Dear CHPS families and carers,

As we near the end of this term, a reminder that we finish next Thursday 2nd April at 2:30pm. School will resume for Term 2 on Monday 20th April.

School Review

Over two days this month, we have undertaken our school review. Victorian Schools undertake a school review every 4 years to inform the directions of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan.

There are 2 components of school review:

the pre-review self-evaluation where schools review their data and other evidence to form a collective view of current practice and areas for improvement.
a review facilitated by an independent school reviewer with a panel comprising the principal, Senior Education Improvement Leader, the school council president and our challenge partners, Jo Wheeler (Principal, Westgarth PS) and Tamy Stubley (Principal, Melbourne Girls’ College).

During the review days, the panel considered the pre-review self-evaluation and undertook additional review activities such as classroom observations and focus groups with leadership, teaching staff, educational support staff, students and parents.

The review will conclude with a report that includes the recommended goals, targets and key improvement strategies for the school’s next School Strategic Plan.

NAPLAN Testing

The annual National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy for students in Years 3 and 5 has been completed. During such times, students can display some increased anxiety. To support students, our approach at Clifton Hill Primary School is to ensure students are aware of all their great attributes that make them who they are. Many of these attributes cannot be measured in a NAPLAN test, so ensuring students view NAPLAN as just a small part of what they do at school is important.

Colour Fun Day ... A Riot of Colour and Joy

Yesterday our Gold Street yard was transformed into a joyous kaleidoscope as students dashed around the yard, covered in vibrant shades of powder. Students also enjoyed participating in other activities which included a disco, Holi activity and circus skills. And let’s not forget the much-anticipated sliming of different staff members as momentum was built leading up to our colour fun run day. A special thank you to those staff members who were slimed.

Thank you to all families who fundraised for this event. Money raised will be put towards carpet replacement in classrooms in the main building. This process that started 18 months ago and is still an ongoing focus for the school.

Enjoy more photos here.

A reminder that we have once again partnered with Djirra as an option for students to donate any of the prizes they earn because of their fundraising effort for the school colour run. Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where practical support is available to all Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation governed by an Aboriginal Board of Directors who are elected by their members. Their head office is in Abbotsford. More information on Djirra can be found on their website.

Hats/Sunscreen

As we enter Autumn and the sun continues to shine, it is important that students have a hat to wear during recess and lunch. Broadbrimmed or legionnaire hats need to be worn until the last day in April, which is at the end of week 2 next term. We ask parents to remind their child to pack their hat every day until that date. We also ask that families ensure students apply sunscreen at home before attending school.

Thanks and

Gareth Buck

Clifton Hill Primary School acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we come together to learn, and we pay our respects to Elders of the Kulin Nation past and present.

Holi

What is Holi?