Marlborough Primary School

Principal's Report

Week 3 of term 2 already, time does go fast when you are having a good time!

MPS has continued to be an active and positive place to be this past fortnight.  At all levels, students, staff and parents are fully engaged in teaching and learning, and multiple projects around the school.  With enthusiasm, the Parents Association have been working hard behind the scenes to organise a number of fun activities for students, and even one for the parents too!  I know there are a lot of excited students getting ready for the disco next Friday.

 

On another note, I have noticed a number of students arriving late to school each day.  I appreciate that sometimes students have appointments, but beyond this, the expectation from the Department of Education is that students arrive by 9am to start the school day.  There are many important and valuable reasons why students need to attend school on time; some of these are detailed in my last article on this page. 

 

Current Management of Staff Absences at MPS, Term 2

As you may be aware, across the state of Victoria we face significant teacher shortages.  MPS, like all schools, are finding it challenging to replace staff who are absent this term.  While we have a small bank of local Casual Relief Teachers and use a teacher agency to employ others, most days of late these have exhausted their pool of staff. In the event schools are unable to replace teachers, schools develop plans to be able to cover classes internally.    

 

This term, at MPS when a teacher is un able to be replaced, one or more of the following back-up plans will be enacted.  Teachers have class split lists ready to put in place if and when required.  Split lists for the most part remain the same; students become familiar with their small group, another teacher and vice versa.  Students have been involved in class discussions about each of the plans and are aware that they may occur on any given day.   

A/ Class split across level/s, between F-2 and 3/4

B/ Class split of a level 5/6 class across level 3-6 classes

C/ Cancelation of specialist program, specialist to cover classroom teacher absence (this would be rotated to change specialist program where possible) 

D/ Where possible additional ES staff member/s may be employed to support

 

Working Bees

Over the next two weekends we have a couple working bees planned.  

  • Saturday 14 May, 2-4pm
  • Sunday 22 May, 2-4pm

We have a list of gardening and outside maintenance jobs to work through to have our grounds looking beautiful for our upcoming Open Night, and for the school in general. It would be wonderful if you have anytime available to come along and help out, even if you can only make it for an hour. Please bring along any gardening tools you may have to assist you in the work.

 

Open Night – Wednesday 25 May, 5:30-7pm

Open Night preparations are coming along nicely.  There is certainly a positive vibe in the community to have such events on again, after the past 2 years of restrictions.  To open up our doors, welcome the local and wider community with great pride to showcase not only teaching and learning, but how much students enjoy coming to MPS. 

 

I have started to work with some of our student leaders to prepare for the tours they will facilitate with potential new families to the school.  I have heard our instrumental music students practising with excitement, even seeing two level 6 brass students with their instruments out playing outside at the end of the school day earlier this week. 

 

Teachers have started to plan the Friendology activities that all students will be involved in and rotate through on the night.  Many students are looking forward to bringing their siblings, parents, grandparents to school and participate in the activities and showcase their work. 

If you haven’t already, please note this special event on your calendar.  

 

Arriving to School on Time

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD TO ARRIVE AT SCHOOL ON TIME? 

There are many benefits your child will gain from arriving on time to school and class. 

 

Did you know? The likelihood of success in learning is strongly linked to strong participation in school programs which is linked to arriving on time. It is very important for children to develop habits of arriving on time at an early age, beginning from the time they start school. 

 

Some benefits for Your Child Arriving on Time for School and Class: 

  • It makes sure that your child/ren doesn’t miss out on the important learning activities that happen early in the day when they are most alert. 
  • The morning learning activity is often reading or writing your child/ren can lose so many opportunities to learn these critical life skills. 
  • It helps your child/ren to learn about routines and commitment. 
  • It gives your/ren child time to greet their friends before class and this can reduce the possibility of disruptions in the classroom. 
  • Class disruption can make your child feel uncomfortable and can upset other children.
  • Arriving on time every day makes children feel good about themselves.

 

In the next newsletter, I will follow up with some tips and strategies that you can use at home to help those morning routines to arrive a school on time.

 

Christine Pillot

Acting Principal