Final Leadership Report for 2023
2023 Highlights, Acknowledgments, Farewells & Welcomes
Here we are now at the end of the 2023 school year. 2023 has been a particularly busy year, full of highlights and child-centred experiences. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Graeme and Jess, for the level of support provided to Luke during terms two & three, and myself in term four. Not only did they provide invaluable insight and support as members of our Leadership Team, but they also remained dedicated to their regular roles leading literacy and numeracy across the school.
I am happy to report that Luke is now in England, enjoying the last leg of his fact-finding mission in Spain and around Europe. He will be landing back in Melbourne the night before our Book Pack Day. Keep an eye out for the tall man in high-vis operating the Eftpos machine!
Book Pack Information
In the recent newsletter, the term 'mandatory payment' was incorrectly used to describe the book pack payment. It should have been referred to as a ‘parent contribution’. We would like our community to appreciate and understand that school funding is finite and every dollar we receive from government sources goes to support your child’s education. Parent contributions empower us to allocate these funds for extra items, including student stationery, and to support additional resources that enhance our curriculum and learning opportunities.
Building Works
The construction is now finished. Despite unfavorable weather conditions for landscapers this term, all trees and plants will be in place for 2024. A reminder to parents that the buildings will be open for a walkthrough on Book Pack Day on the 25th of January 2024.
Curriculum at Newlands
This year, our teachers have delivered a diverse and engaging curriculum to all students. As a unified school team, they have crafted opportunities for success in literacy, mathematics, the Arts, Sports, and exploration of learning, while also showcasing these achievements to parents. Once again, we express our gratitude to our teachers for their unwavering professionalism on behalf of the school community.
A heartfelt appreciation is owed to Margaret, the Specialist Team, and all our dedicated staff and parent volunteers who did an exceptional job, even under challenging conditions, to present our students' visual arts at the Art show. Margaret has created a fantastic opportunity for children to showcase their talents within the community.
Spanish Cultural Celebrations
Our Cultural Week celebrations have significantly enhanced our students' global awareness, providing a valuable opportunity for them to develop into more informed and culturally aware global citizens. These term-by-term celebrations not only contribute to their understanding of Spanish culture but also foster a sense of appreciation for diverse perspectives and traditions. By actively participating in these celebrations, our students gain a richer understanding of the world around them, contributing to their personal growth and global perspective.
School Camps & Sleepovers
School camps and sleepovers stand as integral experiences that not only bring joy to our students but also help our students and staff create long lasting memories. These activities, however, come to fruition through the dedicated volunteer time of our staff. It is essential to acknowledge that, although teachers receive some monetary recognition, it falls short of capturing the considerable time spent away from their own families and homes. As we express our gratitude to our staff for their efforts in making 2023 memorable, we are happy to announce the continuation of these activities into 2024. Recognizing the commitment of our staff, we have planned modifications to ensure these events align with the school's budget and appropriately compensate for the valuable time and dedication contributed by our exceptional team. Through this ongoing commitment, we aim to provide students with enriching experiences while ensuring our staff's efforts are duly acknowledged and rewarded.
Newlands Staff
Many moving parts make up a school and the way that students are supported in their learning. At Newlands, we are lucky to have a team of staff dedicated to supporting and celebrating one another.
Every one of our Teaching and Education Support staff has worked tirelessly to make the classroom and the programs engaging for all students. This includes our administrative staff and the OSHC staff. Our administration staff are grateful for all of the ongoing support, positive interactions, and opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with our students and families.
Our OSHC Coordinator Jillian and the OSHC team have put in a stellar year to support our families in 2024. I would like to make special mention of Jillian’s efforts to oversee the new holiday program that was implemented at the end of term two. Her efforts to maintain the program while working with staff shortages have again this year been extraordinary.
PFA Fundraising
Fundraising has been a remarkable achievement at Newlands Primary School this year, thanks to the diligent efforts of our PFA. Their hard work has contributed additional funds to support the enhancement of our arts programs, general classroom initiatives, and special events. This dedicated group of parents generously sacrifices their weekends and after-school hours to make a positive impact on our school community, and for that, we extend our sincere gratitude. The benefits of their tireless work have touched us all, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth of the team, building upon the success of our recent fete.
Gardening / Building & Grounds Group
This year has seen our Buildings and Ground team have limited opportunities to be developed due to the existing building works and uncertainty about the remainder of the grounds. I would like to thank our two wonderful gardeners Maree & Max who work at the school every Thursday. They have transformed the garden area outside the 2/3 area over the year. Next year, our fantastic team of parents who have been itching to get into the grounds will have their opportunity in 2024.
School Council
This is yet another group of parents and teachers who give their time volunteering and supporting Newlands Primary School in pursuing opportunities to make our school a better place; again, thank you. Adam has been enormously supportive of the school and has been a very dedicated school council president and sausage sizzle commander. To Chloe, Craig & Scott who complete their tour of duty, thank you for your efforts and for volunteering your time to attend meetings outside of the school council meetings.
Farewells
Leah
After being with as an integral part of Newlands for many years as a supportive integration aide for Louis, has successfully secured a teaching position at another government school for 2024. We congratulate her on this achievement.
Kaya
Also a dedicated integration aide for Louis and other students, Kaya completes her journey this year as a fully qualified teacher. We applaud her successes and wish her well in 2024. We are looking forward to seeing her as a CRT until her travels later in the year. Joel
Joel has been an integral part of our Specialist Team for the past 12 months. Joel has secured a position at another school for 2024. We express our gratitude for his contributions and musical knowledge in 2023 and wish him the best for the future.
Jon
Jon came to us at short notice to backfill a vacant Spanish position in the F/1area. We thank him for supporting Newlands and wish him well on his travels around Australia in 2024.
Mitch
Mitch will be leaving to further his teaching studies. He has played a crucial role in running the cherished library program at short notice. Thanks to Mitch, and we anticipate seeing him as a fully qualified teacher in the government system.
Welcomes
A hearty welcome to our newest team members!
Paula has become an integral part of our F/1 area, and we are delighted to have Kate on board with the Newlands teaching team for 2023.
We express gratitude to Christine, one of our parents and invaluable CRTs.
Christine's prompt assistance has been invaluable, providing an additional Spanish teacher for the Year 1/2 area.
In anticipation of 2024, we welcome Felipe, bringing expertise as our Spanish-speaking Performing Arts teacher, having successfully implemented a program in another school.
Looking Ahead to 2024:
To families not returning in 2024 including Year six students, we wish you a fantastic 2024 filled with fond memories. Our best wishes and thanks go out to the entire Newlands community for their remarkable contributions.
The most significant undertaking for 2024 is navigating the integration within our new buildings. We anticipate an exciting venture, though not without its challenges. The completion of the Gym in term three is on the horizon, followed by a review of upgrades or modifications to the remaining school buildings. Plans also include the construction of playground equipment and additional landscaping around the current grounds. The upcoming year promises a chance for our performing arts talents to shine once again at the Darebin Arts Centre.
Holiday Wishes and Exciting Prospects:
On behalf of all Newlands Staff, we wish you a joyful festive season and a safe, restful holiday. We eagerly anticipate returning in 2024 for another thrilling year of fostering student learning and growth in the new Newlands Primary School.