From the Principal

Building and Grounds

We are delighted to report that progress is finally happening with the Astro turf and sensory play areas. The P&F and VSBA are currently in negotiations to ensure both projects are on track and started as soon as possible. The VSBA have assigned a contact to the school to evaluate and cost both the drainage and the new astro turf. There will be a push to have these works underway and completed by the start of the new year.

Korean Visitors and Performance

We welcomed a delegation of educators from Korea last week. These visitors requested a tour as they view our school as leading the way with language and cultural programs, specifically our Korean educational program.

We enjoyed a highly successful Korean showcase highlighting a variety of Korean cultural performances. The showcase was created, choreographed and directed by Ms Parks, and was performed by students from each year level. I thank Ms Park for her dedication to our Korean Program and our students who participated. It was an incredible show!

STEAM Showcase

What a fabulous STEAM showcase we held this week! The Year 5 students all enjoyed sharing their interactive presentations. It was such a buzz seeing so many students and staff engaging with the wide array of activities on offer. I thank Ms. Markou and students for their efforts in making this showcase happen and for the depth and understanding associated with earth / space sciences. All year levels took something away with them!

Parent Opinion Survey

WE WANT OUR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS & GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

The department is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. This is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement.

We encourage families to participate in this survey (which will take around 20 minutes). Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

On Monday, a newsfeed item will be posted to provide families with a PIN and the website to access the survey between Monday 21 August and Friday 8 September.

Even though life is busy, we value your time in providing your feedback to our school.

Pupil Free Day

School Council has approved the following pupil free days for the remainder of 2023:

Monday 6 November 6th before Cup Day.

Time in Lieu

We all know that teachers work many hours over and above their scheduled working week, but over time - we have held or will be holding an increasing number of school events after hours for the convenience of our working parents. For example, soirees, parent-teacher interviews, curriculum showcases, student- led conferences etc. With the latest agreement, schools now have two options when planning extra-curricular events: they either re-arrange the events to occur within the teachers’ working hours (between 8:45am and 4:45pm) or the teacher must be given ‘time in lieu’. We are all endeavouring to maintain a better work-life balance, so for our teachers, this new agreement remains timely.

Key Dates

Year 6 Camp – Wednesday 6th September

Staff Attending:

Gregg W
Amy J
Nikki L
Greg (ES Support Officer)
Sharelle (ES plus Swim Instructor)
Tim A
Kerri McL (Principal Class)

The school is also looking forward to the following events which create a huge buzz at this time of the year. Our Book Week Parade, Father’s Day coffee van and open morning, student led conferences and the Year 3 & 4 Soiree.

Orientation for 2024 Foundation Students

We will commence our 2024 Foundation Orientation sessions next week. If you have a child turning 5 by April 30, 2024, please complete an enrolment form and supply a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunisation record and we will process the enrolment immediately. These documents can be emailed or posted to the school. It helps us enormously with planning, if we have a clear indication of enrolments as early as possible.

Kerri McLeod

Principal