Principal's Message
Year 5/6 Camp to Karoonda Park: A Resounding Success!
We are thrilled to report that our recent Year 5/6 camp to Karoonda Park on the Snowy River was an absolute success! From the moment we arrived, the students were buzzing with excitement and anticipation, and the camp did not disappoint.
Over the course of five action-packed days, our students participated in a range of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and bond them as a group. From hiking and abseiling to team-building games and horse riding, every moment was filled with laughter, learning, and adventure.
One of the highlights of the camp was the opportunity for students to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. Karoonda Park's stunning natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for our students to learn about the importance of conservation, sustainability, and responsible land management.
The camp also provided a unique opportunity for our students to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Through activities like the "Challenge Course" and "White-water rafting," students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, support one another, and work together to achieve common goals.
We were impressed by the students' enthusiasm, resilience, and sense of adventure throughout the camp. They demonstrated exceptional behaviour, respect for one another, and a willingness to try new things – all of which are essential qualities for success in life. Great work team!
If you haven't already check out some of the great photos of our Year 5/6 students on camp on our Facebook page.
Improving School Attendance: A Key Focus for 2025
As we continue to strive for excellence in education, our school is placing a strong emphasis on further improving student attendance in 2025. At our weekly Wellbeing team meetings, we are closely examining patterns in our students' attendance data to identify areas of strength and weakness. This data-driven approach enables us to recognize students who are making significant improvements in their attendance, as well as those who may require additional support to strengthen their connection to school.
The graphic below illustrates our school's attendance data up to March 11th, compared to the same period in 2024. This data provides valuable insights into our students' attendance trends and helps us to target our support efforts effectively.
To bring attention to the importance of attendance and initiate a conversation with our students and families, we are launching two exciting initiatives. Firstly, we will be handing out monthly certificates to students who have demonstrated improved attendance during that period compared to the month prior. These certificates will be presented by classroom teachers on Friday afternoon, recognizing and celebrating the efforts of our students and families who are making a positive impact on their attendance.
Additionally, this term we will introduce Attendance Milestone badges, which will be awarded to students as they reach significant attendance milestones: 45, 90, 135, and finally 185 days at school. These badges serve as a visual reminder of the importance of regular attendance and provide a sense of achievement and motivation for our students. These too will be handed out to students on Friday afternoons, as the milestone is reached.
Our focus on attendance is designed to communicate to families the vital role that regular school attendance plays in a student's educational journey. By working together, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible education and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life.
We believe that every day counts, and we are committed to supporting our students and families in achieving excellent attendance. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or our Wellbeing team.
Let's work together to make 2025 a year of improved attendance and academic success for all our students!
Important Update: IEPs and SSGs for 2025
As we approach the end of Term One, our school is preparing to update Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and conduct Student Support Group (SSG) meetings for students who require additional support. This process is an essential part of our commitment to providing personalised learning experiences for all students.
Who will receive an IEP?
IEPs will be created for students who meet specific criteria, including:
Students with a Disability Inclusion Profile
Students in Out of Home Care
Koorie students
Students who have been flagged as receiving possible extra support or funding in the future
Students who are working significantly below or above their expected level in Reading, Writing, or Number
What is an IEP?
An IEP is a document that outlines a student's learning goals, strategies, and support needs. It is created in collaboration with teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed.
What is an SSG meeting?
An SSG meeting is a formal meeting between teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss a student's progress, goals, and support needs. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents to contribute to their child's education and for teachers to share information about their child's progress.
When will IEPs and SSG meetings take place?
IEPs will be updated and SSG meetings will be conducted towards the end of Term 1, approximately in the second last week of term. Teachers will reflect on the goals set by the previous teacher, create new goals if necessary, and update the IEP document. Parents will be invited to attend an SSG meeting or receive an email/phone call to discuss their child's IEP.
What can parents expect?
Parents can expect to receive an updated IEP document outlining their child's learning goals, strategies, and support needs. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to their child's education by attending an SSG meeting or providing feedback via email or phone call.
How can parents get involved?
We encourage parents to get involved in their child's education by:
Attending SSG meetings
Providing feedback on their child's IEP
Asking questions about their child's progress and support needs
Working with teachers to develop strategies to support their child's learning
If you have any questions or concerns about the IEP process or SSG meetings, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or Candice Nyman (Disability Inclusion Leader). We are committed to working with parents to provide the best possible education for all students.
Annual General Meeting - Save the Date!
Dear School Community,
We are excited to announce that our School Council's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is just around the corner! This year's AGM will take place on Monday, 17th March at 7:00pm.
The purpose of the AGM is two-fold. Firstly, we will be presenting our Annual Report to the school community, highlighting the achievements and progress made by the school council over the past year. This is a great opportunity for parents, teachers, and students to gain insight into the council's activities and initiatives.
Secondly, the AGM will also serve as a platform for the election of office bearers for the 2025 school council. This is a crucial process that ensures the continued success and effectiveness of our school council.
We invite all parents, teachers, and students to attend the AGM and participate in this important event. Your input and involvement are invaluable to us, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Date: Monday, 17th March
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Learning Centre @ Launching Place PS
We hope to see you at the AGM! If you have any questions or would like to nominate for a position on the school council, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Virtual Tour
See you around our place,
Laura Caddy
Principal