Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Families,

It has been another big fortnight at Ballarat North, yet it is hard to believe we are about to hit the mid-point of Term One. We’ve had the Year 1-4 Swimming Program start, Foundation Picnic and Reading Night, Meet and Greet Meetings and a HUGE announcement of funding for new toilets at last week’s assembly by Juliana Addison!

Connected Culture and Classroom Routines

I thought this would also be a good time to briefly outline what some of the key focuses have been for our school to start the year. Our teachers have spent a lot of time establishing calm and connected classroom cultures through clear and shared expectations and predictable routines. We know that consistent routines reduce uncertainty, support transitions and create a predictable learning environment for all learners, and we are already seeing the benefits of this in both the classroom and yard.

Staffing News

I would like to announce, with a little sadness but great excitement, that our fabulous Business Manager, Fiona Jenkins will be leaving us for a role within the Department of Education. This will be a wonderful opportunity for Fiona, and we wish her every success with this new promotion. Understandably, this leaves a huge hole for our school, but I am very pleased to announce that following a recruitment process our new Business Manager, Jennifer Wood, will start with us on the 10th of March. This will also be Fiona’s last day. Jennifer comes to us from Ballarat High School where she has worked for twelve years and brings a wealth of finance and HR experience. I’m sure you’ll all make her feel welcome into our community.

Lastly, I would like to share with you an article from Dr Rangan Chattergee – a well-known doctor from the UK – where he shares some insights and advice around children and screen time and its effects on the human body and developing brains. It is well worth a read, if you can take the time to do so.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Senior Athletics carnival next Tuesday 24th February!

Until then, take care.

David Garner

Principal