Welcome back

I trust that our students had a relaxing break and found quality time to spend with family and friends. It is always difficult in these winter holidays to find the balance between getting out and about and keeping warm. I enjoyed spending time with my children (Bailey 9 and Amelie 3) however it was great to come back to school last Monday to catch up with the staff and students. Concord School provides a dynamic educational environment in which there are always exciting challenges for our students. We are constantly improving on what we do and are looking forward to a productive term 3.

I would like to advise the school community that from this Thursday 21st until Wednesday 17th August, I will be acting in a Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) role for the Department of Education and Training. During this time Kirrily will be acting as Principal and Christine will be acting as Assistant Principal.

Student Enrolment Numbers

Last week the student enrolment has reached 400 for the first time in the history of the school and at the time of writing the enrolment is 402 (275 boys and 127 girls). While the enrolment plateaued between 2013-2015 it has increased recently and given the high volume of inquiries and tours over the past two months we expect the growth in student enrolment to continue.

Secondary Spectacular

The Secondary Spectacular, ‘Grease’, was held on Friday 17th June to a gymnasium full of family members, teachers and students.

It was an extremely well-choreographed and produced show that demonstrated once again the high level at which our students are capable of performing. A feature of the show was the costuming and props that were meticulously made. All students were given the opportunity to perform and ‘be the best that they can be’. Special mention must be made of the performers in the lead roles, particularly Cooper and Rahani, who were outstanding. Thanks to Karen Hickling, the Secondary staff, Specialist staff, families and most of all, our students, who made this wonderful performance possible.

2016 Presentation Ball

Preparations for the 2015 Presentation Ball, to be held on Friday August 12th at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, are proceeding well. The students are very excited and are busy preparing their dresses, suits and everything else that goes into preparing for a grand evening such as this.

This year we will have 18 Year 12 students being presented. Congratulations to the following students: Hassan Al Sayyab, Caitlin Belcher, Kayleigh Carter, Peter Coad, Maddi Fox, Emily Galea, Paris Guest, Katie Hill, Rebecca Sulejman, David Huynh, Dimi Kosta, Dylan Langman, Aman Mann, Brad Munro, Nuvin Ranasinghe, Jesse Richards, Dakota Saddington and Christian Vogele.

NDIS

Over recent weeks there have been some questions asked about My First Plan for people who are becoming NDIS participants when the full roll out starts on 1 July. Below are some links to great information that explains this process further.

Every Australian Counts has an article they have developed in collaboration with the NDIA. Here is a link:

http://www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/first-plan-explained/

The NDIA have released a new fact sheet on the topic:

http://www.ndis.gov.au/sites/default/files/Fact%20sheet%20-%20Developing%20your%20NDIS%20plan.pdf

Principal's Award

Mia did an absolutely wonderful job of making a Memory Box for a Great Uncle of one of our staff members. Mia took time to learn about Arthur Barton and his interesting story. On the day of our presentations Mia excitedly told visitors all about Arthur, this was quite challenging for Mia, however, she practised what she was going to say and did a great job of both verbally and physically presenting Arthur’s story.

Arthur’s niece attended the presentations, she was delighted with the Memory Box and Mia’s efforts. Mia was very proud of her achievement and rightly so!

Well done Mia, you are a well deserved recipient of the Principal’s Award.

"Students striving to be the best they can be"

Jason Coningsby

Principal

Dates to Remember

August 2016