Message from the Principal 

VISUAL ART HIGHLIGHTS

We are vey proud to be able to offer such a rich and extensive learning program across our school. A very significant part of this is our Specialist program which incudes, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Italian and Physical Education. In our newsletter this week, we are highlighting the work of our Year 3 & 4 artists who have done line drawing and painting in the negative. The display has been set up in our Library. 

THANK YOU MOTHERS DAY STALL TEAM

Thank you to our PA team for organising an amazing Mother’s Day Stall. I’ve seen a few of these over the years and I think this one was the most impressive in the setup, organisation and range of gifts available.

There is a big list of helpers to acknowledge: 

Donna Anderson, Merike Bailey, Karen Daly, Taryn Francis, Victoria Harris, Jackie Lacey, Jackson Lacey, Sarah Leach, Melanie Lucas, Emma Marchant, Melanie MacKertich, Alyshia Ninness, Emma Oliver, Hayley Ormandy, Justin Parr-Davies, Nicole Pearson, Miriam Pekolj, Kiera Roberts, Amy Sedgwick, Melinda Smith, Jess Testa, Bella Zappia, Rebecca Zappia, and the Greenhills Parent's Association. 

NAPLAN TESTING

This week our Year 3 and 5 students completed the NAPLAN tests. I know that many of our students get nervous during these tests but it is important to remember they are just one test on one particular day (or four tests over 3 days!).

NAPLAN results are also just one small part of the overall assessment and data collected across our school. Our teachers work very closely together in their teams to use a wide range of assessments to build up an accurate picture of student achievement and student learning needs, including other formal assessment tools (many of which are completed online) and daily classroom observations and conferences. Our philosophy is based on unpacking what a student can say, make, do or write and then using this data and feedback to target the next steps in learning. 

Over the next few weeks all of our students from Prep-Year 6 will be also be completing PAT testing. These are norm referenced standardised tests in Reading & Numeracy. These tests are part of our detailed assessment schedule and the data from these tests are used by teaching teams to both inform planning and assess impact and effectiveness of their teaching. 

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIROMENT SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE

Our Sustainability and Environment Sub-Committee met last week and continue to set some exciting plans in place. The GREAT thing is that we also have a Year 5/6 Sustainability Student Action Team focus who will link in with this work. In this way we will have parents, staff and students working together cohesively and towards common aims and goals.

The first combined action is re-launching our “Redcycle” program which will see our school recycle plastic wrappers which will reduce the size of our rubbish going to landfill. This plastic is also recycled and used to turn into seating and other useful items. 

The team is also promoting another ride and walk to school day. This is something that we will do each term with a view to increasing the frequency even more. 

Friday the 20th May is National Walk Safely to School Day, so next week we would love to see as many students walking, riding, scooting and perhaps even dancing to school!

We are also organising a working bee for Sunday 19th June. This will run from 9am – 12pm. The focus will be on weeding, replanting and tidying up the gardens around the two pathway entrances to the school from Mine Street. Please put this date in your diaries as it would be GREAT to have lots of helpers on the day.

UPCOMING PUPIL FREE DAYS

In consultation with our School Council, I would like to communicate two dates this term where students will not be onsite at school.

Curriculum Day - Friday 10th June.

On this day our staff team will be working with an external consultant to further develop our Cultural Curriculum with a focus on “Connection to Country”. As a school community we have taken great strides in learning more about and recognising our Indigenous culture and heritage and this day will support our team with this journey.

Professional Practice Day – Monday 20th June.

As part of the current VGSA (Victorian Government Schools Agreement) all teachers receive a day per term away from face to face teaching duties. Given the current staffing shortages and pressures across the education system, DET has announced that schools can hold a common Professional Practice Day for Term 2.  This is where all teachers at the school are released from face-to-face teaching on a set day and as such students do not attend.   As a staff team we acknowledge and appreciate the closeness in timing of these two days and the impact this has on school routines and consistency. We appreciate your understanding and support and as both of these days are pupil free, we have arranged OSHClub to provide day care programs from 6.45am through to 6.30pm.

WEARING OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM WITH PRIDE!

I love the way that our school has so many uniform options for our students and when we are all decked out in accordance with our Uniform Policy, our school looks magnificent. This is friendly reminder that all students must be dressed in line with our policy each day. At times, we notice a variety of other items being worn, for example outside of school local football club hoodies or even items that are not our school colours. I know that the cooler weather and the rain can impact on washing and laundry at home and that it can be difficult to keep up with it all. With that in mind, if any student needs to wear an item that is not part of our school uniform, a letter from a parent or carer must be provided to the teacher outlining the reason for this. If you are having any difficulty in organising school uniform items for your child, please contact the office or myself. For me, wearing full school uniform is all about pride in our school and being part of our GREAT team.   

James Penson

Principal