Principal's Report
Term 4
What a fantastic community event our Celebration Concert was last Wednesday!
We were fortunate with the weather, a cool sunny evening to enjoy the well-rehearsed items from all the classes, choirs, instrumental groups and the staff. The talent in our children and teachers is amazing: they select music, choreograph the movements, encourage the children, play instruments and sing, putting together a great night's entertainment.
Thank you once again to our head maestro, Ms Jenn Darling.
2019 Community Spirit and Leadership Award
Each year a Community Spirit and Leadership Award is presented to one student from each school in the Hotham electorate (Federal). These awards recognise the achievements of students throughout the year, as well as leadership they have shown within their school and broader communities.
Kayla Morgan was Valkstone's recipient for 2019. Kayla is a community-minded student who, during her time at Valkstone, has led many initiatives and events that aim to better our school. She has been very active in her role as School Captain.
Classes, teachers and programs 2020
Principal - Mrs Marilyn Koolstra Assistant Principal - Mrs Angela Dawson
Prep - Miss Ali Brewster, Ms Ali Dodd, Miss Ally Goulding & Ms Alyce Milkins.
Year 1 - Mrs Erin Goodman, Ms Kate Housden, Mrs Robyn Howard/Mrs Kate Smith &
Mrs Bernadette Shepherd.
Year 2 - Mrs Rachel Joyce, Miss Chrissy Lauriola, Miss Katrina Patogiannis & Mrs Glenda Smith.
Year 3 - Mrs Maria Flaherty, Miss Tash Maskell, Miss Brit Meyerowitz & Mr Luke Rundell-Gordon.
Year 4 - Miss Sandra Ferguson, Mrs Kylie Kidd, Miss Hannah Southin & Mr Matt Ware.
Year 5 - Miss Jo Fiddler, Miss Hannah King, Mr Paul Maczohan & Mr Tom Paturzo.
Year 6 - Mr Marty Berridge, Miss Cara James, Miss Kate Newey & Ms Sarah Paletu'a
English Support P - 2 Mrs Blandy Maths Support P - 2 Mrs Heidi Amos
Year 3 Support Miss Mel Kemper Year 4 Support Mrs Heather Venn
Years 5 - 6 Support Mrs Julie Kilpatrick EAL - Mrs Jan Goodwin
Art - Ms Jen Kaucic, Mrs Julie Chester & Miss Meredith Armstrong
Music - Ms Jenn Darling & Miss Steph McDonald
Physical Education and Sport - Mrs Kate Walker & Mrs Kate Savigny
LOTE - Japanese - Chiho Muldeary sensei & Steph McDonald sensei
ICT / Multi Media - Mr Ian Bahn, Mrs Kate Savigny & Mr Zach McMahon
Library Technician - Mrs Janet Moriarty IT Support - John Davis
Office Administration - Mrs Julie Caswell: Business Manager, Mrs Leanne Scott,
Ms Mary Ann Farren & Mrs Shona Elford (First Aid)
Education Support Staff - Mrs Sue Green, Mrs Karen Jones, Miss Diane Moncrief, Mrs Irene Griff,
Mrs Noura Atluri, Mrs Michelle Waudley
Grounds & Maintenance - Mr Peter Caswell
Essential Items and Voluntary Contributions 2020
Valkstone School Council has endorsed the following parent payments for 2020:
Essential Items (books, stationery) - $295 per student
Voluntary Contributions - Library $62 ICT $82 Building Fund $102
Families will be invoiced in Term 1, 2020.
Mobile Phones Policy
The Department of Education has mandated that schools have a policy and secure storage facilities for students who bring mobile phones and devices to school. School Council has ratified the Valkstone Mobile Phones Policy. We are in the process of discussing its implementation at a practical level and procuring secure storage units. The policy will be available on our new website. Students will be informed of the expectations and practices and families will be informed through the website, newsletter and Compass.
From the start of the 2020 school year, children who bring mobile phones or digital devices such as smart watches to school will be required to store them in a secure storage unit provided in classrooms.
And to conclude......
As the school year comes to an end, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful festive season.
May you enjoy family time. Relax and have fun.
Thank you for your support and encouragement through 2019.
On behalf of the Valkstone Staff, I wish you happy holidays and a safe return in 2020.