Principal's Page 

From Christian's desk....

Welcome 2022 Preps 

It was great to welcome our 2022 Preps onsite this week for the first of their Transition sessions. The Transition program will continue over the coming weeks prior to them meeting their teacher on Tuesday, December 7th, 12:30pm – 1:45pm.

Parent Helpers – Vaccination Certification

It has been great to hear that parent helpers are beginning to reengage in the life of the school. A reminder that all parent helpers must sign in at the Office and share their evidence of vaccination with Administration Staff.

Parent Payments (School Fees)

Today our Parent Payments letter will go out as both a hardcopy and Compass Newsfeed. You will notice that the Department’s Parent Payment Policy and letter has had some adjustments and looks a little different to previous years. 

Last night School Council President, Sian Jamison and I hosted a Parent Payments Information Session to explain the changes and the importance of families paying their full requisite.  Collectively parent contributions allow:

• The provision of individual student book packs and general classroom stationery.
• The extensive resourcing of classroom equipment, materials, digital subscriptions, and consumables that enrich learning in English, Mathematics, Science, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Indonesian, Physical Education, Sport and Digital Technologies.
• The viability of a dedicated Specialist Science program for every child, every week. This includes costs associated to Science Teachers, our reptiles, and The Farm.
• Human resourcing of atypical staff:
  • Two Student Wellbeing Officers
  • A dedicated medically trained First Aid Officer
  • Additional Learning Enhancement (Literacy Support) Staff
  • A full-time Grounds and Facilities Officer
  • Specialist Science teachers
• The ongoing maintenance and beautification of our school grounds and facilities.

Quite simply, our school is able to provide the broad and enriching educational programs to our community because of parent contributions. 

Payment can be made in Compass via ‘Course Confirmations’ not ‘Events’, alternatively, at the School Office.

Thank you in advance!

Traffic Safety

The return to school has seen some ‘near misses’ and one or two not so near hits!  Please follow the road and pedestrian safety rules, particularly 8:45 – 9:00am and 3:30 – 3:45pm. 

For mine, the best pieces of advice I have for safe movement around the school includes:

• Leaving 10 minutes earlier
• Walk, ride, or park and walk
• Be patient!

If your students need a road safety refresher after lockdown, Maroondah Council has devised a great Colouring In Page, which you can find to download on our Community News page at the end of this Newsletter.

Repeat: Placement of Staff and Students into Classes for 2022

Last week I called upon feedback from families regarding any parent information they may have regarding the formation of classes for 2022. A reminder to do so prior to tomorrow, Friday November 12th. If you have a confidential request, please email me directly at: christian.holdsworth@education.vic.gov.au

Following your communication and student input via their friendship list I encourage families to trust our school’s judgment and, like I do, value our teachers as high caliber people that care first and foremost for our children. Ultimately, it is our current class teachers, as professionals with all available information that are in the best position to place students in classes. Further, I am sure that you would understand that it is not always possible to accommodate all requests and that an important part of any student’s journey through their schooling is the development of vital life skills. This includes meeting, getting to know, and working with different personalities. 

Christian Holdsworth  -  Principal