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Principal’s Report

We are well and truly in the grips of an extremely busy time of the year.   At school, there are many scheduled events and happenings crammed into the last few weeks of term. 

Also, many of us have a number of family, and other, commitments which we must attend at this time of the year.   It all makes for a fun, but very hectic time! As adults, we can become even more tired than usual, but children are probably most affected.   Teachers often notice this tiredness having a huge impact in the classroom at this time of the year. 

 

I attended a seminar some time ago at which child psychologist Andrew Fuller, was the presenter. Andrew spoke in detail about the importance of getting enough sleep – for everyone.  Children of about 9 years of age, for example, need a minimum 10 hours sleep each night. This figure only very slightly decreases as children get older. I know it is difficult sometimes, but it’s really important to try to ensure that your child is sufficiently rested and ready to start school each and every day.

 

Semester Two reports:

Teachers have been assessing the students while still teaching and working with their teams to moderate the results so that there is a consistent approach in assessment. Teachers are in the middle of writing their report comments which takes a huge amount of time.  Semester Two reports will be released through Compass on Tuesday 13th December. 

 

Update Personal Information:

I would also like to give everyone another reminder that it is very important to inform the Office if there are any changes to family information such as change of address, phone numbers, emergency contacts or if a child is starting a new school in 2023, so that we can ensure the school records are updated and accurate.

 

Working Bee:

Last Thursday afternoon, our school Working Bee took place with a team of amazing volunteers of students, parents/carers, Bunnings members and staff coming together to plant and mulch the courtyard.  As a result of all the hard work the courtyard looks great. I’d also like to thank Erica for weeding our community garden- it looks amazing and ready for planting.  Watch this space!

 

Parent Helpers’ Morning Tea:

On December 7th we will be holding a Parent Helpers’ Afternoon Tea. This is to acknowledge and thank all of our wonderful parent helpers for their support for students, staff and school programs throughout the year. The morning tea is provided by staff and we encourage all parents to attend.

 

We are extremely fortunate at Moreland to have such a wonderful, hardworking group of parents who give so freely of their time to help the kids. 

 

One message I continually try to put forward is that we are all here for the children. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, they want them to be happy at school, learning and growing as people. That is what our whole staff want too!    When it is recognised that our aims and goals are basically the same, it makes for a much better relationship. Parents at Moreland Primary School show their support for the children and the school in so many ways.  Whether this be as a member of School Council, listening to students read, through fundraising efforts, responding to surveys or completing a Parent Helpers Program – they are all valued ways to participate and contribute to the school. 

 

Not all parents can make it to the school to participate in the above ways. But by listening to their children read, talking about what happened at school and showing an interest in their learning, they can contribute in perhaps the most effective way.

To all our parents – thank you once again for your support of the children and our school!

 

Bike ride to Coburg High:

On Wednesday, Costa and I had the pleasure of riding our bikes over to Coburg High School, with some of our grade 6 students, as part of the Bike Education and transition program.

It was a great day and students were able to participate in some bike education with the Year 7 students and also have a tour of the school, with Brent, the school principal.

 

We look forward to building our partnership with our neighbouring high school in 2023 and be involved in a comprehensive transition program throughout the year.

 

Victorian Principal’s Association (VPA):

Last Friday I had the pleasure of presenting at the VPA board and Annual General Meeting.  I was asked to outline my experiences and the research undertaken as the recipient of the VPA Study Award in 2020.  My research and presentation was around ‘How do we build resilience in children to promote mental health?’

 

I began working with the Positive Psychology Institute (Geelong Grammar-Corio), completing a positive psychology course, conducting an Inquiry into issues affecting young children today and how to address them. The project included a whole-school approach to promote resilience in children of primary school age in school, family and community settings. 

 

I shared this learning with other schools, linking with Student Agency, to determine how we could best help children to help themselves and to also build resilience. Student Agency was also one of the goals in our Annual Implementation Plan and our School Strategic Plan. 

 

At Moreland PS, our work has involved:-

  1. Empowering students- Authentic student voice and agency
  2. Connected students- Connected to their feelings, emotions, learning, their community and their needs.
  3. A positive culture- Creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, safe, happy and included.

Moving forward:

  • After unpacking our ATOSS data, we discovered we had children experiencing high levels of anxiety.
  • We developed a Wellbeing team and in collaboration with staff and Years 3-6 (student voice and agency), we developed a Health & WB survey.
  • We wanted to measure levels of anxiety and the levels of support required – At School and At Home.

 

We administered a Wellbeing Questionnaire.

Recognition of the role of the school environment in promoting the development of mental health and psychological resilience in children and young people is increasing worldwide. It's crucial that  schools provide a critical context in shaping children's self-esteem, self-efficacy and sense of control over their lives. 

 

A number of studies have found that factors such as school organisational structures, educational 

practices, school climate, school-family and school-community relationships, are associated with the promotion of students' critical reflection, sense of belonging and sense of being socially supported, thus in turn promoting their resilience and mental health. 

 

Some of the great things we’re currently implementing at Moreland PS include:

  • A teacher overseeing positive education 
  • We hired a mental health and WB leader
  • Introduced green chronicle entries around our school, based on our school values:  Respect, Resilience, Responsibility. 
  • SWPBS will be the overarching umbrella for Positive education philosophy and respectful relationships in 2023
  • Introduced a Positive Education/Wellbeing Curriculum team and wellbeing student leaders
  • Lifeskills- commitment for F-6
  • Mindfulness- Year 5/6 students, every day at 12.00pm
  • VU student supporting positive education- mindfulness, meeting with students regarding their anxiety.
  • Lunchtime clubs- YOGA, quiet area, meditation, chess club, running club etc
  • ON Psych- currently seeing 12 students each week
  • Wellbeing Days- students and staff 
  • Gratitude Journals F-6
  • Investigating a Therapy Dog- Dogs Connect program.

 

 

 

 

 

Maria Giordano

Principal