Message from Principal Sally
Communication 2019 and beyond
Most schools I know receive regular feedback such as “I didn’t know ?? was happening …or this was important, or why wasn’t I told …”
Our response usually is:
- It was in the Newsletter …
- It was sent as a COMPASS post …
- Your child was informed …
- There was a paper note sent home …
- A flyer was sent home …
- There were posters at school …
- It’s on the school fridge calendar …
- It’s always been like this …
However, we also believe it is important to keep improving our communication processes.
Regretfully there are a number of factors that cause confusion; for example if the fridge calendar which has just been printed for 2020 says that the ‘Reno Rumble’ will be held on one date and the confirmed date from Deloitte – our business partners - is different we can only attempt using the above methods to inform you of the change.
Staffing is another area that families need to know about; however, there are situations where staff need to be on-leave or relinquish a position that requires confidentiality and respect of personal circumstances that the school is not at liberty to disclose.
At this stage of the year we are creating 2020 classes and allocating teaching spaces; short-listing, interviewing, reference checking and appointing staff to nine advertised positions; finalising assessment and creating Semester 2 reports; inducting new staff; arranging farewell activities for year 6 students; welcoming new enrolments across the school, including 120 – 2020 Preps and their families; and negotiating improved outcomes with respect to our facilities (perhaps an extra classroom or two) and cleaning.
The executive leadership and school improvement teams are writing our 2020 Annual Implementation Plan and Annual Report; completing Performance and Development interviews for all staff and setting 2020 personal goals and arranging 2020 professional development opportunities for all staff including mandated OH & S training. New policies also need to be collaboratively prepared in consultation with all school stakeholders as directed by DET and with specific reference to our school and our operating procedures.
Informing our community in a timely manner is extremely important to us. However, due to the ever-changing circumstances of our large organisation, we must ensure the accuracy of the information provided. At times we are required to wait for confirmation from service providers before communicating dates and times to the community.
As a result, we know families feel we do not always communicate everything to their satisfaction; we apologise and continue to strive for improvement in all areas; both operational, procedural and with respect to governance.
