Principal's Report

Welcome Back!

I'm sure many of you would have groaned and said 'here we go again' last Friday upon hearing the announcement that schools would again be closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  I can assure you that we all thought the same!  But in saying that, I have 100% confidence in all of the staff, students and families in the Pakenham Springs Community.  I have confidence that we can adapt and stay flexible in times where change occurs.  I have confidence that we can continue to provide high quality learning through either onsite or remote programs.  And I have confidence that we can pull together and support the mental health and well-being of each and every community member.  I thank our Springs family for your patience, understanding and support throughout these times of uncertainty.

Mission Statements

Just as we have a School Mission Statement, which sets out the fundamental purpose of our school, at the beginning of each year, we also ask each of our classrooms to construct a joint class Mission Statement which drives the learning and behaviour in the classroom throughout the year.  Take a minute to ask your child what the Mission Statement of their class is.  One example is:

In S37, we have a strong bond.  Our minds are SET FOR SUCCESS, as we strive to get the most out of our learning, by supporting each other to ACHIEVE our goals. Having a GROWTH MINDSET means we choose to take the stairs, not the elevator.  We will show RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RESILIENCE at all times. We will stay true to ourselves, as we endeavour to show GRATITUDE, EMPATHY and KINDNESS to our teachers, peers, and the wider COMMUNITY.

Keep an eye on our website over the next couple of weeks while we continue to update our Staff photos with the mission of their classroom also displayed.

The Resilience Project

It's back at Pakenham Springs this year!  Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness are the key cornerstones of Resilience, and our partnership with The Resilience Project allows us to explore these concepts with our staff, students and the wider school community.  See The Resilience Project page later in the newsletter for more information, but please book March 10th in your diary for our Parent Webinar.  More details will be distributed about this in the next couple of weeks. 

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club continues to run from 8:30am - 8:45am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Multi-Purpose Room.  Students (and families) are welcome to pop in for toast or cereal before the students head into class at 8:45am.  We thank all of our staff and volunteers for their assistance in making sure we can get a healthy breakfast to as many students as we possibly can. 

Parking

We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get a parking spot around our school - this is a headache experienced by most schools across the state!   Please be mindful of observing the road rules and parking restrictions around the boundary of our school.   We also ask that you are respectful of our neighbours when parking on the street.  

There is no entry to our school car park by parents - our spaces are only for staff and for the Kindergarten and Maternal & Child Health Centre.

Student Safety

Just a reminder that students require parental supervision if they are on school grounds before 8:30am and after 3:30pm.  Out of Hours School Care is available if parents are unable to make other care arrangements.  Please contact OshClub if you require care before or after school on any school day.

Coughs? Sore throat? Fever?

Don't bring your germs to school!  If your child is unwell, please, please, please, keep them home!  It remains more important than ever for students that are unwell to stay home.  Also please ensure your emergency contact details are current on Compass - it is a requirement that unwell children are collected as soon as possible from school.

Have a great week!

Renee Cotterell

Principal (Acting)