Principal Report
Belmore School Review
Last Wednesday we commenced the Belmore School Review with our Validation Day. Facilitated by Carolyn Woodhouse, our School Reviewer from Monash University we were joined on the review panel by the Department's Senior Education and Improvement Leader Irene Harding, two challenge partners, Assistant Principal of Glenroy Specialist School Jane Fincham and our Speech Pathology Consultant Helen Tainsh, our School Council President Brenton Carey and school staff, Rose Ngai, Julie Nicholson, Kelly LaCombre and Stephanie Cumming.
During the course of the day we focused on reviewing our school's achievements over the previous four years, through evaluation of the goals in our school strategic plan and reviewing the self-evaluation we had undertaken on the FISO (Framework for Improving Student Outcomes) dimensions of:
- Excellence in teaching and learning
- Professional leadership
- Positive climate for learning
- Community engagement in learning
Our panel was also provided with the opportunity to observe every class participating in their regular educational programs. All members of the panel were extremely positive in their feedback as they noted high levels of student engagement, quality learning programs, extensive use of communication – particularly PODD, differentiation, and proactive behaviour initiatives. They also commented on the high performing team work occurring in all programs, ensuring students were both challenged and supported in their learning
Through this evaluation the panel identified the terms of reference which will be the focus for the remainder of our review. Carolyn and Irene will return on Wednesday and Thursday this week to meet with the key stakeholders of our school community:
- teachers
- therapists
- education support staff
- students
- parents and carers
Our final review day will take place on Wednesday 20 November when the review panel meets again to analyse all the information and data collected to formulate the strategic goals which will be our school focus for the next four years.
Parent Feedback Session - Thursday 7 November
As mentioned above an important component of the school review process is meeting with the key stakeholders of the school. As parents and carers of our school you are integral members of our school community and our Reviewer and School Council President will be holding a session with parents to hear your views on the school on Thursday 7 November between 9.00am and 9.45am. If you are available to attend this meeting please contact the school on 9859 8762 and come along on Thursday morning. Please contact Julie or Karen for further information.
YMCA Excursion
To celebrate Children's Week a cross age group of students and staff walked down to the YMCA at the Boroondara Sports Complex and spent the afternoon challenging their physical skills on a range of gymnastics equipment. While our students enjoyed all the activities available, they especially liked the variety of trampolines provided to jump and bounce on.
Our students remaining at school joined together in the hall to participate in a relaxing afternoon of sensory based activities, which they too thoroughly enjoyed.
Nancy the Belmore Scarecrow
As detailed in our last newsletter Belmore School was recently invited by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC to participate in the Government House Scarecrow Project. Supported by our art teacher Sasha and classroom staff Catherine and Hassie, the students in SLC5 created an amazing scarecrow to stand over and protect the Governor's very impressive vegetable garden. Through a democratic process, the students voted to name her Nancy.
On Thursday 24 October I was fortunate to attend Government House with our scarecrow creative team where we were privileged to meet the Governor to officially present Nancy followed by a tour of the State Apartments. It was a lovely occasion with all our students and staff throughly appreciating and enjoying this signficant opportunity.
Nancy our scarecrow will be standing tall at the next Government House open day on Sunday 26th January 2020. Information can be obtained through clicking on the link below.
https://www.governor.vic.gov.au/tours-and-open-days/open-day-australia-day
Thank you Sasha
Sadly we farewell our art teacher Sasha Ferguson on Thursday 14 November as she moves to New Zealand to support her husband's career path. Sasha has been a delightful member of our team who has supported all our students to explore their imagination and creativity, develop their artistic skills, improve their motor skills and physical co-ordination and promote their self esteem. I would also like to congratulate Sasha and her husband on the impending birth of their first child next year, life will certainly be busy for them both over the coming months.
Sara Scott, an experienced member of our casual replacement staff team, will teach the art program for the remainder of the year until our new art teacher commences at the beginning of next year.
