Dear School Community Members,

Digital Learning – “just 5 more minutes”:

Following on from the information presented recently regarding managing technology time at home, we have more and more families seeking the assistance in managing technology, screen time and setting up a cyber-safe environment for their children. It is vital that families have in place ‘screen time agreements’ with their child/ren to minimise the “just 5 more minutes” syndrome.

It is also essential families are familiar with some of the functions that are available to make the ‘net’ safer for their children. Below is some of these functions families may consider, as well an example of a ‘Screen Time’ agreement. Other examples are available from searching the web, but remember to engage your child/ren in the setting up of these agreements. We are in the process of scheduling a Parent Information session focussed on ‘Managing Technology at Home’ – stay tuned for further details.

Teacher Collaborative Planning:

Our 2024 School Improvement Plan is guided by our strategic intent that every student has access to high quality instruction and wellbeing supports with minimal variation between classrooms. To achieve this, staff work tirelessly within our professional learning sessions to further develop our collective capacity and individual practices. As part of this, each teaching team has two hours of uninterrupted planning time together. These weekly planning sessions allow teachers to plan collaboratively. Educational research reinforces the strong benefits for students when teachers plan their lessons in a rich collaborative environment. This includes teachers sharing ideas and strategies, teachers exposed to new practices by their colleagues, and teachers being accountable to their team. Students will engage in their specialist curriculum areas of Visual Art, Performing Arts, PE and STEM whilst their classroom teacher participates in their weekly collaborative planning session. I am confident this planning approach maximises each student having access to high quality instruction and wellbeing supports with minimal variation between classrooms.

Student Learning – Library:

The Library program in Term 1 has made a productive start, with all classes excited to borrow and enjoy the variety of books on display. In their weekly Library session, the program has reinforced the importance of being organised in the borrowing process, caring for our books and being ready to learn. Student can also visit the library at lunch time on a Monday to enjoy the calm environment and read.

Teacher Professional Learning – First Aide:

Our staff completed their First Aide and Anaphylaxis training this week as part of our professional learning and commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community.

Nude Food:

It is wonderful to see so many lunch boxes at school full of healthy food with little to no wrappers. This, combined with our consistent classroom message on litter, is helping to keep our school as litter free as possible. Thank you for your support of the Nude Food program.

Term 1 Social Service Event:

Our Junior School Council have planned the Term 1 Social Service activity!

When: Thursday 28th March (last day of Term 1)

Theme: Dress in Pink (or casual) – Gold Coin Donation

Charity: McGrath Foundation (Breast Cancer support)

Further details have been provided via Seesaw.

Save the Date - 2024 Concert:

I am thrilled to announce the date for our 2024 Concert!

Date: Monday, 12th August

Venue: Costa Hall, Deakin Waterfront

More details will be available as we get closer.

School Uniform:

A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of themselves as an integral part of our school community and assists in developing pride in representing their school. Issues of equality, health, safety and expense are also factors that contribute to the establishment of a Uniform Dress Code. Recently we have noticed some students not in the school uniform. Below are some reminders to both students and families:

Appropriate school shoes or runners should be worn,
For safety, stud earrings and watches are the only jewellery to be worn,
Long hair should be tide back for health and safety reasons.

Thank you for your support with this.

Thank you for supporting our school and have a great week.

Christian Smith

Year 7 2025