School News 17/02

Although school activities are still subject to DET Covid restrictions, at least we have been able to participate in a number of activities that have provided our students with opportunities that transcend the classroom. This has included the Grade Six Camp, Hockey Clinics, Blue Earth and Life Education for certain year levels. Unfortunately we still cannot hold a ‘whole school’ Assembly, but will be having a ‘digital version’ this Friday.

School Camp – This year the Grade Six students were unable to do their regular trip to Canberra, so instead were booked into an Urban Camp in the city. Traditionally the camp focusses on Civics and Citizenship, but this year we also included some fun activities in the evenings to try and add a broader big city experience. This included Ten Pin Bowling, Tram ride to Crown Casino (with no gambling), Arcade Games to complement the day activities of Immigration Museum, Old Melbourne Gaol, the Meum, China Town, Queen Vic Market, State Library, Museum of Chinese Australian History and the Eureka Sky Deck. A big thanks to all staff who accompanied the students and willingly gave up time from their own families to make the event possible.

Coaching – As part of our Professional Learning Program for teachers, we have embarked on a concerted effort to build teacher capacity in the teaching of Literacy. Four of our staff members have trained as coaches and will be modelling lessons and coaching staff on Tuesdays each week. We are placing emphasis on an evidenced based systematic approach to the teaching of phonics and language. More information will be shared as the program develops.

Seesaw – In an effort to improve communication and transparency, teachers will be using the Seesaw platform to showcase learning and some aspects of student achievement via regular learning tasks. We will also send out updates on our curriculum focus for specific time periods, so parents can reinforce the learning that is happening in the classroom. This will enable parents to regularly see learning activities and work produced in the classroom, without having to wait for end of semester reports for progress updates. Compass will continue to be the communication platform for broader school activities, daily information sharing and for the booking of events such as camps and excursions. The Newsletter will continue to be published weekly and our Website is also getting a total ‘refresh!’ Hopefully these changes will provide parents and the broader community with a plethora of information that also showcases all the fantastic stuff continually happening at our school.

Information sessions – Next Tuesday and Wednesday teachers will be presenting Information Sessions for parents of each year level via Zoom. The sessions will also be recorded for those unable to listen/watch live. (Times and year levels will be published via Compass.)

School Council -
School Councils play a very important role in the governance of a school. They make decisions about school governance and policies as well as help with the strategic planning. (For further information about the roles of School Council you can go to https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/school-council-overview/overview.) This year we will have 4 parent positions available for membership. Existing members can re-nominate, or any other parents can nominate (self-nominate or be nominated by another person) for the positions. If there are more nominations than positions available, an official ballot will be held. This year Krystin Trewin, Leigh Giddins and Holly McVerry’s tenures will expire, as well as Jacquelle Gorski’s position from 2021 will create an additional vacancy. We will also have one DET position available. The time frames for nominations are outlined below. Nomination forms were sent out via Compass, but If you would like a hard copy of the nomination form sent home, please contact the office. The nomination box will be located in the temporary office in the new senior building.

Building update – I’ve included a few photos of the inside of the new Gymnasium and Performing Arts Centre below. At this stage the builders are still on track to complete the project by the end of April, so let’s hope there are no unforeseen hold ups!

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Please remember that the Coffee Van will be back at the Bellbrae Reserve tomorrow morning, so this is an ideal opportunity to mingle with other families, and for your kids to walk down to school with their class mates.

Adrian Waters