Principal's News

Good morning Families,

Congratulations to our netballers who competed at Keilor on Friday at the School Championship Netball. They are to be commended, not only for their skill and talent, but also for their team spirit and the positive manner in which they represented HR. Huge thanks to Pilar for her work as coach, to April for umpiring, and and to all those who supported our team. They came 4th overall.

Staff Professional Learning – Spelling:  Friday 15 August Student Free Day

We are excited to share that our staff will be engaging in professional development focused on the teaching of spelling.  We are privileged to be working with Marian Nicolazzo, a highly regarded expert in spelling and literacy education. Marian brings a wealth of experience and insight to this work.  She has contributed extensively to research and practice in literacy and is currently working with the NSW Department of Education and PETAA (Primary English Teaching Association Australia), supporting schools and educators to deliver evidence-based, effective spelling instruction.

This professional learning opportunity will strengthen our whole-school approach to spelling and ensure we are using the most current and effective strategies. We look forward to applying this learning to directly benefit our children, helping them become more confident, capable, and curious.

We can’t wait to share our learning journey with you and your children in the coming months. Please be reminded that this is a Student Free Day. OSHC will be open but you must book promptly. Kelly and Monica look forward to caring for your children on this day. 

Building and Maintenance Update

I have been working with Tom from MACS and a variety of contractors on the roof and drainage project which now has a target start date of February. You may have observed propping in the original building. This beam will also be rectified at this time. 

Vision for Engagement

MACS Vision for Engagement highlights the critical link between attendance and academic achievement, and also a child’s ability to form positive relationships with teachers and peers. Since COVID student attendance has decreased significantly across the country. This trend requires our attention. Taking time off school, except when ill, compromises your child’s education. This includes days off, late arrivals and early departures. Please be mindful of this, and where possible make appointments outside school hours. 

To maximise learning for all, we will be focussing on the importance of arriving at the ‘just right time;’  after 8:30am, but before 8:50am. The gate and buildings will be locked once classes have moved from the yard,  meaning late arrivals MUST enter with their parents, via the office to receive a late pass. Parents/guardians must not enter school buildings unless they have the permission of a staff member. Should your child enter late, without a late pass, our rolls will not be accurate and unfortuantely, you may receive a text notifying their absence. 

MACSeye

I met with Luisa, the Area Manager and James the General Manager again last Thursday. I have been consistent and persistent in my demands for improved services for our children and for you. I understand how critical it is to get the service functioning at the level families deserve. Unfortunately, the process has been significantly slower than I anticipated, however, I feel more optimistic in this report. 

Communication: I have stressed the importance of MACSeye communicating with you more fully, especially being more timely in their communications around service, compliance and staffing. I note that my call to MACSeye on Thursday was answered promptly and Neil provided appropriate information and support. I hope this has been your experience, too. 

Compliance: Further visits from compliance officers suggest improved sign in/out processes and more appropriate access to medications. I have worked with OSHC staff so that they may more fully align their processes with our Positive Behaviour for Learning.

Aesthetics: This has been incredibly slow despite my insistence that this is a priority. I have been assured that change will be evident in the coming days. I have shared several ideas with educators on how they can easily create a more inspiring environment.

Food: Although improved, this is still not at the required standard. I have made it clear that afternoon tea must be more than bread, jam and vegemite.  This week’s goal (and ongoing) is to have more nutritious and tasty offerings with the children’s input in menu design. The menu for this week includes nachos, toasties and rice with vegetables. 

Activities: Happily, children have now moved beyond colouring as the primary activity. They report more enjoyment and I have observed increased engagement.

Staffing: This is key to all ways forward. Consistent staff should help to develop relationships, ensure smoother processes, and greater compliance. Having casuals, especially as coordinators, has made all aspects far more challenging. I have requested that we do not have two unfamiliar casuals at the same time. This week: 

Kelly coordinating Mon-Fri morning. Supported by Maria on Mon, and Monica Tues-Fri.

Monica coordinating Tues-Fri afternoon. Supported by Maria (except Tues and Fri TBA)

Riane coordinating Mon afternoon. Supported by Maria

School Holidays: I relayed your dissatisfactionthat MACSeye holiday programs in other schools have operated without excursions and incursions. James advised, that during this holiday period there will be an excursion, some incursions, and a variety of daily activities. Stay tuned!

District Athletics

On Friday 1 August,  a team of talented athletes attended the District Athletics meet; and what a fantastic day it was! We placed second overall in the Small Schools category, a wonderful achievement which reflected the determination of our children.  Congratulations to all competitors for their outstanding efforts. Athletes approached the day with a strong growth mindset and positive attitude. Their perseverance paid off, with several children progressing through to the Division level. We wish them the very best!  A big thank you to Ava, Andrea, Ellouise and Tarquin for supporting our athletes on the day and ensuring the smooth running of events. 

MACSSIS Survey

The annual MACSSIS survey will be available next month. Further details about your Year 4-6 child’s participation is outlined in ‘Administration’.

I’m looking forward to seeing your children's Science Fair projects this week!

Christine