From The Principal

Where has 2022 gone? It seems to have flown by and we are now approaching the last two weeks of the school year.

This time marks us farewelling staff.  We will be farewelling the following staff:

Azra Coombe is on leave for 2023. We wish her and her family all the best with the delivery of their second child. Cathy Rowley and Effie Thomas are taking leave in 2023. Similarly Merv Neighbour is going on leave in 2023 with a plan for retirement in 2024.

I would like to acknowledge Kathryn Lamb for her work over the last four years as the IGNITE Coordinator. During this time she has worked collaboratively with IGNITE teachers to ensure the learning stretches and challenges IGNITE students.  I wish her all the best in her new position.

We wish all of the staff leaving us the very best in their destination beyond our school. Some staff may join us again in 2023. I would like to thank them for their work throughout 2022.

Yondr Pouch Introduction

Thank you to families for their responses to the introduction of Yondr pouches from the start of 2023. 

The following information is being provided to support their introduction:

1. Each student will receive a numbered pouch from their Care Group teacher on 30 January as part of the extended Care Group time.
2. Care Groups will be allocated time during 30 January to learn how to lock and unlock their pouches.
3. Students will be supported on Day 1 next year and also for the first school week to know how to lock and unlock their pouches.
4. Exemptions for Yondr use can be sought and approval will be given on a case by case basis.
5. Mobile phones need to be on silent or turned off before being secured in the pouch
6. Smart watches, if worn, need to be switched to DO NOT DISTURB.
7. Locking and unlocking stations will be located at Gate 1, Oval Gate and Gate 4.
8. An unlocking station will be located in the library if students forget to unlock their pouch for after hour access when the school gates are locked. The location of the unlocking station is being negotiated.
9. Unlocking and locking stations will be located at the entrance and exit of the school canteen to enable students to pay for their food with a phone if they require.
10. A draft policy has been developed and feedback is being sought from the Governing Council at the next meeting on 6 December. Student Voice and staff have been asked for feedback. It is anticipated the draft will be amended and posted on the school website by 24 January 2023. In 2023, the policy will be reviewed.

We appreciate that this change will cause some concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if needed.

2023 Student Free Day

To assist families with planning for 2023 the following days are Student Free:

• Tuesday, 14 March
• Monday, 1 May
• Monday, 24 July
• Friday, 1 September

The school closure is on Monday, 4 September.

Thank you and best wishes

Thank you for the support you have provided throughout 2022. On behalf of the staff I wish all students and their families a safe Christmas and New Year as well as a relaxing break from schooling. To those students and their families who are leaving our school, we wish you all the best on the next part of life's journey. To the students and families that will be with us in 2023 we are looking forward to working with you.