Welcome to the Week 4 Newsletter and almost the halfway point of Term 4! I cannot believe where this year has gone! It feels like only a few weeks ago I started at Marion PS and now we are gearing up for the back half of Term 4 and all of the exciting things that happen at the end of the year.

Learning news... Fluency Reading Observations

Recently, we completed a comprehensive round of teacher observations focused on reading fluency across all classrooms. This initiative reflects our dedication to providing the best possible learning experiences for our students. Our incredible teaching staff have been working extremely hard and are applying their expertise and passion to foster strong literacy skills in our students.

The insights gained from these observations will guide us in refining our teaching methods and tailoring support to meet the needs of all students. It's heartening to witness the collaborative efforts of our educators to ensure that every child at Marion Primary School receives a well-rounded and enriching education, particularly in the work we have been currently focusing on in reading.

I want to express my gratitude to our amazing teachers for their hard work and commitment to continuous improvement. Together, we are creating an environment where students not only learn but also thrive. As always, your support is instrumental in our collective success. Thank you for being a vital part of the Marion Primary School community. This is an exciting space that we are moving into in 2024!

Next year we look forward to welcoming parents to participate in this work with us through a Literacy Open Morning. More information to come, stay tuned...

A note on Materials and Services Fees for 2024

I would like to provide you with additional information to support the materials and services charges poll that our school Governing Council emailed to you about on 7th November 2023.

In conducting the poll, the Governing Council is seeking your support for our school’s 2024 materials and services charge of $320.00 to be compulsory, and therefore recoverable. This means if the charge is not paid, we can legally recover the debt from families. Please also note that the poll closes on the 22nd November, 2023.

Our school has determined that a materials and services charge of $320.00 will allow us to offer the resources, technology and programs that will support students in accessing learning at Marion Primary School.

It was announced in June that the current Malinauskas Labour government has also extended its $100 discount on the materials and services charge for each child at public schools – delivering cost of living relief for a third year. This rebate will automatically be allocated against your M&S Fees invoice, that will be issued at the beginning of Term 1, 2024.

I thank you for your ongoing support of our school, where student learning is at the forefront of everything we do.

Other information and reminders...

In Week 5, we have a special Choir Assembly and we will be starting 15 minutes earlier at 2:15pm. We look forward to seeing many of you there and hearing our beautiful choir singers perform for us.

There will also be no canteen on Thursday 16th November, 2023 - back open on Friday.

Please also make sure you check the 'Upcoming events and dates' page in the newsletter which has all of the important dates for the coming weeks regarding school events and happenings.

I hope all families have a wonderful weekend and see you all in Week 5.

Guy Walmsley

Principal

Music at Marion