Principal Report 

Smooth Transition

Congratulations to our School Community for embracing yet another change.  It has been a smooth transition to remote learning for our second time.  Change is never easy, but it always offers opportunity.  Please adopt that positive mindset, the alternative is counter-productive and unhelpful.

We understand that each home has a story and we are here to work with you all to both keep us safe and provide a continuation to learning for students.

Whilst it's difficult to ascertain the relative success of the latter, I assure you, we are committed to your child's point of need learning, and you've possibly already noticed a concerted approach to hone in on reading, writing and number.

All key learning areas are extremely important, but are all supported and underpinned by the aforementioned core learning areas.

We look forward to working with you all to progress students as best we can over the coming six week period.

School Review 

Tomorrow, Thursday 13 August, you will notice there has been a need to cancel some of the scheduled learning conversations while staff attend crucial feedback sessions with our School Review panel.

This is a once in four year process, that provides the necessary time and support for school improvement.  Our teaching team won't be able to make up the missed scheduled learning sessions, with an extremely tight schedule already.

It is only one hour per staff member and in teams, so hopefully it is only a minimal disruption to the progress of learning we're committed to.

Timely Safety Reminders for Students Online

Now, may be a great time to consider what and how your child/ren access online platforms.  Often, considerable additional time online for students can mean a 'meandering' off task and into areas that need monitoring.

Please be extra vigilant with chat groups arranged between peers and students of an inappropriate age (ie Under 16/18) accessing platforms such as TikTok, SnapChat and alike.

Ultimately, parent supervision and support / monitoring is part of what we, as adults, need to provide and manage.  Wifi management is identified as one of the best methods and regularly changing the password may be required!

A genuine conversation and parameters with your child, may be the catalyst for setting them up for success and good decision making, to keep them safe online.

Ballarat School Case

Unfortunately, yesterday we saw the first Ballarat school close due to a positive COVID-19 case.  This was perhaps inevitable, but is a reminder for us all, that this Pandemic doesn't discriminate.

Please remain safe and compliant with current restrictions.

School Crossing

A reminder that the school crossing in Howe Street is still being staffed and we would like to encourage all families and students to use it.

I acknowledge the First People of the Wathaurong, who are the traditional custodians of the land and waters on which I work and live, and pay my respects to the Elders of the past, present and emerging.