From the Principal

Dear Parents & Carers

Welcome back to the beginning of another school term. I hope you were able to spend some quality time with your children and family. I have been chatting with some of the children whilst on yard duty and they seem to have enjoyed the break. It was wonderful to see them come back into the school last Monday morning with enthusiasm and smiles, ready to see their classmates and teachers and get back into learning for another term.

A reminder to parents that our first bell rings in the morning at 8:45 am. All students should be at school well before this time, ready to begin the day as our gates open at 8:30 am. Being punctual is an asset that will be needed in all walks of life and a habit that will stand children in good stead for life. Whilst at school we can emphasise and support families in teaching this habit to children, it is parents who have to take responsibility for making sure children know, understand and develop the habits related to being punctual. The best way to do that is to model being punctual on a daily basis.

Apart from the many learning experiences planned for our students this term, we have three important learning experiences for our parents this term. Remember, learning is not a spectator sport.

Week 5 Michael Ymer ( Maths) Thursday 16 August 6:30pm

Michael is an enthusiastic and entertaining presenter who has a clear and practical approach to the challenges that confront schools and parents in mathematics. On this evening Michael will address the following:

What is my child learning in mathematics?
How can I help my child become an efficient problem solver?
How do children best learn mathematics?
How can parents promote quality thinking and learning?
How can I help my child in mathematics

Week 6 David Vinegrade Tuesday 21 August 6:30pm

Many of us enjoyed David's engaging workshop on behaviour management and restorative practices last year. This year he will be talking to us about homework. He will engage us in some lively discussions through his work shop. Discussion about home learning, who is responsible, what is important and what current research says about homework. Come listen and share your opinion.

Week 7 Body Safe presentation Tuesday 28 August 6pm

We have engaged Body Safety Australia to provide their Body Safety Superstars program to our families. Body Safety Australia will be running an interactive two hour parent/carer workshop that will cover:

Ten key areas of body safety including consent, assertive communication and identifying trusted adults
Supporting at-risk children, including self-care
Frequently asked questions about body safety and protective behaviours education

A message to the community from Lucy N (5C):

Dear parents, QoP students and staff,

You may remember that I wrote a letter to VicRoads and some Members of Parliament regarding some road safety issues at a school crossing on the corner of Queen St & Victoria St. I also created a petition for students, staff and parents to sign, and I wanted to say it went very well and I wanted to give you an update.

I have received a letter from the Hon. Luke Donnellan (Minister for Roads and Road Safety) and he said that VicRoads will arrange to meet with Hobsons Bay City Council and Mr Gibbons to discuss my concerns and what can be done to improve safety at the crossing. In the meantime, he said that VicRoads will improve the signs in the area that warn motorists of the school crossing. He also told me that improving road safety is a very important issue for our community.

Thank you to all who helped by signing my petition to help make a difference in the community.

Finally, on behalf of staff and students, I would like to congratulate Loren O'Toole (6A teacher) and Fletcher Jubb on their recent wedding.

Darren Gibbons

Principal