics. As is typically the case, this day will be Friday March 6th, just before the Labour Day public holiday on Monday the 9th giving students a four day break mid-way through the term. TheirCare will be open on this day for students requiring supervision. 

Kind regards,

Simon McGlade

Principal