Head of Campus 

After the isolation of 2020, and nearly a year of not being able to come together as a whole, last Friday’s Welcome Family Picnic was proof positive that support for our community is stronger than ever.

With the sun shining and the bunting billowing, our families from Kindergarten to Year 12 gathered on the front lawn of Blackhall under their year level marquees and enjoyed a relaxed Friday afternoon, reconnecting with each other over a picnic basket.

We were entertained by our talented musicians who once again could experience the joy of live music making. 

Many thanks to our year level parent reps who met and mingled with their families and made welcome new families to the School.

This annual event is important in so many ways: helps to build valuable relationships, creates a deeper sense of belonging and brings a sense of security which enables students to feel safe, welcomed and able to be free to be themselves.

If 2020 taught us anything, it is surely that together is a good place to be.

Student lateness and absences

Ideally, all students should arrive at school by 8.30am to give themselves enough time to be organised for an 8.50am start. Home Groups for Years 7-10 begin promptly at 8.50am. 

It has been good to see most students in Home Group on time, however students who arrive late must log in at the Compass Kiosk. Students new to the School don't yet have a student ID card so will need to log in at the Kiosk using their Compass password. Judy in Reception is available to support students with this process. 

We anticipate receiving the 2021 student ID cards by the end of term.

If your child is going to be absent please enter the details in advance or on the day on Compass. If you need help with this, please call Judy on 9817 6135 for assistance.

Regular attendance at school enables students to maximise their full potential and to actively participate and engage in their learning. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for ensuring the regular attendance of students. At Preshil, attendance and participation are addressed in the context of a supportive school community. - Preshil Attendance and Attendance Monitoring Policy 2021

3-Way Conferences 

The second session for these meetings is scheduled to occur via Zoom tomorrow, Thursday 18 March from 2pm - 8pm.

Bookings will remain open until 9am on the day. Once they are closed, parents will be able to access their bookings in 'read mode' only and no amendments can be made. If a meeting needs to be cancelled, please notify the teacher/s by email. If your child’s teacher is unable to make the meeting they will also notify you via email. Appointments can be rescheduled for another day.

3-Way Conferences can be accessed via the 'Community' icon (the two people) at the top of the Parent Portal home page. Once a time slot has been booked, each teacher’s Personal Zoom ID and/or Zoom Link to attend the conference can be accessed. This will be visible in the section titled ‘Location’ once you click on the appointment. If more than one parent would like to attend the conference please share the times and each teacher’s Zoom link with them.

Part-time teachers conducted 3-Way Conferences on either one of the two days. If families were unable to book a time and would like to speak to these teachers, please reach out to them to organise an alternative time.

Part-time teachers who were available on Wednesday 10 March were:

• Andrew Belegrinos
• Lewis Kingston
• Emily Nancarrow
• Ben Paddick
• Kris Vestermark

Part-time teachers available on Thursday 18 March are:

• Beth Alvarez
• Julia Madden
• Emily Nancarrow

Classes on Thursday 18 March will finish at 12.20pm. All students will be dismissed at this time.

Elevate Education

You may recall that parents of Preshil have exclusive access to Elevate Education’s Parent Webinar Series for Term 1 2021. The recent webinar was on Tech Devices - setting boundaries and promoting self-regulation with teens - and aired live on Wednesday 10 March. You can access the replay below. 

The next webinar is on Wednesday 24 March and covers Note Making Strategies – how to favour understanding over rote.You can register for that event below.

The webinar is run live online from 6pm – 7pm where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills and will conduct a live Q&A. 

Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.

1300 667 945

✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com

https://au.elevateeducation.com

https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/

If you have further questions regarding any items outlined in this newsletter or would like to provide feedback please get in touch.

Victor Toufas

Acting Head of Campus

victor.toufas@preshil.vic.edu.au