Principal's Report
From the Principal...
The start of the year continues to be a smooth and well organised transition for students to their new teachers and new classrooms. As I walk around the school, I witness a true sense of calm and connectedness as children forge new friendships, consolidate the new routines and expectations for their level and location in the school. Families are reminded to have their students at the school early so the children can meet up with friends and navigate the new landscape. They should be in class settled and ready to begin learning by the 9:00am bell.
Building Update
The introduction of capital works has certainly been on our mind as leadership and the staff plan for building procedures to commence in 2019. We are excited by new learning spaces that are far more flexible and accommodating of individual student needs. We appreciate the effort and time of our key architect – Francesca as she carefully considers a staged approach to these works with minimal disruption to classes. The transformation to the school will be staged and the decanting of learning spaces is a high priority in terms of minimal disruptions to student learning and play space.
School Review Information
Today is our whole school review validation day which means the school review panel comprising the Reviewer – Mandy Dunn, Principal, Assistant Principal, Learning Specialist, two challenge partners – Principal of Caulfield Junior College, Principal of Westall PS & the School Council President reviewed the data from the school both academic and perception data. The day was around evaluating achievement and outcomes from the last strategic plan and then setting goals and direction for the next four years. I need to thank the panel members and a core group of students and staff for their input today. The terms of reference were developed based on feedback and information provided by many focus groups.
Notice of Election and Call for Nominations - School Council
We are currently seeking interest for community members to join our school council from March onward. We have a number of long serving representatives stepping away as their children prepare to transition to secondary school. The school council is a highly regarded group of parents and staff who work on many aspects of school governance and accountability. The biggest discussion items of late have been the school review and our capital building project. The council members are also involved in a number of subcommittees such as buildings and grounds, finance, education and our wonderful Parents and Friend’s association.
A reminder of the P&F AGM on March 5th at 7:30pm, please see the P&F section of the newsletter for more information.
Parents wishing to nominate or be nominated for school council are asked to complete the forms attached below and return them to the front office by Friday 8th March. Forms will also be available at the front office and on Compass.
Highlights to Date
The school year has commenced with many extracurricular activities scheduled to assist with students getting to know each other and to experience learning opportunities outside the classroom. This includes Year 5 camp, the Year 6 Life Saving Swimming Program & Year 3 excursion to the Melbourne Museum. The Year 6 students have competed in Interschool sporting events and the Year 5 students continue to train and compete in school based sporting competitions. In 2019, we are trying to promote maximum participation in all extracurricular activities. With larger numbers of students in our senior years, the school is developing a strategy to ensure all students benefit and participate in important events.
I was delighted with the turn out to the ‘Welcome Evening’ last Friday. I want to thank Rachel Marsden and her team for their organisation and planning. The food was sensational and the children loved the outdoor disco. As I walked around, I noticed former families introducing themselves to new parents and students playing together from all age groups. Staff were there introducing themselves and members of school council were visible and enjoying themselves at this wonderful event. I truly believe last Friday set the tone for our school community and unknowingly highlighted all of our school values. I look forward to many more of these social opportunities throughout the year.
Learning and Teaching Update
The staff have been busy settling children in to their new classes and there has been comprehensive handover between teachers and ES staff. The information evenings provided families with an overview of level expectations and events and the ‘You Tell Us’ sessions were an ideal time for families and carers to share information with the school. A number of assessments will occur in these early days of Term One to identify your child/ children’s point of learning need and across the school the staff will be differentiating the learning to best challenge them. I want to thank the staff for their dedication to all students at OPS and for their time after school to meet and connect with the wider community. We work and learn in collaboration at Ormond PS and I truly believe in the saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.
Kerri McLeod
Principal
Out Of School Hours Care
After School Care Activities
Thurs 21st February Pom Pom Creatures
Friday 22nd February Cooking
Mon 25th February Cardboard Animals
Tues 26th February Juggling Balls
Wed 27th February Cooking
Thurs 28th February Spinners
Friday 1st March Cooking
Mon 4th March Life Size Self Portrait
Tues 5th March Tube Animals
Wed 6th March Vortex
April Kopitz
Out of School Hours Coordinator