Principal's Report
School Council 2023
The nomination period for School Council positions closed recently. This year we were looking to fill four Parent Members places and two School Employee places.
We received six nominations for the six positions available on School Council. Congratulations to Genevieve Fells, Phil Garner, Sarah Schoots and Bronte Spicer who were the successful nominees in the Parent Member category. Congratulations also to Chris McClellan (returning member) and Lauren Schulz who were the successful nominees in the School Employee category.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing council members: Kim Ross, Kate Edwards, Damien Walsh and Jen Kurz. We appreciate their positive support of both Council and the School.
School Council Summary
Our March School Council meeting was held recently. Many items were discussed and/or ratified, including:
School Council – New Members
New School Council members were welcomed and the contribution of outgoing members was acknowledged.
Annual Report
The draft Annual Report was shared with School Council. This document needs to be shared with the Department of Education by April 30.
Roles & Responsibilities: the function of School Council
Some information was shared with School Council members so that they fully understand their important roles.
Election of Office Bearers
Congratulations (and thanks) to the following office bearers:
School Council President – Ronnie Lowe
School Council Vice-President – Jessica Herdman
School Council Treasurer – Ben Pollard
School Council Secretary – Sonia Lewis
Curriculum Days for 2023
Information was provided to the new members regarding the 2023 Curriculum Days and the reasoning behind each one.
Enrolments
At census we had an enrolment of 405. We are aiming to be under 400 enrolments in 2024.
Staffing News
Three positions were advertised recently for a part-time Admin position, as well as two Education Support positions. Jayme Hudson was successful in being appointed to the Admin position. The two Education Support positions are still to be finalised.
Security Cameras
Security cameras will be installed at our school soon. We have been working with DET for about 12 months to ensure we are complaint with their rules and regulations. The cameras are only being installed in external areas, with the aim of deterring damage being caused outside of regular school hours.
Professional Learning Community (PLC) Coaching
Our school has been given the opportunity to work with a PLC Coach in Term 2. To find out more about the function of PLCs, please visit:
Solar System
A 40kw solar system has been installed on the BER building. School Council approved this project last year. This system will provide long-term financial benefits to the school, as well as contributing positively to the environment.
Radio Interview
Our School Captains, Emma and Neel, will have the opportunity to participate in a radio interview tomorrow. If you would like to tune in, please listen to Phoenix FM 106.7 from 1pm. It's sure to be an engaging and fun interview.
Harmony Day
Our school will celebrate Harmony Day tomorrow. The day will focus around inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. We will start the day with an assembly at 9.00am that will feature a number of students talking about their culture. We will also have a didgeridoo performance, a Choir performance and an Auslan sign-along!
Families are most welcome to attend the assembly.
Special thanks to Mrs Hamilton for coordinating this day. Thanks also to all staff for their contributions. I'm sure the day will be a big success.
Easter Hat Parade, Easter Raffle and Tickets
Parent Club will once again run the Easter Egg Raffle in conjunction with the Easter Hat Parade on the last day of Term 1. This is a whole school event and parents, grandparents, friends, aunties, uncles etc. are most welcome to attend. All students will have the opportunity to share their Easter hat from 9am in the Hub, as part of our traditional Easter Hat Parade.
We would love some donations of Easter goodies to make up lots of great prizes. Donations can be left at the office at any time. Raffle books were sent home recently and extra books are available at the office, if required. Tickets are $1 each.
This event is always lots of fun and a great fundraiser for the school.
ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget
On Tuesday 25th of April, ANZAC Day will be commemorated. Given that Spring Gully PS has a Curriculum Day on Monday 24th April we are unable to hold our usual ANZAC Day ceremony in Term 2. Across Spring Gully PS over the coming weeks, however, classes will mark this very important day by engaging in various ANZAC Day activities and research. Grade 1/2 and Grade 3/4 will also participate in class talks from war veterans Mr Joel Anderson and Mr Bill Clark. We will ensure that ANZAC Day will be mentioned on the last assembly of this term with a minute of silence to pay our respects to fallen soldiers.
Emma Orr (ANZAC Day Coordinator)
Early School Finish - End of Term 1
Term 1 concludes on Thursday, 6th April. Students will be dismissed at 2:15pm. An assembly is scheduled for 2:00pm on the Thursday and students will be dismissed from the hub area. Term 2 commences on Wednesday, 26th April. Monday, 24th April is a curriculum day followed by ANZAC Day on Tuesday, 25th April.