Leadership

Closing out the Term

Yes, here we are again, coming to the end of another term. Our gym is finished and ready to use next term. As mentioned in the last newsletter, some elements still need to be finished or installed in and around our new buildings.

As the school principal and approaching retirement, I'm very pleased to finish at Newlands, knowing our school community can enjoy these marvelous experiences as their local primary school. 

Acting Principal

I want to congratulate Luke, who was the successful applicant for this position. His appointment was through the Region and officially approved by the Regional Director. Luke will be the acting principal until the position is advertised later this year. I wish him well as he leads the school next term. I know I speak for all the staff and community, in saying he will do a marvelous job. I wish you all the best, Luke.

Spanish Leader

We have finalised the appointment of the Spanish Leading Teacher. Luisa Plata Herron has been appointed to this position. Luisa has been leading the whole school Spanish Bilingual for several years until this official appointment. 

Luisa will provide staff and the school with relevant knowledge, skills, and experience to fulfil the position. She is well respected by her peers, and her leadership style is thoughtful, respectful, and compassionate, especially for teachers from overseas with no or very limited experience teaching with the Victorian Curriculum. Because of her personal background as a native speaker, she brings a wealth of knowledge to this position, which is evident in the planning and organisation of term celebrations across the school. 

Unapproved distribution of material on school grounds

This week, it has been brought to my attention that a flyer with a QR code for a survey has been distributed amongst the community. I want to advise the school community that this material does not have the approval of school leadership or the school council. I have seen the flyer and can assure parents a number of points that were made fall within the jurisdiction of the school leadership as operational. As a leadership team, we always consider all options when developing our yearly structures.

Toilets at school....

The vandalism continued this week and, as previously mentioned, continues to take Sab, our wonderful maintenance person, away from his core business.  We continue to encourage students to come forward if they are involved or know anything about the vandalism. We are also asking families to relay the message about what showing care, and responsibility means at Newlands and to speak up if they see something that does not align with our school values. Any student found damaging school property will be charged with a bill and appropriate consequences. 

Building Update

Please note that the fence between the car park and gym is only temporary until more structure is installed for term three.

Reminder: the car park is for staff only during school hours- 8.00 am till 4.45 pm. Access to the car park will be closed via a chain at the entrance to the car park.

Parent Teacher Interviews

This is a reminder that our term Parent-Teacher Interviews begin tomorrow. You need to book your interview time on SENTRAL. If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to contact the office at 9354 2928. 

Cultural Week Celebrations/Final Assembly

At 12:30, On the last day of term, we will invite families to visit the classrooms to see all of the work our students have completed during Culture Week.  Our last assembly for the term will be a celebration of Ross Dudgeon’s dedication to Newlands Primary School over the last 15 years and also his dedication to the Department of Education over the last 40-odd years. This extra special assembly will begin at 1:30 in our brand-new gymnasium. We look forward to celebrating and sending off Ross, who has made Newlands what it is today. 

School Uniforms

There seems to be discussions in the playground in regards to school uniforms.  Here is the information that is clearly stated on our website:

We encourage all families to contact their child's teacher or school leadership if they are unsure or need some further information about anything. The school can provide you with the exact information or seek out the information you need.