A Message from David...

We have well and truly settled into the regular on-site school routines. It is wonderful to wander through the classrooms and see such settled and engaged students and to hear the joyful sounds of the playground. I would again like to thank our school community for ensuring that the transition to on-site schooling has been such a success.

Term 4 is always very busy and there are lots of organisational things happening throughout the term. We are very busily planning for 2021 and are currently working on staffing, class structures and class lists. We will keep you updated with information via Compass and the newsletter as soon as possible.

2021 Start Dates

Last week, school council approved the following start dates:

Wednesday 27th January - Staff return

Thursday 28th January - Grades 1 - 6 commence

Monday 1st February - Preps start school

Staff Updates

Alana Anderson has some exciting times ahead. She will be taking maternity leave later in November! We are thrilled for Alana and Dale and can't wait to meet their little bubba in the new year.

This term we have completed recruitment processes for our Assistant Principal, Learning Specialist and Alana's parental leave position. I am really pleased to announce that Cameron Andrews (Assistant Principal), Ainsley Gravett (Learning Specialist) and Jemma Robson (parental leave) are the successful applicants for these positions.

All three successful applicants bring knowledge, skills and experiences that are an asset to our school and I am thrilled to have them all on board.

Parent Requests

We will be creating class lists for 2021 in the next few weeks. This process is incredibly important and we spend a lot of time creating class lists that ensure all students are set up for success in the following year. All students make a list of friends that they would like to be placed with and we try to ensure that everyone has at least one of these friends in their future class.

If you have any requests for class placement for next year, please ensure that your requests are in writing and sent to me (david.king@education.vic.gov.au) no later than Friday 6th November. Please understand that I cannot take requests for individual teachers and that whilst all requests will be considered not all will be able to be accommodated.

Student Voice

This term a team of teachers and members of leadership participated in the first session of a series of professional learning on enhancing student voice and agency in learning. The professional learning is being facilitated by Dr Russ Quaglia and other members of the Quaglia Institute (https://quagliainstitute.org/). The team left the session inspired and keen to put the learning into action. This professional learning will continue into next year and will be part of our Annual Implementation Plan for 2021.

Staff Appreciation Week

It was so lovely to see all the children coming to school yesterday with tokens of appreciation for their teachers. Everyone felt incredibly grateful for the thoughtful gifts and kind words.

This week is Staff Appreciation Week at Altona Green. It is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate our wonderful staff for all that they do. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff throughout this year. They have remained positive, resilient and committed throughout the challenges of 2020 and I am so proud of all of their contributions to making AGPS such a special place - THANK YOU!

Term 4 Event Reminders

We are continuing to receive updated advice and guidance on restrictions that impact upcoming events. We will endeavour to keep as many events as possible but there have had to be many changes to our usual programming. Here is a summary:

We have had to cancel the following: Grade 4 Camp, P-4 Swimming, 30-year Celebration, Grandparents’ Day, Christmas Market

The following will go ahead but with some modifications: Christmas Concert, Year 6 Graduation, Prep Transition

Events we are unsure about: Year 5/6 Swimming, Year 6 Adventure Park Excursion

We will keep you all updated as soon as we can with further information about these events via Compass.

Parent Opinion Survey

As previously communicated, Jen Armstead has sent the survey link and details to the email address that was given for 'Person A' on your child's enrolment form. If you have not received the email please contact Jen (9360 0777 jen.armstead@education.vic.gov.au).

We would really appreciate it if as many families as possible could complete the survey.

Bike Shed!

It has been great to see so many families riding their bikes to school. Could I please ask all parents & carers to remind their child/ren that we have a new bike shed (near the playgrounds) and that bikes and scooters are not to be left near the garden shed.