Assistant Principal Update

Hello everyone,

Just 2 weeks until the end of the year. It will be an extremely busy last couple of weeks with several events still to happen; Year 5 excursion today to Scienceworks, the final Year 1/2 swimming, Year 6 Graduation, Year 6 Funfields excursion, and Step-Up Day, just to name a few.

Camp Events

Today Melissa is visiting the Year 6 students at their Marysville camp. The weather has been absolutely spectacular this week and students are thoroughly enjoying being involved in a range of activities that get them exploring the wonderful natural environment.

I was fortunate to attend the Year 5 camp at Portsea last week. And while the weather was less than ideal for a beachside camp, it didn’t stop the students from having a great time and undertaking all the activities.

We had a lovely, although a little windy, beach walk, followed by a return walk via the natural coastline habitat. Lots of the students were impressed by the ‘mansions and tennis courts. The giant swing was a big hit as always.

A big thank you to the teachers and parent volunteers for them time and effort organising and supporting the camp.

2024 Curriculum Planning

Next week teachers will be planning in their 2024 teaching teams. This is an extremely important process, as staff review the 2023 curriculum plans and begin developing the learning units for Term 1. We have made significant progress in our English and Mathematics curriculum teaching programs. In 2023 we have developed our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan which will inform the work of our teachers for 2024. Our teachers have developed a deeper understanding of the Victorian Curriculum, and our planning documentation has become more sophisticated. 

In 2024 our units of leaning will have a greater emphasis on student voice, agency, and authentic engagement. Our second priority is developing lesson plans which allow learning to be differentiated in ways which provide students with multiple entry and extension points.

In 2024 we will continue to build upon our approach in the teaching of science, technology, and humanities.  Our Integrated Inquiry units focus on developing a cross curricular approach that provides students with opportunities to engage in authentic projects that give back to their communities. As students learn we foster the concept of developing global citizens. ​ Students are encouraged to explore their curiosity, and engage in real life experiences, empowering self-directed learning. 

Step-Up Day – Thursday 14 December 

Next week students will take part in their Step-Up Day. It is common for students to feel both excited and slightly nervous at the prospect. This is completely natural – humans are indeed creatures of comfort and routine, and changes to these can cause us stress. But it is also through these challenges that we learn to become resilient allowing us to explore and enjoy wider life experiences. 

As part of the planning time this week, teams dedicate a portion to planning activities for Step- Up Day to ensure students get a positive sense of what their teacher and class will be like in 2024.

A great deal of time goes into the formation of classes with many layers of complexity considered. Teachers’ of 2024 classes will meet with previous teachers during the next week to share student transition information. Some teachers may make calls to families to gather further insight. We do this to ensure we can provide the best support possible. Please reach out if you would like to discuss further.

2023 Semester Two Reports

Reports will be published on Compass on Friday 8 December. We encourage families to discuss the report with their child to develop an understanding of the learning and celebrate the achievements. If you wish to discuss your child’s report with their teacher, you can make an appointment to do so during week 11.

Enjoy your week.

Shane Wilkie

Assistant Principal