Loch Primary School

Principal's Ponderings

Reflections of 2018

 

Our students enjoyed a terrific 2018 filled with lots of learning and many wonderful special events and activities.  It was delightful to observe our students' growth academically, socially and emotionally throughout the year.  They are indeed very  lucky children to be learning in such a warm and inclusive environment with outstanding educators.  Our teachers go above and beyond constantly and are all talented and passionate in providing quality learning for all.

 

Our teachers were again involved in intensive Professional Development with everyone completing their five day MSL ( Multi Sensory Structured Literacy) training which focuses on the effective teaching of literacy. We also undertook training in Explicit Instruction and hosted  an extraordinary PD Day with Dr Lorraine Hammond with over 90 educators from across Victoria.  We  started the implementation of Explicit Instruction across all classes at our school and will continue this work in 2019.  Explicit Instruction is a method of teaching which leaves nothing to chance. Teachers directly and clearly teach skills and knowledge. There is no guessing by students and information and skills are regularly practised to make sure learning is locked into students’ long term memories.  This methodology is effective and there is research and science about how our brains learn which confirms our decision to adopt this approach at Loch.

 

One of my most important jobs as principal of our school is to ensure that I put the very best teachers in front of your children. We have spent the past four years building teacher knowledge and skills and it is with a great deal of pride that I can say that we have one of the most highly trained team of teachers in South Gippsland.

Our teachers worked tirelessly throughout the year and student results were again excellent. I wish to acknowledge each member of our team for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the students they teach, their passion for teaching and willingness to continue and grow their own learning. Our team is a professional and dedicated bunch who make Loch Primary School the wonderful learning space it is. 

 

One aspect of our school which plays a huge role in enabling us to offer  outstanding programs is having such tremendous family involvement. I wish to extend a sincere  thank you to all of our parents and families for their active contributions and willingness to be a part of the learning here at school. The student led conferences held at the end of term four were such a wonderful display of how interested and involved our parents are in the learning of their children.   It makes such a difference to our students when they are surrounded by significant adults who are involved, interested and supportive.

It is the positive relationships, compassion and communication we enjoy at Loch Primary School that makes us a very special school.  In a very busy world it is easy to be negative, to judge others and to find fault with the people around us. No one is perfect and mistakes are made constantly – it is how we learn and improve – I would like to acknowledge and thank all of you who have approached me this year with suggestions for improvements, who have respectfully raised concerns and who have shown empathy and compassion when staff or families have been unwell and needed support.  Although many of our students think their teachers sleep under their desks at school, everyone of our staff have their own families and homes to look after. At times we get sick, need to look after our own children or parents or just have rotten days – we are human and go through the same life challenges as everyone else.  I thank all of you who are quicker to show empathy and understanding rather than be critical.  We are a team; teachers and families and we are all here with a focus on your children. The more positive our relationship is the more successful and positive your children’s education will be. 

 

Our reputation in our local community is very positive and our enrolment has increased to 137 for the beginning of 2019.  This increase in enrolments has resulted in us offering six classes next year.    In 2019, our team will include 4 new teachers. Ms Karen Morse will take on the role of Learning Support teacher, Miss Samantha Jelbart and Miss Sarah Shaw will join our team as classroom teachers and Mrs Lea Naismith will take responsibility for Music and Performing Arts. We also officially welcome two new Education Support Staff: Kerry Harvey who will work in Learning Support and Shareena Boyd who joins us in admin. 

 

Our Parents & Friends Association were extremely successful in 2018.  Not only did they raise a large amount of money, they have provided a number of enjoyable activities and events which have helped to bring our community together. Our fundraising  assisted in the purchase of furniture for our new classrooms and literacy resources and new decodable readers. Successful events have included our Comedy Hypnotist evening, Hot Lunches, Pie Drive, Mothers Day and Fathers Day stalls and raffles, Book Fair, Hot Cross Buns, Movie Night, Family Fun Night, Loch Foodies and our Colour Fun Run.  In 2018, our P&F with the support of all families and our wider community raised just over $16,000 which is just fantastic.  All of these events add to the positive atmosphere and environment our students all enjoy and without the parents who give generously of their time and work hard, none of these events would take place. On behalf of our school community I  thank our P&F president Louise Sherar and her awesome team.   Many thanks to Casey Collis, Em Morris, Trudi Kirkbride, Julie Nettle, Marion Trickey, Kelly Hogben, Debbie Cook, Alex Farmer, Anna Sala and Kate Thompson and all of the other parents who join in activities and help out as often as they can. 

 

I also  thank all of our school council members who have made a huge contribution to our school and have generously donated their time and energy and goodwill.  Without a council a school cannot run. The willingness of our parents to step up and take on this responsibility is very much appreciated.  Being a member of the school council can be very rewarding and a great way to contribute your ideas and skills and to be a part of developing the school’s direction, goals and values. 

 

We sadly said goodbye to Mr and Mrs Birnie at the end of the year. They have moved house and will be teaching at Poowong PS in 2019.  They are sincerely thanked for their contributions and wished the best as they move on.  

 

For a few families, 2018 was the final year of their children attending Loch Primary School. It is with many wonderful memories that we farewell the following families and thank them for their contributions to Loch Primary School.

  • Dianne and Paul Jones
  • Craig Bourke
  • Yvonne Sutton
  • Laura and David Silcock
  • Helen and Douglas Crawford

Many of these families have been involved in School Council, Parents & Friends Association, Sporting Schools activities, working bees,  camps, and  many special events.

 

For many of our families and staff 2018 had its challenges and sorrows. With our growing school community we experience a greater number of incidents and tragedies in our community. It has been heart warming to know that our community does pull together to support our families in times of need.  In particular I would like to thank all of you who have contributed to our meal tree and have cooked meals for families who needed some extra care this year.  Coordinated by our P&F group this effort has made such a difference to many. 

 

Our school holiday break is drawing to a close and preparations for the new school year are underway.  Please read the '2019 update' page for calendar dates and information regarding arrangements for the beginning of Term One.

 

 

Tracey King

Principal