Principal's Report

Welcome back to on-site learning!

After 8 long weeks of Term 2 Remote Learning, we have finally welcomed all students back on site at Pakenham Springs. It's great to see that all students have returned in such a settled manner, with positive attitudes and resilience skills being shown every day.  We are incredibly proud of the way our whole school community responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the switch to Remote Learning.  It was a huge shift in the normal routines of us all - we've all learnt new skills and managed to communicate in so many different ways.  It was lovely to see so many examples of families learning together over the period - we saw students cook with their parents, families take part in our online Friday Fitness sessions together and everyone really taking advantage of some additional quality family time together.  We thank all families for their continued support as we transition back, ensuring our school remains a safe and supportive environment for all of our community members. 

Canteen

Please note the Canteen is now back open from Tuesday - Friday each week. To minimise the handling of money, Qkr payments are preferred.  Our Monday icy-pole sales will not be available for the rest of this term.

End of Semester Reports

It's hard to believe that our regular 'Reporting Cycle' time is here again! Our teachers are currently working on semester 1 school reports  under the Department of Education and Training's adjusted expectations of Student Reports, in recognition of the transition to remote and flexible learning during Term 2.  The semester reports will look similar to previous reports but will not include teacher judgements due to the unprecedented changes to our program due to COVID-19.  This will be reported on at the end of the year.  Student reports will contain a comment regarding the achievement of students in Term 1 and a comment based on the learning provided in Term 2.  Specialist reports will also follow this same structure.  As always, we encourage all families to speak to the classroom or specialist teacher if they require clarity around any aspect of their child's learning.

Online and Social Media

Given the increased usage of Internet, chat platforms and social media channels over the Remote Learning period, it is timely to remind all parents to have a chat with their children about their rights and responsibilities while being online.  Group messages, as well as Apps like Snapchat and Instagram are widely used by young people and can very easily be used in an irresponsible, and sometimes illegal, manner.  Our Year 5 & 6 students will be exploring the legalities and the moral responsibilities of being online, during Media Arts classes for the rest of this term.  Our classroom teachers will also be educating our students about the harm that can be caused by the misuse of these platforms, as well as the support that is available if they find themselves becoming a victim of cyberbullying. The importance of calling out and reporting the bad behaviour of others online will also be emphasised, along with the importance of asking 'R U OK?' if you see someone being targeted.  If you have any concerns or queries about this, please speak to the classroom or Media Arts teachers.

Parking and School Access

We understand that the parking around our school is limited (a problem shared with many other schools!).  Please understand that the car park is for staff only and parents who have a child attending the kindergarten on that day.  The only exception for this is the disabled parking space, which may be used by cars displaying a valid disability permit. The unsafe use of the car park is a huge concern at the moment.  Please be mindful that the safety of all community members is a priority - having to walk a little further is a small inconvenience compared to compromising the safety of our staff, students and family members.  All parking sign instructions need to be followed at all times - the Parking Inspectors are out in full force at the moment!

2021 Prep Enrolments

Do you or someone you know have a child beginning Prep in 2021? Our enrolment information evening will be held on Monday 20th July from 6pm-7pm.  Enrolment packs will be distributed at this session, or they can be collected from the front office.  Please ensure you have filled in the sibling enrolment information form which is available on the school website, if this applies to your family.  If you have any questions about Prep enrolments (or enrolments in general), please contact the front office.

Good Luck Ms Baillie!

As you are aware, Ms Baillie has now commenced Maternity leave ahead of her impending arrival later this month.  While we will miss seeing Ms Baillie at The Springs every day, we do hope she finds some time to rest up and relax ahead of this busy and exciting time.  I am extremely proud to be leading Pakenham Springs in Ms Baillie's absence.  While we have already had some challenges to overcome this year, we have a great school community all ready to forge ahead in our mission to ensure all students learn the essential skills and knowledge required to become respectful and informed members of the local and global community.

Take care,

Renee Cotterell

Principal (Acting)