Principals News
Slowing the Spread
In recent weeks as the weather has become colder, we have seen a significant spike in cases of Influenza and more noticeable, COVID-19. We are experiencing a high number of both student and staff absences and the speed and level of transmission appears to be increasing. There is also an increasing number of students being sent home unwell every day. If your child is unwell, please do not send them to school.
In response, we have implemented a number of safe guard practices in an effort to slow the spread. These measure include:
- Return to students sanitising their hands when returning to their classroom
- Optional mask wearing for staff and students with masks being readily available in classrooms
- Reminding students about the importance of handwashing in the toilets
- Using our air purifiers in every space
- Utilising natural ventilation where feasible given the cold weather
We will be continuing to monitor the levels of transmission across the school and increase our protective measures as required. Our priority and commitment is to best protect the ongoing safety of our students, staff and families.
Fundraising
I would like to acknowledge our hard working Parent's Committee for their ongoing fundraising efforts. Our Junior School Council (JSC) is working through a consultation process with all grades to develop a 'wish list' of improvements they would like for our school. Student voice is extremely important to our school and this exemplifies our work in this space. Once the process is complete, Mrs Ward and I will meet with the JSC and discuss their proposal. This proposal will then be presented to the Parent's Committee to develop a plan of action.
Minor Works and General Tidy Up
We currently have an exciting minor works project on the go with the extension of the eating areas across to Coolac St. We will be utilising a recent grant from the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) to engage in this project. We have a company on board and a draft proposal and drawings are currently being developed. Our vision is to create a passive play and learning space, inclusive of an Indigenous yarning circle, wooden play structures and native plants. We are hoping to have works underway next week.
We are also working through some minor indoor upgrades in an effort to brighten up our school. A huge thank you to our School Council President Hayley and our Parent's Committee Vice-President Mag for giving up their time to clean out and tidy up spaces around the school. They both spent the entire day in the canteen yesterday and the final result is amazing! Jon has also started brightening up the school already with a fresh coat of paint.
Mr Robert Ridgway