Principal's Report

Term 2 Week 10

Well, this is it.  Our last school newsletter for the term and my last final newsletter as Acting Principal.  What an honour and experience it has been and I thank the Learning Community of Pakenham Springs for your support and kindness.  Ms Baillie is excited to be back in action as of day one Term 3 and we are all very much looking forward to seeing her again.

It certainly was an interesting term with much to celebrate and reflect on.  This semester at 'The Springs' we have focused on increasing student voice and agency by continuing the Senior School Leadership Conference and our many other forums but, also by introducing Parent/Carer - Teacher and Student Conferences or Interviews and hosting our first ever student lead assembly.  The students leading the assembly today have honestly taken the role on like old masters.  With some initial guidance, they teamed up and arranged the rest.  I am really looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds!

Mathematics has also been and will continue to be, a focus this semester.  In mathematics, there are the 'Four Proficiencies' (reasoning, problem solving, understanding and fluency).  Teacher professional development and learning are vital to ensure effective teaching and learning in our classrooms.  At Pakenham Springs, we are dedicated to ongoing professional learning to better your child's learning journey.  We are regularly asking students about their mathematical thinking and have been 'spotlighting' reasoning this term.

Whilst some things on the calendar needed to be shuffled around, having our termly Buddy Breakfast combined with our 'Movie Themed' gold coin out of uniform day, was a big hit.  A huge thank you for the effort you all put into the costumes AND thank you for keeping it quiet.  It certainly was tricky to communicate that the event was 'movie star themed' whilst also trying to hide this from Mr Rook, who by the way, loved the surprise and felt very spoiled.  

Semester One reports are now published.  Please contact the classroom teacher directly with any questions you may have and a big congratulations to those students who were awarded the Academic Achievement and the Focused Learner Awards.  These two awards are given out to 2-3 students in every class as a recognition of excellence in achievement and applying excellence in an effort towards learning.  Congratulations, you should be very proud, as students and parents/carers.

KINDERGARTEN

Have you ticked the kinder registrations task off your to-do list yet?

Families with children across Cardinia Shire are preparing for kindergarten in 2022 by submitting their registration applications and updating their placement preferences now.

The online kindergarten portal makes it quick and easy to check and update your placement preferences, contact details and application information.

For more, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

Calendar Changes and Updates

• 12th July, TERM 3 begins for all students
• 19th July, Hoop Time (TBC)
• 27th July, School Tours for prospective and new enrolments
• 28th July, 100 Days of Prep
• 30th July, Hoop Time (TBC)
• 25th - 27th August, Year 4 PIAR CAMP
• 10th September, Year 2 Sleep Over

The school family calendar will be available on COMPASS for other relevant events occurring in Term Three. 

Safe and happy holidays everyone!

Jane King

Principal (Acting)