from the Principal...

Dear Parents/Carers

NAPLAN Online

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students is held in May each year. NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers and principals and can be used to improve student achievement.

Our school is conducting NAPLAN Online in 2019.  This means that from 14th to 24th May 2019, students at our school will undertake all NAPLAN tests online in place of the paper tests.  Please read the attached letter for further details :

Open Night

The College’s 2019 Open Night will be held on Wednesday 3rd April this year. This is one of the biggest evening events on our calendar and requires considerable preparation. As a result there may be some disruption to classes on this day; however, every attempt will be made to keep these disruptions to a minimum. Although the evening is primarily for the information of prospective parents/carers and students, please feel free to come along for Open Night as it’s a great opportunity to see some of the wonderful things our students achieve on a daily basis.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

P/T/S interviews will be held on Wednesday 24th April from 1.00pm to 8.00pm with the staff having a break between 5.00pm to 6.00pm..  Notification has been previously made via Compass and the Cheltonian.  Bookings will be open on Compass next Wednesday 3rd April.  Logon on to Compass with your parent logon and password. As soon as you logon to Compass, select the option to book P/T/S interviews (to the left of your child's picture) and you will be taken the screen to start the booking process.  A list of your child’s teachers and the  subject they teach will appear on the right of the screen.  Select the teacher you wish to see, their available time slots will appear, select the time slot and remember to save the entry.  Repeat the process until you have made appointments with all the teachers you wish to see. Allow about 10 minutes between interviews.

If you are unable to attend on the night, you are still encouraged to contact the appropriate sub school/year level coordinator to arrange an alternative time to meet and discuss your child’s progress, or contact individual teachers with whom you wish to discuss a particular subject. Even an “over the phone” conversation can be both convenient and informative. Discussions at this time of year can provide useful information about your child’s mid-semester progress, and an opportunity to take corrective action if necessary. Students will not be required at school on 24th April but are expected to attend with their parents/carers for interviews. 

Winter Uniform

A reminder that winter uniform is to be worn from the commencement of Term 2. The college’s usual practice is to allow a two week “changeover” period at the start of the term during which students may wear either summer or winter uniform, but not a mixture or combination of both. I would also like to thank parents/carers for the support we have received regarding students wearing correct uniform. If you have any queries about uniform issues, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s year level coordinator, sub school leader, or Adam Collings, Assistant Principal.

Parking on school grounds

A reminder to parents/carers that there is no parking on school grounds.  Parking is available on the road in front and opposite the school.  There are exceptions to this for instance if you are picking up a sick or injured child you can drive up to Reception at the top of the main driveway.  Also please do not drive into the school to drop off or pick up children.  This is a safety issue with limited space in the car parks and students moving around the college.  As I am sure you are aware specific speed limits apply in Bernard Street during school times (40kph) with NO U-TURNS allowed.  The area is often patrolled by local Council and Police and traffic fines can be issued.  

Trains - advice from Public Transport Victoria

While building the Metro Tunnel and improving the public transport network. In April, buses replace trains on the Cranbourne and Pakenham, Frankston, Glen Waverley, Mernda and Sandringham lines. On the regional train network, coaches replace trains on the Gippsland, Warrnambool and Geelong lines.

For details of the rail disruption and replacement buses, see Autumn construction blitz on roads and public transport in April.  Most of the delays are during the school holidays but on the Frankston line there are some disruptions from 1st April.  Click on the link to the 'Construction blitz on roads ....' to check the list of train lines, disruptions and dates.

Thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the following  local business : 

Bailey's Pharmacy Bernard Street, Bernard Street Newsagent, Bernard Street Take Away, Bottlemart Bernard Street,  BWS, Chemist Warehouse Oakleigh, Clarinda Cellars, CSC PFA, Dak Dak Café Moorabin, Dolce Fantasia, Duchess Anne French Patisserie, Europa, Frank's Café Cheltenham, IGA Bernard Street,  JNR's Pizza Bernard Street, Pat's Music, Rock Academy and Total Tools.

Generous donations from these businesses has allowed us to buy new musical instruments including a set of Yamaha drums, 4 vocal microphones, 4 acoustic guitars and 2 electric guitars as well as some amps. We were also able to get our brass instruments serviced and repaired. We also have a new sponsor, Eat Up, who very generously provide food to the school to be given to our students who may come to school without eating breakfast or have nothing to eat for lunch.   

I would also like to thank our local Rotary clubs and St Vinnies.  These organisations provide support to our families and students with financial assistance and counselling services.  And on behalf of our Parents and Friends Association I would like to thank Bunnings for their donation of a $100 gift card to be used towards the purchase of a new BBQ for use by the school.

Some sports news from Ms Hope

Year 7 Inter school Round Robin - Boys Volleyball Tuesday 19th March

An enjoyable day and great effort to the Cheltenham boys for beating Yavneh, and only close losses to Elwood and Albert Park. Amazing serves by Dimitri, fantastic digging by Toprak and even some good spikes from Keziah. Great teamwork and sportsmanship all day!

Ms Sandy Hope 

Update from the last newsletter

School information - The Year 11 Co-ordinators are Teresa Peluso and Marty Rice  and

the VCAL article was written by student, Kate Dawson, Year 12 VCAL.  Thank you Kate.

Early Dismissal

A reminder that, as stated on the college calendar, Friday 5th April is the last day of Term 1. Students will be dismissed at 2.30pm on this day. Term 2 commences on Tuesday 23rd April (Monday 22nd April is Easter Monday).

As this is the last Cheltonian for the term I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family an enjoyable term break and a very happy Easter

Karl Russell

Principal