Recently, I was extremely humbled to be awarded the Outstanding Primary Principal Award at the 2018 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. At the time of the awards I was still detained overseas due to my husband, Neil’s, accident and my daughter, Cate, supported by Ms Licciardo, attended in my absence.

I was required to provide them with a short acceptance speech to be used should I be the successful applicant. This is what I wrote:

“The Principal of a school is only as good as the team they work with. At Chelsea Heights Primary I work with a passionate and dedicated team which includes my (amazing was inserted here by someone who will remain nameless) Assistant Principal, teachers, integration and office staff, our parents and the students.

I am incredibly proud of what we have and continue to achieve together and thrilled that it has been formally recognised this evening through this award.”

The credibility of these words was highlighted throughout weeks 1 to 7 of this term. Led by Ms Licciardo, the staff at CHPS did a phenomenal job during my absence. No one missed a beat, stepping up and ensuring that all of the many jobs required of a school at this time of the year were completed to a high standard in a timely manner. I have always been exceptionally proud of our school and its staff but never more so than during the very stressful and challenging experience!

End of 2018

The countdown has begun to the end of the year but as in all Primary Schools rather than winding down our staff are busier than ever.

There are many activities being coordinated and implemented including; Grade 6 Graduation and their exciting last week activities, CHPS Christmas Carols, Whole School Transition, the 2019 Student Leadership speeches and voting and much, much more:

At the end of term 4 we will be saying goodbye and thank you to six staff members as we move towards the close of the 2018.

Marianna Caffyn has been a member of our teachings staff since 2004. She has experienced many changes in our school during her time with us. Whether this be in leadership, the coordination of our programs or in the methods employed to support our students, Marianna has always been open to change and to learning, recognising that wellbeing and differentiated learning are key aspects to success in our students’ lives.

Angie Jenner joined us in 2015 as our Parent Liaison Officer within the Administration Team. Her attention to detail and high level organisation has been highly valued in so many areas including: liaising with outside agencies who advertise with us and our PFA fundraising activities, coordinating notices, newsletters and SMS messaging, publishing our policies and ensuring they are current and the development of our highly informative and engaging website. Angie is leaving big shoes to fill!

Michelle Kiag worked at CHPS from 2002 to 2010 as a highly valued member of our Teaching Staff. During that time Michelle completed her Masters of Education and brought a wealth of experience and passion to our school. Over the last 7 years Michelle has focused on raising her three beautiful children and has chosen not to return to CHPS.

Helen Farr is an ongoing staff member at Hampton Primary School. She joined our team in 2017 and over the last two years has value added to many areas of our school. In particular Helen's passion for welfare has been of huge benefit to the Junior Sub School, who she represented at our fortnightly early morning Welfare Meetings and at the Level Managers' meetings where she was involved in the analysis of behaviour data and the subsequent strategies that the school has put into place to support the social development of our students. Helen has also participated in the Bastow Leading Literacy PD and worked with Bec Garrow and her team to further develop writing at CHPS.

Anne Leggett took the opportunity to join our great staff in 2017 when Sharon Juriansz requested a temporary transfer to Ballam Park Primary to support John Mace. Coming to CHPS was an extremely brave move for Anne, who chose to challenge herself at a higher level position which required commitment and growth on Anne’s behalf. Over the last two years she has led our administration team, streamlining the office physically, supporting the development of strong processes and the professional growth of her staff. Anne’s financial reports to School Council and Coordination of the Finance Sub Committee of School Council will be missed but will definitely value add to her next school.

Tanya Whiteside has only been with us for a short time but has brought her experience and commitment to our Middle School Team. She has actively taken part in all Professional Development opportunities that have been offered to her and actively engaged in whole school celebrations and programmes. Her engagement with our school and students has been reflected in the huge improvement in the attitude and learning results of the Level 3 students under her care with her teaching partner Mrs Porter.

On behalf of the CHPS school community I would like to wish Marianna, Angie, Michelle, Helen, Anne and Tanya the very best for the future and thank them for their numerous contributions to our school and its students.

In closing, I look forward to seeing you at the many different celebrations that will occur between now and the end of the year and wish all of our families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

Jane Satchwell

Principal

Bees at CHPS!

As most will be aware, a text message was sent through on Tuesday 13th saying that the black basketball court was roped off due to a swarm of bees. My Mum Jo, being a bee enthusiast went to check where these bees had been seen, however it was her thoughts that the swarm had moved on as there was no sign of bees. We checked again Tuesday night. Again, no sign of the bees.

Tuesday late afternoon we received an email form Edgar Leonard’s (FA) dad Justin. The swarm had moved down the road to Edgar’s front yard. The bees couldn’t stay there as right near his front door.

On Wednesday morning my mum Jo with the guidance of her bee keeping sister in law, my Aunty Chrissy- went and retrieved the bees and relocated them to a lovely new home in Frankston South at my Nan’s house.

Bees are responsible for a huge amount of our food sources. Without them the majority of our fruits, vegetables and flowers would die. Many people do not understand how critical this insect is to our survival.

If you find you have a bee swarm at your place, DON’T call an exterminator. DO call your local bee keeping club. It will cost the same amount of money and the world will be a better place.

Thanks to Edgar and his mum and dad for allowing my Mum and Aunty to relocate this swarm and SAVING THE BEES!

Shailey Reeves

Sustainability Leader and Bee Advocate

Physical Education

Skyler the Gymnast!