THE SIGNAL

Principal's 

Message

BE INVOLVED, BE CONNECTED

CHANGED ROAD CONDITIONS - AUGHTIE DR 

Australian Grand Prix Corporation is opening up the racetrack in front of our school in order to facilitate the wearing of the newly laid asphalt surface.

Following a recent inspection of the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit by the FIA (Motorsport Governing Safety Body) it was determined that the natural wearing of the new track surface at both Turn 4 (Lakeside Drive Carpark) and Turn 6 (intersection between Albert Road Drive and Lakeside Drive) is inadequate in its current state for Motorsport Racing. 

To mitigate these concerns, it has been recommended that vehicle traffic be applied to these locations to ensure consistent surface conditions for the safe operation of motorsport for the event. To provide further details, I have attached the plans for both the Carpark adjacent to the school and the changes on Albert Drive. 

School Council for the last three years have been strongly advocating for the realignment of Aughtie Dr, this temporary closure of Aughtie Dr will be a trial run and help provide additional data supporting the permanent closure of this road. 

YEAR 2-6 PLAY EQUIPMENT UPDATE

We have installed temporary fencing around the decking along Aughtie Dr to keep students safe and to provide access for contractors installing the new play equipment.   Progress so far includes site inspections and mark up of play equipment posts. The carpenter comes in next to reinforce footings, followed by the installation of the play equipment. The last stage of the project in the application of attenuating rubber surface creating soft fall zones.  According to our work schedule plan we anticipate the playground project will be completed the end of Term 1. 

PLAY EQUIPMENT FUNDS- $150,000

I take this opportunity of reminding parents that 2022 Families & Friends fundraising efforts, as approved by School Council will go towards the payment of this project with the balance being paid by the school.

To be open and transparent the funds are coming from the following sources:

  • $13,150 (Families & Friends Fundraising events of 2019 and 2020)
  • $5,308 (2020 Parent Voluntary Contributions)
  • $5,880 (2021 Parent Voluntary Contributions)
  • $22,724.50 (Families & Friends 2021 Fundraising events)
  • Families & Friends projected revenue for 2022 $30,000.00 
  • School Funds $70,000.00 (surplus funds from 2020 and 2021 as expenses were not as high due to remote learning, along with a “loan” from the establishment funds reserved for the purchase of furniture and equipment intended for the future growth of the school.

AIR CONDITIONERS: UPPER-LEVEL DISCOVERY BUILDING

We are installing air conditioners to the upper level of the Discovery Building. At the last School Council meeting, council approved $20,000 from the Building Fund towards this project.  The balance of funds come from the 2022 Cash Budget. We are taking a staged approach to the installation of air conditioners for the whole school, next year’s fundraising project will be for additional air conditioners for the school.  School Council is also lobbying our local member of Parliament, Martin Foley for the installation of air conditioners for all classrooms. 

A huge thank you to parents for donating funds for the purchase of portable cooling or fans in our hot classrooms, teachers have appreciated your generosity in helping to make the learning environment for students more pleasant during the hot weather season. 

PREPS FULL TIME AT SCHOOL

We want to remind parents that as of next Monday (28th February) Prep students will be at school full time. I have been amazed at how quickly this year’s Prep students have settled into school life.

PUPIL FREE DAY CHANGE OF DATE

School Council have approved Monday October 31 (Melbourne Cup Eve) as a Pupil Free Day instead of the previously advertised date of August 1.  This new date will allow families to have a long Melbourne Cup weekend. 

NEW 2022 STUDENT EXECUTIVE

I had the pleasure of assisting with the selection process of the 2022 Student Executive and announcing the new student executive team at last week’s assembly. What impresses me the most, is that we have selected students from a wide range of year levels.  One of our cultural values is ‘Be a Leader’ and this is one opportunity for students across the school to be role models, take charge of their portfolio and demonstrate leadership skills.