In our Staff Room

Last week, I attended the ACEL National Conference in Brisbane, along with other education leaders from government and independent schools across Australia and New Zealand. My attendance at the event was made possible thanks to an ACEL scholarship, which was formally presented to me during the event's award ceremony.

A central discussion that featured throughout the conference circled around the concerning state of teacher supply nationwide. Fuelled by lower enrolments in teacher education, burnout among educators, and population growth there is a significant undersupply of teachers in Australia and this is likely to worsen over the next 3-5 years. We heard from university heads, policymakers, and politicians and no one has a clear or easy solution for this problem. For us at Port Melbourne Primary School, it’s clear that we need to continue our focus on attracting and retaining the best and brightest teachers and ensuring that each member of our staff feels supported by the school and its community.

Other conference themes touched upon the influence of AI on education and showcased leadership models for school improvement. I will continue to engage with the Victorian ACEL branch over the next 12 months as part of my scholarship and I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and perspectives back to my role at PMPS.

This term it is wonderful to formally welcome Kristen and Caitlin who have commenced their Acting Assistant Principal roles, sharing Kim's duties in her absence. You’ll see them during before and after school yard duties - please join me in welcoming them to the Principal Team. Already Kristen and Caitlin have brought fresh perspectives and ideas to our leadership team and we look forward to their continued contributions into 2024.

We're making substantial progress in our workforce planning for the upcoming year. Late last term we provided several of our current staff with ongoing contracts, securing them for 2024 and beyond. We’ll finalise this process by filling some fixed-term contract positions over the coming weeks. Despite teacher shortages, we’re fortunate to be in a strong position with a group of outstanding teachers and a high level of workforce stability. Once we’ve completed this process we’ll be well-placed to confirm teaching allotments and classes later this term.

In our Classrooms

Exciting developments are underway with the introduction of our new specialist subject to bolster literacy and numeracy skills among our students next year. A small teaching team has begun work on planning for this program which will provide targeted literacy and numeracy support for all students - bolstering the work already underway in our Intervention program. Each child’s continued growth in literacy and numeracy is paramount, and we’re excited about rolling this program out next year.

A quick reminder about our "You Show Us" mornings, which will provide a glimpse into our students’ academic journey. This initiative is all about showcasing their hard work, and we’re looking forward to your participation and attendance. I’ve included the dates and times of these mornings below.

Remember that this is not a parent-teacher interview, instead it is an opportunity for your child(ren) to show you their learning progress and achievements in the classroom.

You Show Us Mornings

Dates:

Week 4: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th October
Week 7: Monday 13th November and Tuesday 14th November

Overview

8:45 a.m: Parents can come into the classrooms.
8:45-9:00: Students will display some of their work.
9:00-9:15: Teachers will begin their standard routines. Parents can observe.
9:15: Sessions conclude and parents leave classrooms.

In our Community

A big thank you to staff, students and parents involved in last term's Year 5 production, particularly Maria Chadwick, for her incredible effort bringing it all together. These productions are valuable as they promote collaboration, confidence, and push students out of their comfort zone and towards personal growth.

Starting this term, Miss Molly's Coffee Cart will be onsite each Wednesday. Thanks to the PFA for organising this, providing an informal and regular opportunity for our community to connect.

I hope the first week back for you and your family has gone smoothly - I know we’re in for an exciting and busy term ahead.

Best Wishes,

Tom Cain

Principal

PE