A note from Mr Jackson

Year 6 Leadership Presentations

This week staff and students were privileged to listen to Year 5 students make a range of speeches as they sought to express their interest in a range of student leadership positions for the coming year. We were surprised and very proud of each student who were brave enough to be vulnerable enough to speak in front of staff and students. Their manner and confidence was evidence of their maturity and their words were often profound and stirring. We look forward to announcing our new student leaders at the final assembly. 

FORPS Paella Evening A Success … Despite the Forecast

While the threat of violent storms prevented the FORPS’ end of year picnic on the oval this year, all enjoyed the warm and tasty paella provided at Chandler Hall. Our community meal was more spread across local suburbs with a ‘take away’ option! A few stayed to enjoy the feast in Chandler Hall and everyone was thankful for the remarkable contribution of FORPS over the year!

Students' Voice Sound on Podcast Released

Please listen to the latest podcast by our talented and informative Junior School Council team. They have put together a memorable podcast that will amaze all. A special well done to the team that never stops leaving us impressed by their confidence and capacity! Catch it on Compass!

Instrumentalists’ Concert Hits the Right Note

Thanks to our wonderful performers at the Instrumentalists’ Concert on Monday afternoon. It was a wonderful celebration of each students’ effort in learning an instrument. All were appreciative of the music that ranged from Mozart through to Taylor Swift and AC/DC. A special thanks to Cathy, Jendi and Flynn for their collaboration in realising this annual experience. It proved a joyful highlight of the week.

Volunteers Celebrated

A special thanks for all volunteers who gathered on Wednesday morning as staff provided a morning tea to express their gratitude. While it was a small wedge of our volunteers, it was a small but significant time to thank those who had helped in class, attended Working Bees and contributed to the fair. 

As tradition dictates, it was also a chance for us to announce to our community the allocation of various roles and responsibilities for staff in 2024.

• We’re thankful for our office team of Kim Brydson-Dixon and Ally Stokes who will continue to hold us all together from the office.
• Sharon Henderson, Rhonda Lewis, Michelle Woolacott, Lara Hunter, Zoe Brooks and Sharon Hunter will continue to support student learning across the school.
• A range of teachers will continue to provide specialist lessons including; Kelli Zealley and Krystal Rosbrook (Physical Education), Jendi Bright (Music and the Performing Arts), Jenelle Dellios (Visual Arts) as well as Leeann Sartorel and Nadia Tarquinio (Italian).
• While we are saddened to see Lynda Whitechurch leave the role of Assistant Principal she will only move down the corridor and take on the role of Disability Inclusion Leader.
• We were thrilled to welcome Justine Convery on Wednesday. She will take on the role of Assistant Principal and we look forward to her presence in 2024.
• Eli Phillips and Shannon Mitchell will continue to lead staff in their roles as Learning Specialists with a focus on Literacy and Numeracy.

Life in the classrooms will continue to be rich with the following teaching team;

• In the Prep area – Sophie Cartelli/Emily Seing, Eleanor Kaiser
• In the 1/2 Area - Krista Scott/Eli Phillips, Hannah Konstantinidis, Lisa Wilson/Eli Phillips and a staff yet to be appointed.
• In the 2/3/4 Area - Natalie Richardson, Bronwen Brasch, Caitlin Wheeler and Celeste Watts
• 4/5/6 - Heidi Yule/Hayley Murray, Daniela Darling/Shannon Mitchell, Kate Arnott/Hayley Murray and we welcome Mel Crispe to the team.

Yearbook Orders Finalising

This year we look forward to distributing the inaugural 2023 Yearbook to students from Monday. We are greatly appreciative of the effort of students and teachers as well as our office staff in bringing this document to life. The last chance to order your copy will be on QKR! by Sunday evening. Thanks to those who have signed and provided consent for their child to be included.

Cans and Bottles

Our sustainability team are eager to ensure that they recycle over the break! Envirobank have provided some reuseable bags for recyclable cans and bottles that can be collected by students. They are welcome to return it at the start of 2024 full of cans/bottles so that we can take it to the recycling centre and raise money for the sustainability group and garden projects. Drop in to the office to pick up your bag!

As the End of the Year Approaches

The coming days are extremely busy and a range of events have been scheduled to mark this significant transition. Here’s a little of what the days ahead will uncover …

Graduation Ceremony

( Wednesday 14 December)

Our Year 6 students are farewelled at an official graduation ceremony tonight. We particularly farewell those families who have travelled with us throughout the past seven years of primary education. I know that teachers and parents have been collaborating to ensure that, although there will be no fireworks, the evening will be a significant acknowledgement of student achievement.

Class Shift (Friday 15 December)

A number of staff who are changing classrooms will make the shift on Friday. Although it looks like a shuffle we’re hopeful it is more like a calm and swift two-step. These classes will take up a new home until the end of the year;

• Kate Arnot (34J) who will be heading to the Open Learning Space in the 5/6 Learning Area, 
• Natalie Richardson (12N) who will head to the 3/4 Learning Area where 3/4S currently live and learn, 
• Krista Scott (3/4S) will be heading into the 1/2 Learning Area 
• Celeste Watts (12N) will be heading to the 3/4 Learning Area in 34J’s current room. 

Hannah Konstantanidis (12K) will shift on Friday to the library for a short period to accommodate the installation of new carpet! The first aid room will temporarily be moved to the interview room in the office while the floor covering is replaced at the start of the week.

Friday’s Weekly Assembly 

(Friday 15 December)

Friday we will continue to celebrate the Students of the Week and acknowledge the great adventure of learning in our classrooms.

Big Day In 

(Monday 25 December)

A big morning of tabloid sports will be followed by our ‘Meet the Teacher’ session. Please make sure payment is received on QKR! This will be an opportunity for students and teachers to gather as a cohort and continue the journey towards 2024. The Year 6 graduating class will participate in a workshop with Kids Helpline focused on transition to secondary education. A special lunch will be enjoyed by those who have ordered sushi and an afternoon movie will be a time to relax.

‘Express Yourself Day’ 

(Tuesday 19 December)

This is a chance for students to wear their everyday clothes or choose a favourite outfit that they feel reflects who they are. They might wear a football jersey or a colour that is important to them. They might dress up or simply come as themselves. The Junior School Council are collecting a gold coin.

Reports Published 

(Tuesday 19 December)

Student reports will be published on Compass and be made available to parents and carers by the end of the day.

End of Term Wednesday 

(Wednesday 20 December)

The day will be shortened and will officially end at 1:30pm. Supervision in the yard will conclude 1:45pm. The office will close at 2:00pm. After a whole school rubbish pickup, the final assembly will be held at 12:30pm and include the announcement of our new student captains and farewell of our 2023 Year 6 students. All are invited for this final hoorah. 

Future Dates

I have attached a draft of future dates that may support parents and carers as they prepare for the year. It is important to note that one curriculum day has yet to be scheduled in semester 2. We hope to have further clarification for our community early in 2024.

Happy Holidays

As this is the final newsletter for 2023 I wish to take this opportunity to wish all our community the most meaningful festive and holiday experiences. While many will celebrate the religious celebrations of the period, others will appreciate a break. For all it is an opportunity to be reminded of the centrality of family and friends, draw a breath and renew. I hope it is a rich and treasured time for all. I look forward to hearing stories of adventure, travels and experiences upon our return in 2024!

A Child Enrolling in Kindergarten?

(Victorian Funded Kindergarten Programs)

Here is a brief message from Bilal Ismail from Banyule Council an Outreach Officer for Kindergartens in our area. This may of particular note for those with younger family members!

Enrolling your child in kindergarten (also known as kinder or preschool) for 2 years will ensure your child is school-ready. Both 3 and 4-year-old programs in Victoria are now fully funded, with no extra costs for families. A two-year commitment allows your child to build on the first year's foundation for a comprehensive learning experience, and develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills during these crucial early years.

How Bilani Can Help:

Is your child 3 or 4 by April 30, 2024? Limited spots available at various Banyule kindergartens for 2024. Contact below as soon as possible. Is your child 3 or 4 by April 30, 2025? Registrations open in March 2025 for kindergarten starting in 2026. 

As your Banyule City Council representative, I'm here to assist with kindergarten and school registration. Whether it's forms, benefits, or general support, feel free to reach out with any questions.

If you need assistance to register & enrol your child for both 3 and 4-year-old kinder, contact the Early Years Outreach Support Officer at:

Email: bilani@banyule.vic.gov.au

Phone: 9422 6109

Mobile: 0466 458 407