Acting Principal's Message

Dear Parent's and Carers,

It is exciting to hear of the preparation for the Lantern Festival which will be held next week, on Thursday evening. Students will have the opportunity to create their own lantern, participate in a lantern walk and try delicious food and drinks produced by parents of the German program. I hear that the lemon cake is delicious! Please see QKR for placing a lantern order. 

The Laternenfest is based on an annual celebration in Germany. In memory of Saint Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who, according to legend, gave a beggar in a snowstorm half of his cloak that he had slashed with his sword. With this event, they spread the message of kindness and generosity which resonate with those of our school values of honesty, responsibility, friendship, respect, and kindness. Through this event the parents of TPS seek to brighten the darkest season of the year. 

Staffing news

Whilst Mrs. Suada Dzaferovic (Assistant Principal) is undertaking leadership work at another school as part of the Unlocking Potential program, Mr. Luke Fletcher has stepped up into the role as acting assistant principal for the next few weeks.  This is a great opportunity for staff within our school, aspiring for leadership positions in the future, to have the opportunity to lead within our school. Please contact Mr. Fletcher for support in relation to any student concerns.

In the last few days, of last term, Mrs. Leila Sheehan was successful in applying for a teaching position closer to her home, and as a result Mrs. Margaret Whitford (Learning enhancement tutor) has been appointed into the acting assistant role. Ms. Margaret Whitford, an experienced teacher and school leader, who has taught in several schools in various roles as Assistant Principal, Librarian, intervention teacher, EAL teacher and Learning Specialist in Literacy. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Wellbeing and intervention space. Please contact Mrs. Whitford, if needed.

With Mrs. Whitford’s appointment, as Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Inclusive practices, means that the school has a vacancy in the learning enhancement role. The students who have attended the learning enhancement program, will continue to be supported by their classroom teacher, as previously. This valuable program will continue under the guidance and direction of Mrs. Whitford once a new tutor/staff member is appointed.  I look forward to notifying you of an appointment in the future. Until then please reach out to Mrs. Whitford, if needed.

To further the work in the wellbeing space, Ms. Maddy Paslis (Gr 1 teacher) will be taking on the role as Learning Specialist – Wellbeing, which entails leading the school in its implementation of School Wide Positive Behaviours Supports and other associated programs. Ms. Paslis who is currently undertaking her Masters of Student Wellbeing, is well positioned to lead this important body of work.  

Changes to NAPLAN Reporting

The NAPLAN results for students, in Yr. 3 and 5, were released this week and our school will be distributing these next week. There have been changes, introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), which will be further explained below

NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels:

These are:

• exceeding
• strong
• developing
• needs additional support.

This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels.

Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be, in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

NAPLAN results are important milestone, but it is also important that students know that one result does not define them and that this is one assessment at a point of time. These results are about making sure every student gets the support they need so they can continue to grow as learners.

When we provide parents, in Yr. 3 and 5, with their child’s results, you will also receive information about what the new proficiency levels mean. These will be sent to families over the coming week. Parents, and carers may find the following video on reading the Individual Student Report useful to understand student-level reporting and the new proficiency standards for NAPLAN.

As always, please reach out to the leadership team with any questions about these changes.

Plans for 2024

As in all school communities, some families relocate. It is very helpful for our 2024 planning if you could advise the office if you know you will not be returning to Toorak Primary School in 2023.

Workforce planning for the year ahead commences in Term 3 and student numbers are pivotal in this process. Prep enrolments and information about families leaving Toorak Primary School helps us plan for the overall organisation of the school in the new year.

I also write, to keep you informed, that Mrs. Julie Manallack continues to be on leave, and I have been asked to continue in the role for the rest of the year. I look forward to continuing to work with our amazing community.

Kind regards,

Sharon Wildermuth

Acting Principal