Principal's Report

Jack Frost is about! 

He's after our fingers and toes; 

And all through the night,

 The gay little sprite Is working where nobody knows. 

He'll climb each tree, 

So nimble is he, 

His silvery powder he'll shake. 

To windows he'll creep, 

And while we're asleep, 

Such wonderful pictures he'll make.

By Gabriel Setoun

Sovereign Hill

Today, our Year 5 and 6 students have experienced the magic and adventure of the Gold Rush era at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. The students enjoyed immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the 1850’s and the gold rush days. The experiences were indoor, outdoor above ground and below ground.

The weather was perfect after a very frosty start, and our students took full advantage of all the activities available to them. The gold panning proved to be a popular choice. Thank you to the staff and the parents who ensured the day ran smoothly and was such a great success. 

Aerobics

Our Aerobics Team competed in the FISAF Victorian Championships on Saturday. Congratulations to all our teams, they did a fantastic job with their routines. This success has only been achieved by hard work and showing great resilience. All teams received a medal and are now looking forward to competing in the FISAF National Championships at the Gold Coast on Saturday 9th September. Go Syndal!

School Review

In Term 4 we will be having our school review. Every four years, schools are reviewed to make sure they are meeting the standards and other requirements for registration. This process enables us to review the work undertaken in the last four years and to set our future direction. 

‘The school review helps a school community by identifying goals and targets to improve student outcomes in the school’s next four-year Strategic Plan. The school review model is designed to reflect the significance of review outcomes for school leadership, professional practice, curriculum content, student voice, and school culture. The school review model supports each school to differentiate its improvement journey by building on its current strengths and assisting it to respond to its challenges.’ (Department of Education)

The core work to be completed before the review is to prepare a Pre-review Self-evaluation (PRSE). When conducting the PRSE, it is critical that all members of the school community including students are provided with opportunities to contribute, be made aware of the findings, and the actions that follow. Over this term, opportunities to contribute to this important process will be made available to gain your valuable input, so please take up the opportunity to contribute.

The outcomes of the school review will then form our new four-year Strategic Plan.

NAPLAN Results 2023

We are delighted with the 2023 NAPLAN results for our students. Individual student results were sent out earlier this week to families. The results have confirmed the ongoing intensive work the teachers and students are doing in the areas of Reading, Writing and Numeracy is working.

2024 Foundation Enrolments

We are continuing with our popular school tours this term so if you know of anyone in our community considering enrolling for 2024, encourage them to make an appointment to come in for a tour or collect an enrolment pack from the office or online https://www.syndalsp.vic.edu.au/page/171/Enrolments.

Applications need to be submitted by tomorrow the 28th July 2023.

Keep for Home

These empty plastic cylinders are becoming an environmental problem around the school ground, so students will no longer be able to bring them to school. I will be talking to the students at assembly on Monday and the teachers will also be reinforcing the message in the classroom. Thank you for your anticipated support with this.

Working Bee

Finally, if you could please save the following date as we will be having our first working bee in a long time on Sunday 3rd September 2023 from 9-11am.  The main purpose of the working bee is to move and spread softfall under the play equipment. A reminder will be sent out closer to the day with more details.

Have a great fortnight!

Helen