Principal's Report
Security Cameras
As mentioned previously in the newsletter, our school will be installing security cameras. They are scheduled to be done this weekend.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Our staff had a great time serving approximately 450 people at our recent Mother's Day breakfast. Although it was a chilly morning, the sun was shining and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We will run the same event for Father’s Day later this year.
I would like to acknowledge all of the work that our Parent Club and Mrs Leed put into the Mothers’ Day gift this year.
Education Week
As part of our Education Week celebration, we would love to see lots of parent/carers and family members visit their child’s classroom from 2.15pm. It might also be a good opportunity to stick around and watch our whole-school assembly at 3.00pm. I hope to see you then!
Prospective Prep Parent Information Evening
Last night's information evening provided parents of children beginning school in 2024 with an understanding of Spring Gully Primary School and all that we have to offer. We included information about how you can become part of our school community and how you can be involved in your child’s education. It was also an opportunity to meet current Prep teachers and Mr Parkes.
For those families that were not able to attend, they will find a copy of the presentation on our website.
2024 Prep Dates
The dates and activities below relate to our 2024 Prep intake. Prospective Prep parents are encouraged to partake in these activities.
Information Evening for 2023 Confirmed Prep Parents
Wednesday, 15th November – 6.30pm to7.30pm
Orientation Program Dates for 2024 Preps
Tuesday, 21st November – 9.00am-10.00am
Tuesday, 28th November – 9.00am-10.00am
Tuesday, 5th December – 9.00am-10.00am
Tuesday, 12th December – 9.00am-11.30pm
Whole School Open Morning
We had an open morning for prospective parents this morning. This is a good way for prospective parents to see what a normal morning looks like at our school. Our school leaders supported this event by being provided with the opportunity to conduct school tours. They all did an awesome job!
Remembering Stevo
Last week marked the 4th anniversary of the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mr Mark ‘Stevo’ Stevens.
Stevo was an amazing teacher, who’s passion and enthusiasm for his students was infectious. Stevo had a lasting impression on everyone he met, and not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded of his amazing impact on our school.
Our staff recently gathered together once again to relive some of our favourite memories of Mark. My heartfelt thoughts, and those of our staff, were with Lauren, Pearl, Frankie, and their extended families, during this time.
For those who aren't aware, our school motto of 'Be Awesome' was inspired by Mark. Mark could always be overheard telling the children to Be Awesome, and if any replied that they already were, he would simply rely with, 'Just be more awesome then'.
Reports and Interviews
As usual, staff will dedicate numerous hours into compiling Student Reports over the coming weeks. We encourage families to view Learning Tasks and Student Reports as a complete reporting package each semester. Reports will be released to families via Compass on Thursday, 22nd June. Hard copies are available only upon request.
We will again be providing a formal opportunity for parents to discuss the progress of their child/children at Parent-Teacher Interviews. These interviews are likely to be held in the second week of Term 3. More details will be available soon.
Mid-Year Student Reports and Student Absences / Late Arrivals
As absences are included in Student Reports, parents are asked to verify any outstanding unexplained absences/late arrivals.
Curriculum Day - Wednesday 24 May
Wednesday is a pupil free day. Camp Australia will be operating for those families that require care on this day.
School Council Summary
Our May School Council meeting was held on Monday. Many items were discussed and/or ratified, including:
Education Week
Details of our Education Week activities were shared with School Council.
2023 Government Schools Principals Conference
I will be attending the Principal Conference on Monday 5 June.
Staffing News
Taylah Collins and Tayla Spedding were successful in securing the two Education Support positions that were advertised at the end of last term.
Sonia is continuing her LSL and is scheduled to return on Wednesday 7 June.
Mother’s Day Breakfast/Gift
The Mother's Day breakfast was a big success and the support of staff was greatly appreciated. The Mother's Day gift was possible due to the great work of Mrs Leed and Parent Club.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Our school was recently invited to participate in a PLC Coaching program. We had our first session last week and will have another session on Friday 29 May. To find out more about the function of PLCs, please visit:
School Review
I am currently part of the team that is conducting the School Review at Buninyong Primary School. This is a commitment of 5 days over the next few weeks. Buninyong has approximately 680 students, with a reasonably similar student profile to us.
Our next School Review has been confirmed for Term 3, 2024.
Be Awesome Day 2023
We spoke about making our annual Be Awesome Day bigger and better this year, by inviting our parents, carers and families along. More details will be shared about this later in the year.