From the Principal Team

Having a Yarn

In the last newsletter I introduced the changed timetable during each day that had been designed to create more opportunity for students to connect with each other and their teachers. In short, we wanted to have a bit more fun. 

One of the great outcomes of these changes has been the use of Yarning Circles and Circle Time. Yarning Circles are a practice derived from Australia's First Nations People to build strong relationships with those near us and to learn and grow as a community through shared conversation. We are obviously still learning and improving in our practice but teachers have been weaving this approach into some of the afternoon activities and students have been responding very well to having these discussions on a regular basis. 

I know as a classroom teacher I always emphasised to my students the importance of us being a community but it could prove difficult to turn that into a reality when you were trying to squeeze as much time as possible out of every minute in the day. The spirit of that word community can so often can get lost in the must dowork of our hectic, daily lives. These afternoon 'Class Connect' sessions that involve games, sport, yarning circles, mindfulness and more, are about highlighting and valuing the should do work that is so important for all of us. All of us (parents, teachers, co-workers) know the importance of taking the time to listen to each other, to enjoy our company, to get to know and understand the people around us who make our community. But it can be so hard to fit it in. 

I am overjoyed with the early successes teachers are reporting from their Class Connect sessions and the stronger, more robust relationships that are forming among students and teachers as a result. 

Mr Trend, our Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, has been working closely with teachers and students to build our understanding of ourselves and those around us; to build health, resilience and confidence in all of our students and to identify and capitalise on their strengths. 

I encourage you to follow up with your child and find out what they have learnt about themselves and others in these early stages of the year. I'm excited to see what we can achieve moving forward. 

Centre Stage

Our first auditions for the upcoming 'Aladdin Trouble' production were held today and the participating students were amazing. I am always so proud of those who step forward and place themselves in the vulnerable position of being judged in auditions on something so personal as acting and singing. Congratulations and good luck to all of those who will audition over the next two weeks. Not everyone can be the lead in the show, but all of you can contribute to an amazing performance. 

Notices

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy (LINK).

Please take time to read our school’s collection notice, found on our website http://www.ringwoodnorthps.vic.edu.au/. We ask parents to also review the guidance (shared at parent information nights) we provide on how we use various platforms at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using these platforms, please contact the school. For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. 

Parking/dropoff reminder

A reminder to families that the section of Oban Rd directly in front of the school is a 'No Parking' area. This means that families should remain in the car while briefly dropping off or collecting their child. If you will be leaving your car, please park further along Oban Rd to avoid creating congestion.