Principal Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Gratitude 

As we approach the end of the semester, I would like to share my personal gratitude to the whole community. In the background it has been a challenging term for our school, and all schools. This seems to be the year that the challenges of the last few years have caught up with the school system. 

Training teachers paused their courses, some teachers decided that early retirement was for them, and for some, it was a complete change of career. The amazing relief teachers who are available day in day out to support schools have become the unsung heroes for schools, when they have been available. In our school there have been some classes that have been impacted this semester with grade splits, however we have prioritised not cancelling children's specialist classes. We are grateful for your understanding when you hear you child's teacher is absent. 

The new agreement has quite rightly shone the spotlight on the hours and time teachers put in over and above what they are paid for. It has meant that we have had to move some big-ticket items to allow us to fit in with the model. My gratitude is for the way the students have adapted to a different looking week, they have taken the specialist classes and three play breaks in their stride. 

A thank you to our parents and carers who have understood the need for changes and supported us by paying for camps earlier in the year. 

A thank you to all of our staff who have embraced working more closely together to ensure the quality we offer our children has not dropped. A well-earned restful break over the winter holidays is deserved. 

Staffing

In the middle of the year, we usually see staffing changes. This one is no different. We would like to wish Mrs. Boyle all the best as she takes leave to add to her beautiful family. This has opened up a spot in 2BY. Mrs. Wilson will move into sharing this class with Mr. Younes and will work on Thursday and Friday as the class teacher. Like Mrs. Boyle, Mrs. Wilson brings a wealth of teaching experience to the classroom. We wish them both well with the changes. 

In preparation for another growing family, we will be moving our performing arts role to another teacher for Semester 2. Mrs. Warner will move into Global Studies with P-2 students on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mrs. Oakley will be returning from parental leave and taking on the performing arts role on Thursday and Friday with Grade 34 and 56 students.

After 13 years Mrs. Schilling will be closing the canteen next Thursday for the last time. I am sure there has not been a day that has gone by where she has not smiled kindly at children as they have spent their $'s at the counter on a cookie or an Icey-pole. 

Fear not! Mrs. Schilling will be taking on more days in the office area so your children will still get to see her smile. Mrs. Schilte will be taking an extra day for herself, with Mrs. Schilling increasing by two days. 

So, what about the canteen? I am pleased to share that we advertised a position and one of our parent volunteers has applied and been successful for the position. Mrs. Bremner will be the new canteen manager. The canteen will continue on a Tuesday and Thursday. We are looking froward to the next 13 years of Icey-poles from Mrs. Bremner! 

Around the school

I would also like to share a big thank you to Leigh Marriott who has been volunteering his time and working very hard to make the school look better. He has single handedly updated the quad retaining walls and made not one, but three new pathways. Everyone at RHPS appreciates your time and efforts.   

We will be updating our solar panels on Monday when we have a Curriculum Day (remember no students), to further add to our sustainable approach to our school. This will complement us moving all of our lights from expensive fluorescent to LED. 

Next Friday is an 2pm finish for all students. This is a change to the usual 1:30pm but aligns us with our new timetable.

Kind Regards, 

Craig Bradley