Principal's Report
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Our staff had a great time serving approximately 480 people at our recent Mother's Day breakfast. Although it was a chilly morning, the rain stayed away and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We will run the same event for Father’s Day later this year.
I would like to acknowledge all of the work that our Parent Club and Mrs Leed put into the Mothers’ Day gift this year.
Movie Night Success
Many school community members braved the cold weather on Tuesday night when they watched Elemental in The Hub. Although numbers were lower than last year, those in attendance enjoyed the night. Thanks to Parent Club for putting this event on. Thanks also to the staff members who helped set up, ensuring the night was a success.
School Saving Bonus
You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian State Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.
This one-off support will include $400 for each student to help families cover the costs of school-related expenses in 2025.
It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025.
Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school account.
The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports such as the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) and the Affordable School Uniform program.
The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.
There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, ahead of its implementation in 2025.
Why Going To School Is Important
Going to school every day, and being on time, is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day. Attending and participating in school will help your child develop:
- important skills and knowledge to help them learn
- social and emotional skills such as good communication, resilience and team work.
Research shows that children who attend school every day and complete Year 12 have:
- better health
- better job opportunities
- higher income across their lives.
There is no safe number of days for missing school. Each day a student misses puts them at a disadvantage.
Remembering Stevo
Earlier this month marked the 5th anniversary of the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mr Mark ‘Stevo’ Stevens.
Stevo was an amazing teacher, who’s passion and enthusiasm for his students was infectious. Stevo had a lasting impression on everyone he met, and not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded of his amazing impact on our school.
Our staff recently gathered together once again to relive some of our favourite memories of Mark. My heartfelt thoughts, and those of our staff, were with Lauren, Pearl, Frankie, and their extended families, during this time.
For those who aren't aware, our school motto of 'Be Awesome' was inspired by Mark. Mark could always be overheard telling the children to 'Be Awesome', and if any replied that they already were, he would simply rely with, 'Just be more awesome then'.
The poem below was discovered in a student workbook after Mark's passing. We believe he had written this to demonstrate the writing process to his class. We were grateful that Mr Mac discovered it and it could be shared with Mark's family.
Reports and Interviews
As usual, staff will dedicate numerous hours into compiling Student Reports over the coming weeks. We encourage families to view Learning Tasks and Student Reports as a complete reporting package each semester. Reports will be released to families via Compass on Thursday, 27th June. Hard copies are available only upon request.
We will again be providing a formal opportunity for parents to discuss the progress of their child/children at Parent-Teacher Interviews. These interviews are likely to be held in the second week of Term 3. More details will be available soon.
** Prep students complete two Learning Tasks in Term 1.
Student Absences / Late Arrivals
As absences are included in Student Reports, parents are asked to verify any outstanding unexplained absences/late arrivals.
School Council Summary
Our May School Council meeting was held on Monday. Many items were discussed and/or ratified, including:
Education Week
A summary of Education Week activities was shared with School Council.
Positive Partnerships Workshop
Brett, Nat (Natalie Todeschini – Grade 1/2 and Inclusion Leader) and I attended the 2-day Positive Partnerships workshop on May 7 and 8. We shared our positive experience with School Council, including how we intend to share our learnings with all staff.
Our Education Support staff have also begin an online learning module titled, The Autism and Neurodiversity MasterClass. This learning module will be delivered via 14 x 30-minute MasterClass session.
Staffing News
Melissa Gleisner was recently recruited from Camp Hill PS to fill a Learning Tutor vacancy at our school. Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the role. Melissa will be working with our students in Grade 3/4 students that have been identified as requiring additional support. The other Learning Tutor role is being carried out by Siobhan Garmey. Siobhan is working with our Grade 5/6 children.
Mother’s Day Breakfast/Gift
Parent Club and Mrs Leed were acknowledged for their support of our Mother's Day gifts.
School Review
We have been making good progress on our School Review documentation, with our deadline for completion being no later than June 24. A parent survey will be released soon. Student focus groups will also take place next week.
Prospective Prep Parent Information Evening
Last Wednesday night's information evening provided parents of children beginning school in 2025 with an understanding of Spring Gully Primary School and all that we have to offer. We included information about how families can become part of our school community and how they can be involved in their child’s education. It was also an opportunity to meet current Prep teachers and Mr Parkes.
For those families that were not able to attend, they will find a copy of the presentation on our website soon.
2025 Prep Dates
The dates and activities below relate to our 2025 Prep intake. Prospective Prep families are encouraged to partake in these activities.
For an individual appointment, please contact the office and make a booking.
Information Evening for 2025 Confirmed Prep Families
Tuesday, 12th November – 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Orientation Program Dates for 2025 Confirmed Preps
Tuesday, 19th November – 9:00am-10:00am
Tuesday, 26th November – 9:00am-10:00am
Tuesday, 3rd December – 9:00am-10:00am
Tuesday, 10th December – 9:00am-11:30am