Assistant Principal's Page

Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan

Last week Claudia Michelin and I had the privilege of joining Education Department staff and Indigenous Community Agencies to discuss where the North Eastern Region of Victoria is at regarding the Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026. 

Marrung is the Wemba Wemba word for the Murray Cypress pine tree representing branches of education and knowledge. What a beautiful image that is of all children in Victoria having equal access to the education and knowledge available in our school systems and wider communities. 

Claudia and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about what schools in the region are doing to implement the Marrung Plan and at the same time celebrated the threads of Indigenous Culture that we intentionally weave throughout our CHPS school curriculum and community. We will continue to work in this space and look forward to featuring more of what we are doing throughout this newsletter.

Attendance

I am aware that this is flagged almost every time I write an article, but I cannot over-emphasise the importance of children being at school. Please click here for more on why it is so important. If you need support with your child’s attendance, please contact their classroom teacher or me to discuss.

The ‘Amber Effect’

Two weeks ago, I began looking after a rescued Greyhound, Amber. I am learning a lot, not just about Greyhounds in general (ie. They sleep 20 out of 24 hours per day!), but also from Amber. Firstly, she loves routine. Secondly, she needs lots of layers to keep warm and won’t move if she is cold. Thirdly, she is teaching me patience and the importance of ‘being present’. 

This term ‘being present’ has many connotations, but in essence, it is living in the moment. So often as parents/carers, employees, and volunteers, we are always thinking ahead, ‘What will happen next year? What are we doing on the weekend? When am I going to meet that deadline? How do you play that game again?’ etc. 

Being present is about stopping, standing still, looking around, smelling the flowers, and feeling the grass beneath you. I now regularly do this thanks to a 30kg Greyhound who regularly stops mid-stride and stands still for inordinate periods of time. This week I not only encourage you to intentionally be present but help your children to do so as well. You will be amazed at what can happen.

Until next time,

Julie Reid

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Inclusion

On behalf of the team