Principal's Message 

Fortnight reflections

The last fortnight may have been shorter in length but large in terms of fun, excitement, and events.

In the past few weeks, I have conducted Attitudes to School Surveys with our Gr 4,5 and 6 students to gauge how they view our school, feel at school, and how they feel about their general wellbeing. As a staffing group, we will use this data to hold a data dive with students next term and action measures to keep improving our school as best we can for our students. 

We also had a wonderful guest author visit during MARC with Di Hickleton, author of the Butleigh Farm series, popping in to talk to each class about her books and journey from local teacher to author. Di commented that the questions from the Ceres students were the most insightful and interesting than she had heard about her books. 

Last week we had two massive events with our Big Freeze afternoon and our inaugural Whole School Athletics Carnival. 

Both were incredible and a lot of fun for all involved. We hope each event put a smile on some faces and were enjoyed by all. I know the big kids who dressed up and jumped into the icy container for Big Freeze had an absolute ball doing it. It was so great to see all the Kanyul and Lok Lok representatives try their hardest for their house at the aths also. House pride at its best! Congratulations to

 Kanyul for being the inaugural winning house for this event. 

Thanks to Mr. James for coordinating the Big Freeze fundraiser and afternoon and to Mr. Murrell and Mrs. Sanders for coordinating our Aths Carnival. An awful lot of preparation went into both events, and we truly appreciate your efforts.

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 Reports are due next Thursday, 27th June, via Compass for parents. 

Thank you to the teaching staff for all of the great work and care that has been put into these reports.

As communicated a couple of weeks ago, there has been a change of approach to what we perceive as excellent etc for our Values reporting.  If you have you have any questions regarding this or other matters on your child's report, please note down your queries and bring them along to ‘Parent-Teacher Interviews’ in week 2 of Term 3 (see reminder below).

**REMINDER**

Parent/Teacher Interviews- Week 2, Term 3

Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 2 of term 3 on Wednesday, July 24th. 

School on this day will conclude at 1 pm with interview times available from then. Bookings are open now via Compass. Big thank you to the 73% of households that have done so already. 

Kelly Club will begin earlier on this day also, please book via their website.  

Yard updates

Another fortnight and another couple of updates in our yard. The screen around our septic area has been completed and looks fantastic. Now for some nice planting in front of it.

We also now have a wonderful brain break/ mindfulness path where the old checkerboard area was. This has added a pop of colour and will be a welcome additional option for each class to use.

During the holidays we have a wide range of trades completing some work so if you are heading down to school for a morning or afternoon play, please be mindful of cars and equipment. We have work planned for both weeks of the break. This includes the hedge getting a much needed trim, and some electrical and carpentry work to name a few of the tasks. Keep an eye out for the Fairy Garden when you return also. 

Our mission to make Ceres PS look its absolute best before the 150th next year is in full swing. 

Revised BYOD iPad Policy from 2025 onwards

Please see my Compass from Wednesday regarding the changes to our iPad BYOD being phased in from next year.  For prospective parents and those looking to enroll a sibling next year, these changes are significant. We have added a BYOD page on our website also, under the 'Parent' tab, explaining our BYOD program further. 

Next week is the last week of term, therefore this is the last newsletter for Semester 1. 

Being close to the end of term, I would like to say a big thank you to all of our wonderful staff for all that they do for our students.  We have an incredible crew here at Ceres who all go above and beyond to make your child's time at school the most positive and engaging it can be.   Thank you also to you, our parents, for all that you do to get your children to school and for the support you offer us.  I know for some of you just getting the children to school is a major feat.  It doesn't go unnoticed and we are always here to support in some way. 

Have a wonderful, relaxing, and safe winter holiday break, everyone. 

Enjoy the connection time with your families and we will see you back in Term 3 for another exciting term. 

Please note: Term 2 concludes at 2pm on Friday, 28th June

Reminder: Our student led Assembly is on today at 2:30 pm.

Our assembly is an important part of our school. It is an opportunity to proactively reinforce our school culture and expectations through the acknowledgement and celebration of our students and school. 

Have a great fortnight.

Tim Callaghan

Acting Principal