From the Principal
Staff Professional Learning Update
The Professional Learning Community teams have continued throughout Term 3 and the focus has been around student feedback and reflective practices. Leadership staff have been observing classes and providing feedback to teachers and students around their personal learning goals and opportunities for extension and enrichment. The school was very excited by our recent NAPLAN results and we enjoyed the opportunity to showcase our learning and future goals during our student-led conferences. The student-led conferences are a wonderful way of sharing learning and for students to display voice and agency.
Building Works Update
The school is currently in a tendering process for the astro turf and central play areas. We are now under the timeframe and instructions of the VSBA. We are currently meeting architects from the various parties buying for the work, but we cannot fast track or set any further demands. In saying that, I have expressed urgency in relation to the work on our main play space and suggested end of year holidays, as the optimum time for excavation and ground works. I will continue to push for this time frame!
Staffing
I want to acknowledge the hard work of Lorrie Dell, who is taking Term 4 off on leave. She has a number of family and personal commitments throughout this time, but she continues to support students and staff in many different ways. Lorrie will return in the new year to resume her role as Assistant Principal. In the interim, we successfully advertised an acting position and Susan Vissenjoux was the successful applicant. She has already visited the school yesterday and saw our 3&4 soiree. Susan has many years of experience, particularly in the area of educational leadership. She has been an Assistant Principal and an Acting Principal in the Noble Park/Dandenong areas. Susan will give a more detailed and formal introduction at the start of next term!
School Planning
We continue to work in conjunction with a departmental representative on our long-term staffing plan. This includes unpacking potential enrolment figures for the next three years; salary increases and the possible number of grades. Creating a long-term plan helps with budgeting and carefully monitoring whole school finances. Support from the Department will guide us throughout Term 4 to create a solid SRP. Staffing plans are discussed at consultative and leadership meetings to ensure there is transparency. The school continues to attract additional Foundation enrolments for 2024 and our transition program has commenced with small group transition activities. At this stage, there will be 2 similar sized classes of Preps next year.
Special Events & Activities
What a fabulous soiree we held yesterday for the Year 3 & 4 families! The feedback has been extremely positive from students and parents. Again, I thank Ms. Lane for her hard work and efforts with all classes on such a tight time frame. The students rose to the occasion and entertained us all with music, drama and dance.
Early Dismissal
The school term will end tomorrow on Friday September 15th with a 2.30pm finish. I would like to thank the entire school community for their efforts and support during another busy term. I also want to acknowledge the staff who have been working behind the scenes to plan and cater for all students in their care. My gratitude extends to ES staff, before and after care staff and our crossing ladies.
I also want to acknowledge our current AP – Lorrie Dell. Lorrie has played a huge part in onsite supervision, both with timetabling and cover. She always has the students at the forefront of everything she does. Lorrie will be taking leave in Term 4 and will be replaced by Susan Vissenjoux currently working at Dandenong PS as the AP. She will formally introduce herself to the school community early in Term 4.
Principal for a Day
Well done to those who organised the ‘GOLD’ parent event and I am delighted to say that Millie Campbell was the new Principal for Day last Monday and performed her special duties with care and a warm and welcoming smile for all!
School Crossing News
We are pleased to welcome Sue back to her duties of Crossing Supervisor for the Wheatley Road crossing. Sue has recovered well from her knee replacement and surgery and would like to thank all in the community for their support cards, gifts and visits. We are thrilled to see Sue back in action and wearing her crazy earrings once again.
Kerri McLeod
Principal