Assistant Principal's Report

The school is abuzz with all the excitement that preparing for a school concert brings! I would like to acknowledge the staff and students who have come together to ensure that the school concert will be a memorable event and one that students (and staff) will forever hold as a fond memory. A special thanks to Steph Sim who is working behind the scenes to make the necessary arrangements and organisation to ensure that the students are ready for the night. A special mention also to our talented STEM teacher, Michaela Patel, who is spending recess and lunchtimes to prepare the school choir and Nick Riley who is preparing and supporting the orchestra and working on the concert music. But this cannot happen without the collaboration, support and work of the entire staff who are working with their grades and cohorts to provide opportunities for rehearsals and to ensure that all is ready for the big night! Yet again I am impressed with the professional culture of our amazing school!

A special thanks to the students who entered the concert cover art competition. I know that the judges had a very difficult decision to make as all entries were of a very high standard. Well done to the winners, Janice 5A and Surah 2B. This year’s concert program will look amazing!

Although I was unable to attend the Year 6 PYP Exhibition due to my internship commitments, the reports that I have heard from the staff and students was that it was an amazing night that showcased the skills, learning and creativity of our Year 6 students. Again, I would like to thank the Year 6 team and the entire staff as yet again, this was a team effort and a huge success. All staff were given the role of mentor and worked with Year 6 students to assist with their preparation for the exhibition.

REMINDER: Unlocking Potential: Principal Preparation (UP)

Some of you may be aware that I have been completing a course, Unlocking Potential: Principal Preparation (UP) to develop my professional knowledge, capabilities and confidence to lead for learning in ways that significantly impact on students and outcomes, collective efficacy, and schoolwide improvement. As part of the course, I will be completing an internship and working closely with another principal at their school. I will be offsite completing my internship till Friday 6th September. Please contact Rohan and/or the school office for any support or questions that you may have during my absence.

Reminder: Child Safety and Wellbeing at Caulfield South Primary School: Information for Families and the School Community

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Caulfield South Primary School has reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices. 

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please join me and attend the feedback session, details below:

Date: Friday 6th September

Time: 9.05am

Location: School Hall

Please secure your opportunity to attend by booking with Compass Tix (link here).

If you cannot attend the in-person session, I invite you to send through an email with your feedback to georgia.despotellis@education.vic.gov.au. Your contributions are valued and will support our school to set the best future direction for our school and our students.

REMINDER AND EXTENSION: 2024 Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey (PCGOS)

WE WANT OUR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS/GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK! 

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

All families are invited to participate in the survey.

The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey has been extended until the end of Term 3, Friday 20 September.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. 

The survey results will be communicated to parents/caregivers/guardians through the newsletter.

Please contact the office if you have any questions and/or are having trouble accessing the survey.

Year 4s Open Afternoon: A Showcase of Young Environmental Innovators!

In my absence, I thank Celeste from the Year 4 team for the information below.

Our Year 4 students recently wowed us during their Open Afternoon, which was a culmination of their Unit of Inquiry focused on environmental stewardship and sustainability. Over the past few weeks, these bright minds have delved into key environmental challenges and developed innovative prototypes aimed at addressing them.

During this unit, students explored various aspects of environmental issues and engaged in hands-on projects that brought their ideas to life. Their work was a testament to their creativity and commitment to making a difference. The Open Afternoon provided a platform for these young innovators to present their solutions and share their findings with the community.

It was a truly inspiring event, demonstrating the power of young minds in shaping a greener future. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate their fantastic achievements.

Georgia Despotellis

Assistant Principal