From the Principal's Desk.....

Good Afternoon Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome back to all members of our School community on the resumption of regular classes after the midyear break. I trust families were able to spend time together, and students were able to make the most of the opportunity to enjoy some time away from studies.

Parents and students will note some improvements have taken place at the School over the holidays, especially in and around the Year Eight rooms.  Thanks to Jane Overeem, supported by our maintenance person Shane Bugge, for their efforts in beautifying this area.

Parents and Guardians, along with students (and staff members), have been contacted recently requesting input into surveys designed to assist the schools strategic planning for the next five years. Your assistance with this request will help to determine the direction of Cobram AGS into the future. Thankyou to those who took the time to comment on their impressions of the school.  Responses will assist the school as it embarks on the next major building program, including the construction of Middle and Senior School classrooms, Foods Centre, Cafeteria, and upgraded Middle and Senior School restrooms. There is much to do in the preparation for this expansion. Watch this space.

Parents/Guardians and students experiencing difficulties should remember that Mr Kevin Quin (Educational Psychologist) and Ms Vanessa Wannis provide student welfare services daily at the school. Mr Quin and Ms Wannis’ assistance can make a significant difference to students facing problems and issues at school or at home. Please don’t hesitate to contact either of them where support is needed.

Last Friday August 2, all students in Years Prep to Four were involved in NAIDOC celebrations. As part of our NAIDOC commemorations, teachers Sharonlee Post and Jacinta Robbins put together an engaging program for the benefit of all these students. It was a great day for the school. Well done Jacinta and Sharonlee!

Families and students received their midyear Academic Reports early in the holidays. I encourage parents and guardians to contact the School at their earliest opportunity and make appointments to speak with individual staff members where any queries exist. Discussions with teaching staff are vital to inform and increase parental connectedness and understanding of the day to day interaction between teachers and students. This is especially important in areas of curriculum content and delivery, differentiated tasks offered within the classroom, homework expectations and current student outcomes.

I look forward to a term full of challenges, growth and shared rewards.

Kind regards,

Steve Gale

Principal