Principal's

Message

ASSEMBLIES

It has been so lovely to see lots of our kids having the opportunity and courage to speak at assembly. Each fortnight, a different year level is chosen to present something about their learning or to do a performance. Last week was a special assembly where we celebrated Physical Education and Performing Arts. I think our hearts all melted when the school choir sang so beautifully, accompanied so capably by Isabelle Lancefield on keyboard. We love having families in attendance. Please come along when you get the chance. 

A BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS UPDATE

SHADE SAIL

In the coming months we are having a shade sail fitted to the synthetic grass area of the courtyard. This will offer outdoor learning opportunities and greater shade to sit and play under during the summer months. 

BOOM GATE

As you know, it’s not safe for cars to drop children at the front of the school. With a significant proportion of our population walking to school, it’s important that families can cross the service road and enter the grounds without dodging entering vehicles. The signage notes that the service road is a clearway before and after school. While we have tried requesting that families don’t drop off here, it is an on-going problem. I am in negotiations with the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA) and Parks Victoria, to install a boom gate at the mouth of the service road. This has been a lengthy process, initiated by Rosemary prior to my start here. The VSBA engaged a neutral traffic assessor to come and observe the situation late last year. He was empathetic to our concerns and has recommended a boom gate. Negotiations continue. I will keep you posted when we have an outcome.

SOCCER PITCH AND INCLUSION SPACE 

As mentioned in the last newsletter, the funds raised by our community this year and next, will be going towards an enhancement of our play spaces. I have engaged Grasssports Australia to provide design options for the 2 spaces. Yesterday, I met with over 30 kids who love soccer. We looked at the design, the pitch material swatches and colour options. Your kids were amazing and offered great feedback.  They are so excited to have another play opportunity in the school grounds. We’re going to meet again, when the project is close to completion, to develop some rules around the use of the space. 

Here is the initial design of the pitch, which will be constructed between the gym and the current playground, with high net draw curtains to keep the balls where they need to be. 

The inclusion space will be up on the Prep terrace at the opposite end to the prep playground. I’ll be meeting with some of our kids who would be supported with their play, in the space. Together, we’ll look at some exciting design options to cover the cold concrete. Beyond that, we will be seeking grant opportunities to further enhance the space.

A HUGE thankyou to all the families that have donated funds through the walkathon. We’re awaiting a final tally but we do know that it’s been a great start to our fundraising efforts this year. 

Nicole Arnold

Principal