Principal's News

One of the privileges of my role as Principal is the opportunity to visit all classrooms on a regular basis. These visits are often fairly brief, to touch base with staff and students and to get a feel for the tone of the school. In recent weeks, I have spent extended time in classrooms and I have been incredibly impressed, although not surprised, by the quality of teaching and learning that is occurring.

Classrooms are calm and orderly, with clear ‘class norms’ established and visible. It is immediately evident that teachers use a range of data and a detailed knowledge of their students to plan learning tasks that are differentiated and appropriate to the students’ needs. Learning intentions are clear and high expectations are consistently reinforced. Formal and informal discussions with teachers, illustrate their genuine and ongoing commitment to self-reflection and professional growth. Each teacher has a comprehensive performance and development plan, linked to school goals and supported by a range of professional learning experiences. I am extremely proud of our teaching staff and know that the vast majority of parent community members share this view.

We are continuing our work on the Pre Review Self Evaluation (PRSE) in preparation for our School Review in Term 4. This week we have conducted two parent forums (facilitated by members of our School Council) to assist us in identifying the strengths of our school as well as areas that could be improved. I am extremely appreciative of the School Council facilitators as well as those who attended the forums. The feedback provided will be incredibly valuable in helping to shape the future of our school.

Each year all Victorian Government schools undertake formal surveys across the three key stakeholder groups in the community – students, staff and parents. The Student Attitudes to School Survey is conducted in May for all students from Years 4, 5 and 6. The data from this survey enables us to identify cohort (gender and year level) responses in relation to a range of survey factors and domains:

Excellence in teaching and learning
Positive climate for learning
Effective teaching practice for cognitive engagement
Teacher –student relations
Learner characteristics and disposition
Social engagement
Student safety

Overall, the results from this year’s survey were extremely positive with most survey factors recording between 90% and 95% positive or neutral responses.

Our strongest scores were in:

High expectations for success &
Advocate at school

Our lowest scores was in:

Student voice and agency

In conjunction with Jen McCann and myself, class teachers will ‘unpack’ the survey results with the students as class groups, year levels and/or gender cohorts. This process will help us to understand the thinking behind student responses and what implications this has for future action.

Parents are currently completing the Parent Opinion Survey and I thank those who have already completed the survey - we have had an excellent response so far and look forward to receiving the detailed summary of results later this year.

Finally, the Staff Opinion Survey will be completed during Term 3.

It is important to acknowledge that the data collected in each of these surveys is a broad summary of responses to specific statements. The data is not ‘absolute’ – rather, it presents us with the opportunity to ask questions, acknowledge and celebrate our strengths and consider refining our practice in other areas to respond to areas of concern.

The UNSW ICAS Assessments are offered to all students from Year 2 to Year 6. These assessments are very well supported by Old Orchard families and provide an excellent opportunity for students to challenge themselves in formal test conditions in a range of subject areas. The Year 2 Science results saw some outstanding results and I congratulate the following students:

Distinction (top 11%) Connor F, Aidan Y, Amber L, Carter P
High Distinction (top 1%) Ari W

Student learning is predominantly classroom based, but is often complemented and enhanced by experiences beyond the classroom. This week we have seen a number of excursions designed to engage students, reinforce concepts and expose students to experiences that the school setting cannot provide.

On Tuesday, our Year 2 students visited the Gould League Sustainability Education Centre. On Wednesday, our Year 6 students visited Blackburn High School for a lesson in their Science Laboratory. On Thursday, our Year 5 and 6 Sports Academy students enjoyed a visit to Monash University where they experienced some of the amazing facilities on offer. Thank-you to the staff and parent helpers who made these experiences possible for our students.

Closer to home, our Prep students celebrated their 100th day of Prep with a range of special activities, balloons, party food and the opportunity to bring their own example of ‘100’. (Only another 2500 or so days until they finish Year 12!)

Thank-you to the Year 3 and 4 staff who conducted the Camp Information session on Tuesday, presenting to a high number of parents. School camps are an integral part of the Old Orchard program and we understand that for some students and parents, there will be some anxiety (particularly for the Year 3 camp, as it is often the first time these children will have been away for longer than one night) and the Information Session is an important opportunity for parents to allay any fears or concerns they may have.

Have a great day everyone.

Warm regards

Duncan