The Newlands Times

Leadership Report 

A Wrap for the Term

Well, as we know we certainly didn't expect to being working and learning remotely for as long as we have endured. Having stated the obvious I believe the Newlands community - parents, teachers and especially the students have been so supportive and patient.

For me the focus of this commentary on the term is how determined the school community has been to get through this difficult time, and allow the teachers and kids work their way through many of the challenges this term has thrown our way. The songs - and by the way thanks Phil for last week's uplifter, it was great, a real face breaker.

While social and news media have been focused on the negative outcomes of Covid, I would like to make mention of how well all staff and kids have focused on a positive mindset. The team dynamics to stay on track has been a joy for leadership to witness and be a part of over the last two terms.

While we will be starting next term as a staggered start, we are all looking forward to seeing everybody back on site excited and happy to engage in some great learning activities.  

House Names

Some time ago school council conducted a survey asking the community if they (parents) would to change our current house names to names that are more relevant to our school. As a result council has asked if we could as a whole follow through on this with teachers and students. Unfortunately due to the prolonged Covid pandemic it was not possible to get this off the ground. We intend to start the process next term with the 4-6 students during an action research investigation looking at possible names that relate to the school,  local geography, landmarks or local individuals; the field is wide and open. 

This an exciting opportunity for our students to involve themselves in their local community and gain greater insight into where they live. Once the students have finalised their investigation and presented the cases for the names the students will vote and select the four names to start 2021. 

To reinforce ownership and knowledge of the names the whole will be involved in learning about the names through a range of activities, culminating with a whole school and community celebration at the end of term 1, 2021.

School Council Report - 16/09/2020

Hello from School Council!

School Council enjoyed discussing many exciting developments currently underway at Newlands during our fourth meeting for the year on September 16: the bumper 2021 enrolment numbers, great recognition of the bi-lingual program, some classroom facility improvements, promising grant applications, and impressive professional development outcomes. Lots great initiatives and reasons to celebrate what NPS is achieving – many of which you can read about in other parts of this newsletter. 

Wondering how you could get involved in contributing further to the school community? Perhaps you might wish to consider joining one of the five School Council sub-committees. These are: 

·       Education & Policy

·       Out of School Hours Care 

·       Buildings & Grounds

·       Communications

·       Parents & Friends Association 

The Out of School Hours Care sub-committee is especially keen for more members as there are quite a few strategic and policy decisions currently under consideration that would benefit from greater input from the school community, particularly from those using the service.  

Any parents or carers interested in joining one of these sub-committees should get in touch with Ross or Luke.

REMINDER Covid Arrangements - Term 4

First week of Term 4  

5 to 9 October

  • Remote and flexible learning continues for all students, except in specialist schools in rural and regional Victoria.
  • On-site supervision for children of permitted workers and vulnerable students continues in line with existing guidelines.

From Monday 12 October

Newlands Primary Arrangements Only

  • Students in Prep to Year 3 return to full-time on-site schooling. The existing remote learning program will not continue for these year levels.
  • If parents choose to withdraw their from attending school, then the child will be marked absent and a doctors certificate will be required.
  • As we are directed for children to attend school there will not be any remote schooling offered for these year levels.

Reminder Pupil Free Day - Monday 26/10/2020

All pupils including the 4-6 students will not be required at school on this day. All staff will be involved in a follow-up day to the Berry Street, Student Wellbeing Program. There will not be any Before or Aftercare program operating on this day. 

From Tuesday 27 October

Years 4 to 6

  • Students Year 4-6 return to full-time on-site schooling. The existing remote learning program will not continue for these year levels.
  • If parents choose to withdraw their from attending school, then the child will be marked absent and a doctors certificate will be required.
  • As we are directed for children return to school there will not be any remote schooling offered for these year levels.

Thank you 

Ross Dudgeon