A Message from Keir and Emma

“We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the first people to dream, create, wonder, dance, play and learn on this breathtaking land. This land was cared for and respected for tens of thousands of years. The First Nations people lived in companionship with the animals and the life on this land. We acknowledge that this is stolen land and we pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging.” 

Rayma Atkinson (2023 Suzanne Peterson Award Recipient)

Harmonica Incursion 

Today all of our students took part in a Harmonica workshop run by ‘The Harps a Breeze’. The workshop taught students all about the complexities of the blues harmonica. All of our students participated in harmonica-based aural and rhythmic games and were introduced to deep-breathing techniques. All students left the Workshop with their own harmonica that they will be exploring during Performing Arts sessions for the rest of the term. 

Opportunities for communicating with Teachers 

After our student-led conferences a few weeks ago, there are some parents/carers who have shared that they did not feel like they had the opportunity to speak one on one with their child’s class teacher about specific issues or to ask specific questions. We understand that this may be frustrating for some families, and we wanted to remind everyone that teachers can be contacted at any time by sending a message through the Sentral Platform, or by direct email to each teacher’s email address. It is not necessary (or advised) that families hold on to questions or concerns until the next round of student-led conferences. Teachers all have times allocated in their week where they are able to answer messages, take phone calls or schedule meetings, and they are very happy to use these times to communicate with families in order to better understand or work through any challenges or successes parents/carers may want to discuss. 

As we have written before, teacher responses to messages or emails will not be immediate - for most of the day they are actively engaged in teaching your children. Teachers will, however, get back to you as soon as they are able. 

In addition to classroom teachers, we would like to remind everyone that we have a structure of team leaders, learning community leaders and curriculum leaders who are very happy to talk with parents/carers about specific concerns or celebrations. The ‘communication trees’ for each year level are attached here. It's a great idea to print one out and pop it on the fridge so that when you have a specific question, you can immediately direct it to the most appropriate person. 

All of us following this process together means that we will be able to maintain the focus of the student-led conferences being an opportunity for student voice and student directed reflection. The student-led conferences honour a component of various curriculums that we are required to intentionally engage students in. Some of these are the Speaking and Listening element of the English Curriculum and Personal and Social Learning. 

District Cross Country  

Last Thursday over fifty of our Middles and Seniors students competed in the District Cross Country competition, which was held at Harold Reserve in Coburg. For many of these students it was the first time they have competed in such an event, and we are so proud of them for taking part and trying something new. We would like to say a huge thank you to Max for the organisation that went into getting all of the students to the race, as well as Michael, Tara and any parents who went along on the day to offer their support. A handful of students have qualified for the Divisional Cross Country, which is happening in June. We wish them the best of luck for their upcoming race.