Principal's Report

Ms Jennifer Roep

Return to On-site Teaching and Learning

As we approach the end of term, I am amazed how quickly the time has passed since we have had all students back on-site. Having the senior school students back for the 2 weeks prior to our Year 7-10 students was great in many ways and enabled us to refine processes and prepare for all students returning. 

Students have taken on the changes with respect and maturity and have adapted quickly to the ‘new normal.’ We had hoped that we would be able to reduce some of these restrictions but due to the changing situation in Melbourne, we will go into the holidays with the same restrictions in place at this stage. This includes all students on-site at recess and lunch, drink taps capped off and all students required to bring a drink bottle, social distancing where possible and regular hand hygiene practices.

The inclusion of an eftpos machine in the canteen has been a positive for students and the respect, understanding of the changes to the menu, ordering lunch orders and the manners of our students has been outstanding. I must thank Megan Lemon, Shareena Boyd and Janine Manning who have ensured the canteen has been able to run smoothly in Tracy Green’s absence.

The change to our uniform has been well received by students and they have adjusted well to the addition of the jacket. At times, hoodie jumpers are still raising a concern so can I please ask all families to ensure that their child/ren are not wearing these to school. If there is no other option for layering up, the hoodie MUST NOT be seen. I would also like to remind everyone that the jacket does not replace the uniform, but is a top layer. All students should be wearing their full school uniform underneath this.

76 days passed between the last day all students were on-site and the first day we had everyone back. The amount of work and learning that staff had to undertake to provide a remote teaching and learning program was substantial and I cannot thank staff enough for their commitment to the students here at Maffra SC. 

Update on Staffing for Term 3

At the end of this term we farewell Mrs. Caroline Fletcher who has taken up a secondment with the Department of Education for 2 years. Ms. Heidi Bassler will be taking on the Year 7 Year Level Leader role and Mr. David Price will be the Year 7 Assistant Team Leader.

Mrs. Lisa Manning, the Year 7 Administration Assistant is also going on Long Service Leave for Term 3 and Mrs. Leonie Regan will step into this role and oversee transition with support from Mrs. Belinda Marshall and Mrs. Cheryl Evans.

Mrs. Donna Missen who has been our Business Manager leaves us at the end of this term after 12 years of working at Maffra SC. Donna started as an integration aide before taking on a role in the front office and then becoming the Business Manager 6 years ago when Sue Gargan retired. Donna’s breadth of knowledge and wisdom in so many areas, as well as her ability to think creatively and always be solution focused has been such a strength and she will be greatly missed.

Ms. Aileen Onley has replaced Donna and started last week. Aileen is a Maffra local and has come to us with an extensive experience in a range of financial areas across a range of organisations including the Dept of Defence (RAAF) and Banking. She also has a strong understanding of school administration and management having worked in a school previously. 

We are also welcoming back Mrs. Emily Boyle as our Wellbeing Leader next term. Emily will be returning 2 days a week from maternity leave and we look forward to having her back. Mrs. Naomi Pilcher will reduce to 4 days a week once Emily returns. 

Next term we are also fortunate to have been able to appoint a Psychologist, Mrs. Megan Kenny. Megan is employed 2.5 days a week and will complement our current Wellbeing team, bringing further expertise to the team. 

Reports and End of Term Arrangements 

Reports should now be available on the Compass parent and student portal. As per previous years, students will be dismissed at 2.30pm on Friday, the last day of term. The periods will be shortened by 10 minutes each on this day and buses will be running based on the early finish timetable.

Subject and Careers Expo

Due to the ban on mass gatherings, this year the annual Careers Expo will run in an online format, using Microsoft Teams. The date of the event will be Wednesday July 29th.

More detailed information about this evening and the subject selection process can be found later in the newsletter so please save the following date and times:

The timing of the night will run as follows:

6pm – 6:45pm:  Year 8 into 9 Info Session (Domain staff attend the ‘channels’ from 6:30-6:45)

6:45pm – 7:30pm:  Year 9 into 10 Info Session (Domain staff attend the ‘channels’ from 7:15-7:30)

7:30pm – 8:15pm:  Year 10 into VCE / VCAL (Domain staff attend the ‘channels’ from 8:00-8:15)

Holidays

I would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday and hope that everyone is able to stay healthy and well.

Ms. Jennifer Roep

Principal

Ms. Jennifer Roep Principal
Ms. Jennifer Roep Principal