Principal's report
Welcome back
A very warm welcome back to everyone for start of term 3.
New Water Bubblers
The new bubblers were installed over the term break to replace the existing drinking taps. A new bubbler has been installed near the big adventure playground. Thank you again to the fundraising committee, the school community and the Green Team for their support in making the new bubblers a reality.
School Website
Our school website is currently undergoing an overhaul and will be relaunched next Friday 28th July.
Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews
Parent/carer/teacher/student interviews will take place next Thursday 27th July. This is a Curriculum Day (Pupil Free).
Parent Opinion Survey
This year the Parent Opinion Survey will be conducted online via a secure portal. During the next few weeks a randomly selected number of parents/carers will receive details on how to access the survey. For parents/carers who are unable to access the survey please contact the office to arrange for online access to be made available at school.
Architect appointed
Haskell Architects have been appointed to work with the school in relation to the capital works program. www.haskell.com.au
Sibling Enrolments 2018
Sibling enrolment forms are available at the office. If you are enrolling a sibling for 2018 could you please submit the enrolment forms as early as possible to assist with forward planning.
Bell Shakespeare
The Bell Shakespeare Company will be holding workshops for the students in years 3 & 4 throughout the week beginning 31st July. Staff will also be participating in a 2 hour workshop.
Leave
Helen Lockart is currently on leave for family reasons and will be replced by Joanne Belvedere from Monday the 24th July. Room 23 parent/carers have been kept informed of this arrangement.
Enjoy the weekend,
Jeff
School Council Report
The most recent School Council Meeting was held on Monday 26 June. The meeting commenced with an insightful update from two members of the Junior School Council, Amy and Priya, who described the recent work the JSC have been doing, allowing for discussion on how the two Councils may be able to better align themselves.
Minutes from the previous Council Meeting and all correspondence received during June was reviewed. Conversation then focused on the success of and positive community feedback received on the following topics:
Music Trivia Night:
The night was a great success with significant funds, a percentage of which will be allocated to the final payment towards the new Water Bubblers for the yard. Installation of the Bubblers is expected to occur over the school holiday period.
Complaints and Concerns Policy:
Positive comments received from the school community were communicated by several Councillors including appreciation of having a refined policy clearly advising on process and protocol in communicating Complaints or concerns to the school in the future.
Sex Education:
This years’ Sex Education programme was described as having been received well. Both Parent and Teacher Councillors spoke of the positive and mature attitude displayed by all students. There was general agreement that the extension of the programme to include Grade 3 & 4 students was a success, due in large part to the age-appropriate content taught by the provider. Discussion and consultation with the community will be forthcoming as to whether the programme be extended in the junior classes of the school.
School Governance:
Jeff provided an update and overview of School Governance including the Leadership Structure, lines of reporting and continual clarity of roles and responsibilities occurring within the Leadership Team.
Resources Subcommittee:
The Resources Subcommittee reported that maintenance quotes have been received for several areas of the school. Aside for the small amount required to finalise payment for the water bubblers, funds raised from the Trivia Night will be allocated to the next Fundraising endeavour; notionally a Sensory Garden for the school yard.
We endorsed the Education Subcommittee Terms of Reference and this will soon be available on the school website. The Terms of Reference helps clarify the role of the subcommittee. The school Child Safe Policy was reviewed and endorsed.
The new Communication and Engagement Working Group recommended an external consultant be engaged and reported they had prepared a Draft Terms of Reference document to govern potential engagement with a Communications consultant. Three separate quotes had been sought, with return information expected by Friday June 30.
Master Planning Working Group:
The Master Planning Working Group advised that initial paperwork required as part of the Capital Works funding allocation was complete outlining the Student Wellbeing proposition associated with upgrading the Lennox Street toilet block as intended. This documentation was reviewed by Council and discussed before being endorsed for submission to the Department of Education on June 29th as required. The group advised receipt of three Expression of Interest documents from nominated Architectural practices, with short interviews of each scheduled for Monday July 3rd.
Conversation concluded with a focus on the rejuvenation of the Environment Sub-committee where it was proposed broad Terms of Reference for the group be drafted prior to seeking interest from within the community to input into the Committee moving forward.
Further updates from School Council will be provided following our August meeting.
Jarrod Smith
School Councillor
Notices home to parent/carers
Monday 17th July
Room 23 Teaching arrangements
Tuesday 18th July
Excursion notice - 1/2 Team
Friday 21st July
Foundation 2017 Survey