Principal's Report

Principal’s Report 14th October

Welcome to term 4 everyone and what a busy start it has been. I was on leave for the first week of the term, touring Portugal and Spain. It was a wonderful trip. It’s one that I had planned just as COVID hit and so it was wonderful to finally be able to travel overseas again. I love the experience of travel, experiencing and learning about other cultures. Whilst I was away, of course, our more than capable Assistant Principal team, kept the place running smoothly and I thank them for the amazing work that they do.

Prep Transitions

Currently, prep transition activities are going on in our school, in readiness for 2023. We have developed a new system of transition this year, in response to parent feedback. We are keen to know how this is working for families and children and would welcome any feedback on the new process.

School Promotional Photography

Soon, we will be having a professional photographer come to the school to take promotional photography for us. Notification will be sent to parents soon and, only students who have permission will be photographed. The photographs will be used in promotion, enrolment information, etc and may appear in local newspapers or other publications, as well as banners and signs around the school.

Classes for 2023

Already, there have been parents making enquiries as to which teachers will be in what grades or roles next year so that they can make requests for particular teachers. Please know that it is my firm policy NOT to take requests for particular teachers. Certainly, there are a very small number of children who may have particular social or academic needs and these will be considered when deciding on grade placements. These requests should be submitted to me in writing when we are allocating children to grades. 

Please also note that we do not have confirmed grade allocations for teachers until at least early December so don’t start asking teachers which grade they’ll have next year. They probably won’t know and are not allowed to tell you anyway! Factors such as the employment of new teachers, mean that there may even be uncertainties about grade allocations during the Christmas holidays. 

The placement of children in grades is a complex task, taking into account the academic and social characteristics of each child, friendship groups, grade arrangements and special circumstances. A change of grade after they have been allocated is normally difficult and rarely accommodated. Please understand that allocations are arranged with the best interests of each child in mind. This may or may not coincide with your personal preferences as a parent.

New Sensory Garden

I know many of you will already have noticed the new sensory garden in the space between the portable and the main building, outside the science room. This is a project that has been in the planning for some years, and it has been great to finally have the funds to proceed with the project. 

Phase one of the project was completed during the recent school holidays and phase two will be completed in the upcoming holidays. The project provides a quiet, natural space for children to enjoy the smells and sounds of the garden area. There is a small performance stage and natural seating and a herb garden adjacent to our new kitchen. 

I know that our children will treat the area with respect and use it as a place of refuge, reflection, mindfulness and quiet conversation.

Greg Lacey

Principal