Principal's Report 

From the Principal...

The staff have been busy discussing student data in teams and moderating work samples to ensure our mid-year reporting information reflects an accurate picture of where your child sits against Victorian standards. The school has an assessment schedule which staff follow to capture triangulated data on each and every student. This data comes from both formal and informal assessment records, including standardized tests, observations, anecdotal records and reading comprehension information. At the mid-year interviews staff will elaborate on the mid-year reports and answer any questions that may arise.

Working Bee Update

Last Sunday, Ben Jenkinson and Jo Feather co-ordinated a highly successful working bee to address maintenance needs across the school. Ben was well organized and everyone appreciated his leadership and guidance on the day. The weather was kind which probably resulted in a better turn up. Families worked on demolishing seating in preparation for our new benches and table sets. They helped to clear gutters and rake up leaves, as well as painting and freshening up poles and the exterior of the portables. Internal jobs were ticked off as well which included attaching a large whiteboard to the Year 3 classroom space. The school appreciates the efforts of all who attended on the day and this includes the students who worked tirelessly as well. It was great to see such a rich community atmosphere. 

Building Update

Lorrie Dell and I met with the architect and the Victorian School Building Authority today to discuss power needs to each of the newly refurbished buildings. We also verified the commencement date in August and asked for a more detailed decanting outline which we could share with staff and the school community. There is a furniture grant of $10, 000 which will help fit out the new STEAM block and other learning spaces. The process is fast approaching the phase of selecting builders and allowing them to quote on the scope of works. We will keep the facilities and grounds group informed of all updates as well as filtering this to the wider community. We do have a display board in our school foyer which now shows the colour scheme and materials which will be used in our capital works project. Make sure you have a look at it when you are next in the office area.

Attitudes to School Survey

WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction and are conducting a survey to find out what your child thinks of our school. The Attitudes to School Survey is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist schools in gaining an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. Our school will use the survey results to plan programs and activities to improve your child's schooling experience.

Students from Year 4 to 6, at our school will participate in the survey. Your child will complete the survey online during school hours using a purpose built secure online survey tool.  It is important to note that we are not in any way “testing” your child. Your child has the right to refuse or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during, or after completion of the survey. Your child will be provided with a unique login to complete the survey. The student login is an assigned identifier that may be used to link data for statistical and research purposes only. All responses to the survey are kept anonymous in the response file. Personal identification data will not be recorded in the survey response file. This ensures that the confidentiality of your child’s responses is protected at all times.

This year the Attitudes to School survey will be conducted at our school over the period Monday May 27th to Friday June 7th. The survey only takes 20 minutes to complete and occurs during your child's class time. The survey results will be reported back to the school before the end of term 2. All survey data that is made available in reports are for groups of students only so that no individual student can be identified.

Our school will share a summary of the results of the survey with staff, school council and the wider community via our newsletter. Last year we used the survey results for discussion at our whole school review and to develop initiatives around student voice and agency. These initiatives are outlined in our current strategic plan and will be uploaded to our school website. If you would like more information, please speak to your child’s teacher or visit:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/management/improvement/Pages/performsurveyat.aspx

Student illnesses

With the cooler months now well upon us, the number of sick children and staff is naturally on the increase. I wish to take this opportunity to remind parents to please keep their children at home should they show symptoms of being unwell to minimize the risk of illnesses spreading.

2020 Enrolments

Any families who have children due to start school next year are reminded to please collect their enrolment forms from the office and return them as soon as possible.  The Foundation transition program is scheduled to begin in August.  

Kerri McLeod

Principal

Second Hand Uniform Stall

Second Hand Uniform Stall

There will be a Second Hand Uniform Sale on Friday 15th March 3:15pm to 3:45pm.

Cash only, please bring small denominations as limited change will be available. 

Out of School Hours Care

Jumpers during Winter

During the colder weather in term two and three, we require children to wear a jumper outside if they are not participating in sport or physical activity. Parents can exclude their children from this requirement by providing a note stating their child is not required to wear a jumper.

After School Care Activities

Thursday 30th May              Cardboard Tube Superhero

Friday 31st May                      Flour Sensory Activities

Monday 3rd  June                  Icy Pole Minons

Tuesday 4th   June                 Spin Drum

Wednesday 6th  June          Cooking

Thursday 6th June                 Weaving Ojo de Dios

Friday 7th June                        Friendship Bracelets

Monday 10th June                 Queens Birthday

Tuesday 11th June                  Peg Heads

Wednesday 12th June          Plastic Lid monsters

Winter Holiday Program

Holiday Program will be available from the 5th June. Booking forms will be available from the program in the hall, the newsletter and will be sent out on Compass.

April Kopitz

Out of School Hours Coordinator