Acting Principal's News

As we head into November and begin the end of year reporting, class structure and staffing planning for 2023, I thought it was a great opportunity to reflect on some of the successes of 2022.  Our experienced Literacy and Maths Specialists have been working throughout the school this year, coaching teachers and providing modelled sessions as well as critical feedback, to build teacher capacity in key curriculum areas.  They also lead the curriculum Professional Learning Communities, attended by all teachers and office staff where English, Maths/ICT and Wellbeing/Humanities undertake focussed work, to improve teacher knowledge and the student experience and attainment of skills.  This work is all supported by the Lead Teacher, with timetabled visits to classes to model lessons and discuss learning with both students and teachers alike. 

Maths tutors have worked across the school this year, allowing for 61 students to have additional support in addition to their classroom programs.  This has also allowed for coaching opportunities with newer staff, providing time for rich conversations about planning, goal setting and devising purposeful learning tasks.  Teaching staff have ensured that tasks are planned for extension and enabling opportunities, to allow for point of need instruction in the classroom.  The school took out 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the Solar Power Challenge catering for extension learners. 

Extensive time has been devoted to professional learning through a comprehensively developed meeting schedule.  Student Wellbeing has been managed by the Assistant Principal, with ‘at risk’ students being catered for through counselling, private therapies and contact with family supports for additional interventions where appropriate.  Calmer Beginnings has operated in the mornings and lunchtime social clubs have been run by the students and staff, building our team experience and sense of belonging at school.  In addition to these programs, we have a number of opportunities whereby students have a voice in what is being considered for our school.  This is canvased by: the Junior School Council representatives F-6, Environment Leaders in Year 4, Waste Warriors F-6, House Captains Y6, class meetings, circle time and lunchtime social clubs. 

I would like to thank the families who completed the online Parent and Carer Opinion survey.  Unfortunately the results of the survey have not been released as yet.  As a school community, we are looking forward to the Colour Run on Thursday November the 10th. Families are encouraged to attend and are reminded to provide a white T-shirt to the class teacher prior to the event so their child can participate in the run.  A schedule of the event will be published closer.  Hopefully, you may be able to join in the fun of the day!  All funds raised over the next 18 months will be put towards a new cricket pitch and an electronic digital school sign.

The Leadership Team is currently developing the class structure profile for 2023.  If you have a particular placement request, please have a conversation with your child’s teacher during November.  Many hours are spent in trying to ensure that there is an even balance in classes each year.  The classroom teacher knows your child well and will ensure that they have planned for your child to have an optimal learning opportunity in 2023.

Car Parking

A reminder to all parents around the school to slow down and drive carefully so we don’t have any accidents.  The parking conditions vary in different locations.  If you are parking anywhere around the school please make sure you read the warning signs carefully to avoid a ticket.

Cup Day Tue 2nd

Children will not be required at school on Tuesday 2nd November. 

Swimming Term 4

Thank you to Mrs Robinson for running the swimming program for Year Foundation - 4. Water safety is a responsibility for us all to take seriously.

Year 3 and 5 Camp 

The Year 3 and 5 children have had a terrific time on their respective camps.  Year 3s went off to Woorabinda near Morwell.  Thank you to Ms Savva, Mrs Kerr, Mrs Beaton, Miss Humphris, Miss Crawford, Mrs A and Mr Crebbin for attending.  Year 5s headed off to Golden Valleys Lodge in Flinders from Wed to Friday where they enjoyed activities including the giant rope swing, flying fox, archery and night hikes.  The highlight was the Tree Surfing up on Arthur’s Seat.  Thank you to Ms Doutch, Miss Judge, Mr Hughes, Miss Morrow and Ms Harvie for attending.

A huge virtual hug to all our teachers for their time and efforts spent in supervising our students in exchange for their own family time. Please take the time to show your appreciation.

Division and Regional Athletics

Well done to our team of 17 athletes who competed last Monday in Regional athletics.  It is an exceptional effort just to make it. They did us proud with their efforts on the day. 

Foundation Meet Your Buddy

We had our 2023 Foundation children meet their Year 6 Buddies for 2023 on Wednesday. There was much excitement amongst all the children.  This program gives the Year 6 children extra responsibility particularly at the start of next year when helping the young ones settle into school.  The relationships that are formed are very special to both groups of children.  It also gives the Foundation children someone they can trust and go to in a time of need.  The smiles on both sets of children (and adults) said it all!

Attendance/Punctuality

“It’s not okay to be away!” Every minute counts!  When students stay away from school their learning and friendships are affected.  When children arrive late, they interrupt the learning of other students as well as valuable teaching time. We really look forward to the support of our families in ensuring our students absolutely maximise their educational possibilities by being here ON TIME, EVERY TIME. 

All children must be signed into school by an adult at the main office and obtain a “Late Pass” to avoid an “unexplained absence” sms from the school.

Your commitment to and interest in your child’s education is absolutely vital to their success at school. 

School Works

Currently the refurbishment of the bathroom facilities is under the tender process and we await further advice from the Victorian Schools Building Authority to inform us of the timeline for the works. We are keen for that email!

Sun Smart Uniform

As we are a sun smart school Term 4 all children require their hats whilst outside.  If your child has lost their hat please make sure that it is either found or replaced through the Primary School Wear uniform shop.  Any children without an approved school hat will be directed to a shaded area during recess and lunchtimes.  Children also need to be wearing an approved school uniform to school as per the school uniform policy. 

Enrolments 2023

If you know of anyone whose child is coming to our school next year, we need to have their enrolment NOW.  We are starting to look at grade structures and staffing for next year and it is vital that we are as accurate as possible when it comes to projected numbers.  If you know your child will not be returning to us next year (apart from our Year 6s), please let us know as soon as possible. It’s amazing what a difference a couple of children here or there can make to our numbers.

Kind regards

Leisel Ward

Acting Principal