Principal's News

Dear Families,

Welcome to the new term and a very chilly and wet week!  

This is an extra newsletter this week to start the term.  Newsletters will be in even weeks and Assemblies in odd weeks.  There will be less interruptions to our Assembly schedule this term.

Staffing News.

In week 3 Rachel Timperley will be taking a week of Long Service Leave and will be replaced by Marni Rule.  The children know Marni and their regular program will continue.

At the conclusion of last term, Briony Clarke, our Learning and Teaching leader, formally requested a leave of absence commencing at the end of Term 3 this year and continuing throughout the 2025 school year. Briony's absence will be keenly felt as she has diligently supported our teachers in their efforts to ensure every child reaches their full potential. Her position will be advertised at the end of this week, with the aim of appointing a new staff member in time for a comprehensive handover before the term's end, thereby facilitating a seamless transition for our community by the start of Term 4.

Our new mural

The mural spanning the rear of the Mercy Centre is now complete and has turned out splendidly! Credit goes to our SRC for initiating this project, and special thanks to Rachel Timperley for collaborating with Indigenous Artist and proud Taungurung woman Aimee McCartney. The mural beautifully incorporates children's ideas, with hands symbolizing our entire community, particularly the children. Our motto, "TRUTH, LOVE, SERVICE," takes center stage, alongside a welcoming message to Taungurung Country in the native indigenous language. Depictions of Seven's Creek, Balmattun Hill, and the surrounding Euroa hills, adorned with various indigenous signs and symbols, also grace the mural. Further insights into its significance will be shared in our upcoming Classroom Communication, but suffice it to say, we are thrilled with the outcome.

The school will undergo Review in Week 4 of this term.  The Review uses the School Improvement Tool model by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research).  The tool identifies practices of highly effective schools.  It is a thorough process where all in the community have an opportunity to contribute.  The Reviewers, there will be 3 of them, speak with the Leadership Team, with Teachers, Learning Support Officers, Bek, students and parents.  At the end of the Review we will be presented with commendations, affirmations and recommendations as we continue our work toward being a highly effective school.

I have my Principal Appraisal in August.  Thank you to those who have taken the time to complete the survey emailed at the end of last term.  I would be most grateful if you were able to find some time to complete the survey if you haven't already.

As mentioned earlier this is a shorter newsletter this week.  It will return to normal next week and then each alternate week after that.  Year 5-6F will be presenting Assembly this Friday at 2:45, you are very welcome to join us.

It is going to be another busy term with lots happening.  

Until next week

Therese