PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Illness and absences

We have noticed a dramatic rise in student and staff absences in the past two weeks. Thank you to those families who have kept children at home when they have been unwell. We have had a number of teachers away for various lengths of time and we have strategically made the decision to either source a replacement teacher or split the class dependent on what best enhances the learning process. For example we had up to 35 students absent in Year 5 on some days this week so splitting a year 5 class meant the students had another Year 5 PPPS teacher rather than a CRT. I ask that you trust the leadership team to make the best decision for your child. If you have any questions I am always available.   

Afterschool extension sessions 

Our specialist sessions on Wednesday night were a raging success, with close to 100 students here after school, engaging in five different extension activities. This was week one of the program that runs over the next few Wednesdays. A group of senior staff visited to see the excellent learning and were impressed by the experiences on offer.   

School Review 

I will be out of the school on four occasions this semester as I have been invited to sit on the Edgars Creek Primary school review panel as a Challenge Partner. Jenny Loorham and Julie Nixon will lead the school in my absence. With our own four year review scheduled for Term 4 2023, this opportunity will assist as a great preparation for my first review here as principal. 

New Program to support students

This week we have added an exciting program for our students at Plenty Parklands. The Numeracy Extension program will cater for students currently in Year 3 and 4 who are working 12 months ahead of the expected level. Mrs Christine Shelton is an experienced Numeracy expert and has been employed to guide these students as they tackle mathematical problems up to a Year 7 level. This new initiative has been added to a suite of support programs on offer here that includes Language Support, English as a Second Language, Junior and Senior School Tutoring and Prep Literacy Support. 

Excess furniture 

We are currently auditing the furniture at our school and have a small number of student tables that we are looking to give away as we plan to move into our new building. If any families are interested, please see Laura in the office (photo attached).

Welcome

It is with excitement that we welcome Leni Harry, newly arrived daughter of our Year 1 teacher Marni Harry into the world. Congratulations to Marni and her husband Lewi and we look forward to baby Leni visiting us soon. 

Regards,

David Whewell | Principal