Principal Report

Belmore School Presentation Assembly

Last Friday morning I had the absolute pleasure to present our 2019 student achievement awards.  As Principal of Belmore School I was so proud to acknowledge and present each of our award recipients with a framed certificate outlining the reason for their achievements.  As I noted at the assembly all our students made meaningful accomplishments in their learning this year, however our award recipients achieved significant success within each of the associated curriculum domains.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our award recipients who were very worthy winners:

Christmas Raffle

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of our school community our Christmas Raffle was a wonderful success, raising the amazing total of $815.  As detailed in the flyer this money will be used to purchase a high pressure cleaner which will help to maintain the cleanliness of our grounds and facilities.  Recognition of our sponsors can be found on the Community Noticeboard.

Wombat Bend Whole School Excursion

Our whole school excursion to Wombat Bend in Templestowe was a happy occasion for all our students and a lovely way for us to join together to celebrate the end of the school year.  The weather was kind to us and thanks to the perseverance of our staff, particularly Steph and Ryan all our students were given the opportunity to experience the enjoyment the playground provided.

Staffing

I am delighted to inform you that placement of all teachers, therapists and education support staff has been finalised for 2020.

Teachers

PLC 2 - Kelly La Combre

PLC 3 - Megan Bramble

PLC 4 - Lydia Hardy

SLC 5 - Catherine Knox

SLC 7 - Amanda White

SLC 8 - Rose Ngai

Visual Arts - Hazel Murdoch

Health and Physical Education - Emily Whish-Wilson

Therapists

Physiotherapist - Stephanie Cumming

Speech Pathologist - Sarah Lippiatt and Naphia Chu

Occupational Therapist - Charmaine Viron and Naphia Chu

Music Therapist - Leo Chan

Transition Program

On Tuesday morning, all our students moved to their new classroom and worked with their 2020 teacher and classroom support ES.  There was a real buzz in the air as we all got to know each other and talk about the wonderful learning opportunities which are planned for next year.  Your child will have received a class overview with their reports on Monday, which they can use to familiarise  themselves with their new classmates, teachers and therapists over the school holidays.

Bus Drivers and Chaperones

This morning we held a special morning tea to recognise our bus drivers and chaperones who are extremely important members of the Belmore School community.  On your behalf I thanked them for the exemplary service they provide in transporting your children and our students safely between home and school each day. 

Our administration team is currently working with Mee's Bus management to finalise the 2020 bus travel times for all students.  We hope to confirm pick up and drop off times with all parents tomorrow.  In the meantime we thank you for your patience

2019 Yearbook

We hope you enjoyed our 2019 Yearbook which was sent home with your child's report on Monday.  My sincere appreciation is extended to our amazing staff whose contribution with articles and photos demonstrates the amazing range of learning programs and extra-curricula opportunities our students have engaged in over the year.

Once again the yearbook has been expertly produced by our School Council President and parent Brenton Carey with many of the beautiful photos taken by our Speech Pathologist Sarah Lippiatt. 

Thank you to our wonderful team for creating this magnificent reflection of our incredible year for our special students at our special school.

Farewells

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and farewell our staff members who are leaving us at the end of the year:

• David Markham
• Gemma Tang
• Ruth Rathjen-Duffton

On behalf of the Belmore School community I would like to thank them for their contribution to Belmore School and wish them well, in particular David who has supported our students so well in their aquatics program and Gemma and Ruth who are both expecting babies in the new year.

This afternoon we will sadly say goodbye to the following students who are graduating from Belmore School:

• Blake – SLC graduate moving to Able Australia
• Maddie – SLC graduate moving to Onemda
• Sachin – SLC graduate moving to Onemda
• Ruby - PLC graduate moving to Aquinas College

We also wish Waleed well as he returns with his family to Saudi Arabia and Angela in her move to her  new home in the Barwon region.

We know Belmore School will hold a special place in the hearts of these students and can proudly say that we have supported them to achieve their very best.

2019 Finish and 2020 Start

A final reminder that school will finish for all students at the earlier time of 12.00pm on Friday. As this day will be run as an alternate timetable, official farewells for all students and staff are being made today.  Please feel free to keep your child home on Friday if it is easier to organise care arrangements for the full day or you feel your child may be impacted by travelling home in the extreme heat of the day.

School will resume for all students on Wednesday 29 January 2020.

Thankyou

As this is the final newsletter for 2019 I would like to thank the entire school community for the wonderful year that we have had at Belmore School.  Our students, staff and parents are our greatest asset and it has been a pleasure working with you all throughout the year.  I look forward to continuing our journey in 2020 as we endeavour to build upon the achievements of our school and the standing it holds within our community.

On behalf of the Belmore School staff I would like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas, a happy new year and a safe and restful holiday.

Until we meet again in 2020, take care…Karen