Principal's News

Staffing

Further to the staffing announcements in last week’s newsletter, please note the following updates:

Mel Johnson returns to Bayswater Primary School after two years at Old Orchard.
We welcome Sarah Faella from Laburnum Primary School – Sarah will be working in the Year 2 team and is looking forward to meeting her new class on Tuesday during our internal transition session.
Peta Taylor has been appointed to a Music position at Xavier College (Burke Hall). This is exciting for Peta but sad for Old Orchard as we have enjoyed a high quality music program over the past few years.

We will farewell all departing staff in greater depth next week.

Carols

Despite the extremely hot weather, Wednesday’s Carols on the Green was a wonderful event. It was fabulous to see so many families in attendance enjoying the singing and community spirit. In addition to our talented performers (including solos by Ethan Stephenson and Elise Ruan), thanks must be extended to Peta Taylor, all the staff who assisted prior to and during the event and particularly to Fiona Kirby, Jane Burkitt, Jen McCann, Wendy Scott and members of the Kirby family who organised the sausage sizzle and refreshments.

At the close of the evening I briefly mentioned a couple of school families with fabulous Christmas light displays – they are well worth a visit and both families are collecting donations for very worthy causes. If interested, the addresses are:

16 Harcourt St, Blackburn Nth. 18 Zander Avenue, Nunawading.

Helpers’ Morning Tea

Wednesday’s Helpers’ Morning Tea provided an opportunity for staff to acknowledge and recognise the superb contribution made by our dozens of volunteers throughout the year. Most of these are parents but increasingly our students and staff are supported by grandparents, older siblings, community members and others and we could never hope to offer the range and quality of programs that we do without your support.

To all those who have assisted in any way throughout the year, please know that your contribution is greatly valued and appreciated and that you do make a difference in the lives of our students.

Destination schools

It is always interesting to note the breakdown of destination schools for our Year 6 students. In 2018 our students will be attending a total of 22 schools, which is definitely a record for Old Orchard. The approximate percentage breakdown of Government and non-Government schools has remained relatively stable over many years.

Final Week

Next week is the final week of the school year, with a few key events.

Graduation - Monday

Our Year 6 students are very excited about their Graduation Dinner and Presentation next Monday evening. The Graduation is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our school year and I’m certain that the 2017 event will be no exception. The students welcome the opportunity to dress up and enjoy a special dinner in a formal venue and we are proud that this celebration is always conducted in an age appropriate manner.

Internal Transition – Tuesday

Students will be advised of their 2018 teachers and classes and spend one hour as an initial ‘get to know you’ session.

Semester 2 Reports – Wednesday

Semester Two academic reports will be activated on the SENTRAL Parent Portal at 4.00pm on Wednesday. Please contact the office if you have any difficulties in accessing the reports.

Final Assembly - Friday

Friday is the final day of the school year. Our final assembly will commence in the Gymnasium at 12.45pm with students being dismissed at 1.30pm. Year 6 students will be dismissed directly from the Gymnasium – all other students will be dismissed from their classrooms.

2018

School resumes for all students (including Preps) on Wednesday January 31st. Staff resume on January 29th with some admin staff in attendance on reduced hours the previous week.

Best wishes to all for a fabulous final week of 2017.

Warm regards

Duncan