Principal Update

As we reached the mid point of the term we reflected on how many things we have going on! The Year 3 and 5 students are about to embark on NAPLAN. The Year 6’s are off to Marysville for their camp next week, I will be visiting on Thursday. We have had the swimming sports, the District Swimming and the Divisional swimming is next week. There are AFL clinics for the Year 3, 4, 5 and 6’s at the park and we have had numerous incursions. From sitting in Parliament to learning about worms and making smoothies we have filled the weeks with engaging opportunities to learn in many ways. This is just how we like it, a balance between learning in the classroom and applying the skills in a range of meaningful and engaging ways. 

Ride to School Day is on Friday 22 March. This year we have two of our Year 6’s, Jem and Gus, organizing this with Yarra Council. We have had the bike checks which are happening again on Wednesday 20 March. A free service for student bikes. There will be a competition for the best decorated helmet on the Friday and a tally of how many students were active getting to school. This is another opportunity for leading for some keen Year 6 students. 

We have completed the enrolment census and have 353 students in total. This is a slight increase from last year which is pleasing. We aim to have classes with 21 students in Prep and Year 1 and 25 in Year 2-6. The numbers are based on a funding model and while we aim for this our structure doesn’t always allow this to happen. The numbers have worked well for us this year, with 25 in each of the Year 6’s and 18 students in the Preps. We will aim to build the year levels with lower numbers in the future. 

Last week we had a few new families join us and we welcome them into the community. Already their children report APS as being very welcoming and friendly. Our rights, values and learner dispositions hold us in good stead to develop positive qualities in our community. 

Have a lovely long weekend

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal