Principal's Report 

From the Principal...

The pace has certainly kicked in as we race to the end of the school year. I am very aware of the hours staff have spent assessing students, writing reports and preparing class lists for next year. I am eternally grateful for their knowledge and insight in to what best meets the needs of the students in our care. Friday this week is the final day we can accommodate any requests for 2019 as the process of creating new grades is carefully considered and often time consuming. Please email ormond.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au or Kerri McLeod

 

The school considers both academic needs, as well as social and emotional developmental needs. Teaching teams are created based on a spread of experience levels, skills and strengths across the staff. In 2019, we welcome three new enthusiastic staff members who have already visited the school and will definitely be present at our whole school transition session on December 11th.  Jack Capicchiano, Laura Cecil and Simon Brown will be terrific assets to the new teaching profile of Ormond PS.

 

Building Update

The reality of building works has certainly been on our mind as leadership and the staff plan for 2019. We are excited by new learning spaces that are far more flexible and accommodating of individual student needs. We appreciate the effort and time of our key architect – Francesca as she carefully considers a staged approach to these works with minimal disruption to classes. The transformation to the school will be incredible and clearly evident to past families and our new families showing interest in 2020. At times the engineering and structural lingo goes way beyond my comprehension but when it comes down to the vision and expectations for student learning spaces, the school has had significant input and our direction is encouraged and well received.

 

2019 - Planning

We are currently completing the school review self-evaluation which has thankfully linked in well with our assessment of our annual implementation plan for the school and how well we have addressed targets and goals. The school is in a great position for 2019 with 60 new foundation students commencing which allows us to create three small classes. It was terrific watching the 2019 Foundation students ease in to the latest transition activities with less anxiety and with an enormous sense of excitement and anticipation.

 

Our enrolment trend data appears really stable for 2019 and we also welcome our international students who join us throughout the year. Class placements for next year have been tricky but the school has allocated grades to certain areas based on inclusiveness and accessibility.

 

In an ideal situation, the school would always keep closely linked cohorts together in one area of the school but again building works and other factors have not allowed for this in 2019. I do ask parents and families to understand and respect decisions made by leadership and school council at this time and of course I am available to discuss any issues or concerns if you need further clarification.

 

Transition

Successful transition and settling students in to new classes and teachers is paramount for the school. We have a very strong values, wellbeing and mindfulness focus across the school which will have a huge impact on transitioning students to new levels. The whole school transition days and opportunities to meet their new teacher are all part of the settling in process. As a smaller school in the Ormond community we have an advantage of students knowing and connecting with staff prior to working with them.

 

Yard duty, first aid, camps, excursions, sporting and fundraising events are where students from across the school connect with all staff. My teaching team and support staff are very excited about the journey ahead and 2019 promises to be the year of positive change and transformation for our wonderful school. Student voice and agency will be encouraged and instrumental in this cultural and symbolic change to the school!

 

 

Outstanding Absences requiring Parent Approval for Semester Reports

So that the most accurate data can be uploaded into your child's Semester 2 Reports, could all parents please ensure that they approve any outstanding absences for their child on Compass by Wednesday 12th December 2018.

 

Thank you so much to Kylie Cockle and Ben Clarke and all families who participated in the working bee on the 17th November. It was a tremendous turnout and the school was looking fabulous at the start of the week. We were able to achieve all of the following:

  • Spreading mulch under our play equipment
  • Filling up our sand pit with sand
  • Clearing drains
  • Raking leaves around the entire school especially those near the school boundaries
  • Sweeping and Clearing
  • Pruning of plants near fence lines
  • General clean of the art room and bench areas
  • Removing dirt and cobwebs from the exterior of portables
  • Refreshing outdoor display space and communication boards
  • Student helpers sorted art resources, served sausages and drinks and helped with all the jobs listed above

The facilities and grounds team are now looking in to new external seating to beautify the outdoor environment and to create more passive play spaces for students at Ormond PS.

 

Gallery: Some wonderful year 3 writing work

 

Kerri McLeod

Principal

Out of School Hours

Out of School Hours Enrolment 2019

For new families and families currently using the BASC program

Enrolment forms for 2019 can be found attached below and will be sent out on Compass. Alternatively you can pick one up  in person from the program. Please return the Pink and Purple forms. 

An immunisation certificate must be attached to the enrolment form for new children attending the service for the first time. Incomplete enrolment forms, without a booking commencement date or forms stating (To be announced or confirmed) will not be accepted and will be returned.

 

Families requiring Before & After School Care or Vacation Care for 2019 must submit an enrolment form by Tuesday 11th December.

Families will be informed of their Before & After School Care placements by Friday 21st December. Families requiring care during the January Holiday Program please submit your enrolment form with your holiday booking form.

 

January School Holiday Program 2019

School Holiday Program Dates Monday 14th January to Tuesday 29th January. Bookings close Friday 14th December 2018 unless places 

 

After School Care Excursion Wednesday 19th December

Due to the Year 6 Graduation children attending the After School Care Program on Wednesday 19th December will be attending a local excursion to Alnutt Park. If your children usually attend the After School Care Program on a Wednesday they will be required to attend the excursion as there will be no child care provided at the school. It is essential, parents authorise their children to attend the excursion by signing the permission form. Permission forms will be available from the sign out desk in the hall.

 

After School Care Activities

Thursday 29th Nov                         Contact Paper Art

Friday 30th Nov                                Fun Day Friday

Monday 3rd Dec                               Xmas Activity

Tuesday 4th Dec                                Xmas Activity

Wednesday 5th Dec                        Xmas Activity

Thursday 6th Dec                              Xmas Activity

Friday 8th Dec                                     Xmas Activity

Monday 10th Dec                              Xmas Activity

Tuesday 11th Dec                              Xmas Activity

Wednesday 12th Dec Nov            Xmas Activity

 

April Kopitz

Out of School Hours Coordinator