Principal's Report 

Principal Position

Last week I was thrilled to accept the position of Principal at Rangeview starting in Term 2. 

I believe that the role of a school Principal is both a responsibility and a privilege.  Schools are like microcosms, and healthy school cultures where student learning flourishes, can be grown. This growth of a rich school culture is essential, requires constant attention, and is the responsibility of the Principal. Educational leadership is about shaping pedagogy, maintaining a focus on improvement, and promoting curiosity, inquiry and reflection – in students, staff and the school community. I am so proud, and grateful, to be able to fill this role for Rangeview into the future. 

Liam Sommers will continue into Term 2 as Acting Assistant Principal for Wellbeing and Engagement, and we will advertise the substantive Assistant Principal position during the Term. 

End of Term Update

What an eventful and positive term we have had at Rangeview to start 2022. There have been difficulties - my thoughts are with the many families that have managed covid over this time - and there have also been celebrations. My personal highlight was watching the whole school learning some Bollywood Dance to end our Harmony Day! Just glorious. 

My sincere thanks to the staff at Rangeview, the teachers, the classrooms support, the team in the office and my amazing leadership team, for the incredible work and dedication that you have all shown this term. I would also like to thank the Rangeview families, those that joined our Parents and Friends Committee and the Fathering Project, those that helped in the classrooms and with our working bees, and those that through their positive attitude to schooling and the value of education, have ensured that our students are engaged and thriving. A special mention to Rachel Watkins and Katy Hague for their work in our Second Hand Uniform shop. 

Pupil Free Days

Next Term we will be holding two Pupil Free / Curriculum Days; 

• Friday 29th April 
• Tuesday 14th June 

Our staff will be undertaking a morning Professional Learning session on Friday 29th April with Glen Pearsall on creating positive classroom cultures and also an afternoon professional learning session with a focus on learning mathematically though games. The Tuesday 14th June Pupil Free Day will be used for report / portfolio writing. Our wonderful OSHC Club will be operating on both days for families that need care for their child. 

Rangeview Social Soiree

A huge thank you to all of the parents that attended our Rangeview Social Soiree held Wednesday 23rd April. We heard from Andrew Keegle from the Fathering Project and Chris Roche and Simon Tan our school Fathering Project leaders. We also heard from Tracy Beckter and Heather Roche who have led our Parents and Friends Committee for the last few years. We are looking forward to the first Parents and Friends meeting this Wednesday 6th April here at school at 6pm. 

Isolation Update

New Operating Guidelines have been released by the Department of Education to outline a recent covid management change. Students and staff who tested positive and have completed their 7 day isolation period are not required to participate in the RAT screening for 8 weeks after their release from isolation. In addition, if a student has recovered from covid-19, they are not required to get tested or isolate if re-exposed to a case within 8 weeks of ending their isolation period. This period was previously 30 days. After 8 weeks, they must follow usual isolation guidelines if re-exposed or testing positive. Please contact the school if you need further clarity on this. 

Athletics

What a fabulous and successful Senior House Athletics Day we held on Monday 28th April. It was so fantastic to see the team spirit and the resilience of our 3-6 students as they competed in the full range of athletics events. A huge thank you to Mitch Clark and Lisa O'Connor for leading the day and to all the staff and parents that helped to run the events and make the day so successful for the students. 

Level 2 Hub

I extend our apologies to the families of the students in the Level 2 Hub for the delay in the works for that building. The severe flood damage caused before the term started have only now been cleared for works to commence to address the drainage issues and replace all the carpet. We expect these works to take place over the Easter break. 

Senior Toilets Upgrade

Planning has continued with regular meetings with the architects and the VSBA toupgrade our senior toilet block using the Department of Education grant received in 2021. We expect works to begin in Term 2. 

Inclusive Playground

The initial plans for our new Inclusive playground designed to redevelop the banks of the oval are complete. The first section to be delivered will be the center third with the Snakes and Ladders play equipment. This will include tunnel slides at ground level and climbing frames/steps leading back up to a platform deck. Works for this project will also commence in Term 2. For a limited time, there may be restricted access to the school from the Verdale entrance. 

We hope all of our families have a safe and happy Term 1 break and we look forward to seeing all of you back on Tuesday 26th April to start Term 2. 

Marika Ferguson

Acting Principal