Sharing Our Learning Journey

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Tom Caine, Principal of Port Melbourne Primary School, to our school. His visit was an opportunity to explore the progress we’ve made since introducing evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning. We visited various classrooms across the school. A key focus of our discussion was centred around the implementation of explicit teaching routines and strategies implemented to enhance student engagement.

Central to this approach are engagement norms—the shared expectations and behaviours that foster active participation and deep learning in the classroom. These norms help create a positive and dynamic learning environment where every student feels empowered to contribute and succeed.

Our whole school shared routines associated with entering, transitioning and exiting the classrooms were also on show. The feedback was extremely positive:

“….I really valued being able to see the great work you’ve done there. I was really impressed with the level of order, rigour and consistency across your school. Classroom setup, engagement norms and opportunities to respond were consistent and high quality – this doesn’t come easily and you should be really proud of what you and your teachers have achieved. It was great for me to see a school that is slightly ahead of us on this journey.”

I can't thank the leadership team enough for driving this work and our learning specialists, for coaching and modelling to our teachers. I would also like to acknowledge the continual efforts of our teachers and support staff, to learn and embrace the science of learning. Change is both challenging and exciting.

Hats off to them all for their dedication!

We know our kids are worth it!

Raising Classroom Concerns – A Respectful Approach

We are committed to creating a supportive and respectful environment for all students. We understand that, at times, concerns may arise regarding your child’s experiences at school. To ensure these matters are addressed effectively, we follow a structured approach.

If you have a concern about your child’s classroom experience, we ask that you first speak with their class teacher. Our teachers are dedicated professionals who will listen, respond, and work with you to find a resolution.

If further support is required, the matter can then be escalated to the school's Welfare and Well-being Officer (Liz Harley) or our Assistant Principal (Amanda Miller) , who oversee areas such as student behaviour, misbehaviour, and discipline. These staff members are well-equipped to provide guidance and implement appropriate support strategies.

In extreme circumstances, concerns may be referred to the Principal. However, our goal is always to address issues at the most appropriate level, ensuring timely and effective resolutions.

We also want to emphasise the importance of respecting school protocols. At no stage should concerns be discussed with another parent regarding their child, nor should matters be taken up with any child other than your own. These guidelines are in place to maintain the safety, privacy, and well-being of all students and families within our school community.

We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures and working together to create a positive learning environment for every student.

Holi Celebration

Many families in our wonderful CPS community celebrated Holi. The two-day festival commenced on Friday March 14th and continued on Saturday March 15th. The Hindu festival is often referred to as the festival of colours, thanks to the vibrant traditions of throwing coloured powders and water balloons. On behalf of our community, we hope everyone celebrated a very happy Holi.

May this Holi bring you happiness and days filled with prosperity and joy.

Mandatory Reporting – Our Duty to Protect Children

At our school, keeping children safe is our top priority. This includes following the law when it comes to mandatory reporting.

If a child shares a story with a staff member that raises concerns, we are legally required to report it to Child Protection (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing – DFFH). Whether we believe it is true or not doesn’t matter. If there is any concern for the child’s safety, a report must be made.

Why Parents Aren’t Notified?

Sometimes, parents assume the school made a report and ask, “Why didn’t you tell me?” The simple answer, “We are not required or encouraged to do so.”

I am not always aware a report has been made as staff are not required to inform me. Any school staff member can make a report and it is confidential, unless discussed with me prior to making.

If Child Protection or Police decide to investigate further, they may come to the school and interview the child.

What Happens Next?

Many reports turn out to be minor concerns that are quickly resolved. Others require more support to ensure the child’s safety.

As a school, we will always act in the best interests of the child, because keeping them safe is our priority.

With thanks,

Karen Roberts

Principal

I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of

the lands on which this is being read and pay my respects to elders past present and emerging. I wish to acknowledge our First Nations people and pay respects to them. I note further that these lands were never ceded and are, and always will be, Aboriginal Lands.

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