Mr Irwin's Message

Hello families and welcome to this week’s newsletter.

Before I move into having a chat about remote learning there’s a few announcements and updates I wanted to bring to your attention.

Firstly, our Capital Works project is about get underway at school. In 2018 we received $300,000 to perform minor capital works in the school. The scope of works isn’t entirely up to the school and is based on a range of criteria in consultation with the Victorian School’s Building Authority including current size, ownership of buildings, entitlement allocation and general condition of buildings.

With those things, last year’s building and grounds committee prioritised the following works that are now due to start at the school. Firstly, the original school building that was the library will be repurposed as a specialist classroom. This will provide purpose built spaces for all specialist classes and ensure they run smoothly as we grow. This supports our ongoing commitment to as many specialists classes as possible in providing an engaging curriculum for students. The fit-out will include an all purpose surface, substantial joinery for storage of resources, installation of water troughs and painting throughout.

Secondly with a growing school includes the need for a growing staff and resources, which is why the next priority was re-purposing the back half of the administration building to include significantly more storage for student resources and a larger staff room space for collaboration.

A required component of this build was to improve disability access to the front to the administration building. This will include some alterations to paths that lead to the front door of this building and the installation of an automatic door at the front of the building.

One thing for everyone to understand about this project is the provision of classroom spaces. As we continue to grow we will be supported by the Department of Education to ensure we have the entitled space we need. As we move beyond 200 students we will continue to receive additional class space if required. Initially this will be in the form of relocatable classrooms and eventually I’d hope the exchange of portable buildings for permanent classrooms. This isn’t something we should expect in the short term however. This funding was not provided to build or extend on current space we have.

The computers that were in the library will be moved on as part of this. Staff believe the adoption of iPads as preferred technology best supports the needs of students and their learning. The iMacs have been made ready by our school tech John Mullins for sale and represent good value at $100. There are around 50 of these available. If you are interested in purchasing one of these, please email the school.

Tomorrow evening is our Whole School Campout. This is a Facebook Live event we’d encourage all families to consider participating in. Starting from 4:00pm with some campfire cooking the evening will include Science with Mrs McHenry, some Whip Cracking with Miss Child and subject to availability ‘Story Time’ with Mr Lindsay. It promises to be a lot of fun!

Finally I wanted to read to you a letter from our Premier Daniel Andrews.

'Thank You.

Two words that can’t express the enormity of our gratitude.

But to every Victorian working to keep our kids happy, healthy and learning – thank you.

For adapting to and tackling challenges – thank you.

For your commitment and calm – thank you .

Because even though staying apart is keeping us together - please know we value you – and all you do in keeping our state safe and strong.

You have our support, our appreciation and our heartfelt thanks.

Dan Andrews.'

These are words I’d like to reiterate to end this week’s newsletter. Our students are doing an amazing job under these circumstances, our teachers are doing an amazing job under these circumstances and our parents are doing an amazing job under these circumstances. I’ve been blown away by how everyone has given this their best effort. Some days are easier than others but don’t forget this is about keeping our community safe and it isn’t a perfect version of school and education.

Continue to reach out and seek help if you need it. We miss you all at school and look forward to having everyone back when it is safe to do so.

Thank you

Healthy Lunch Box Choices

For more information go to: https://heas.health.vic.gov.au/schools/healthy-lunchboxes