School News 17/03

Refreshed Newsletter – As you will have noticed, the Newsletter this week has undergone a transformation. This is thanks to Mary (Admin) and Cindy (Foundation teacher) who have reformatted and given the publication a fresh new look. We will also be shifting towards some more ‘kid friendly’ content so that it can be shared between parents and students. The Newsletter complements information that is also available on the website, via Compass, as well as the Seesaw digital platform.

School Review – On Wednesday we participated in the first day of our School Review. The panel examined the school’s performance data over the period of the last Strategic Plan, and also spent time visiting classrooms and interviewing students. Essentially the review identifies areas of future focus and sets targets and goals for the next four year period. The review panel this year consists of Kevin Enreight (selected by DET), Brendan Bush (Senior Education Improvement Leader, Mark Zahara (Principal Moriac PS), Jen Abel (Principal Airey’s Inlet), and our School Leadership Team. The next day of the review includes interviewing parents, the School Council President, students and staff members, where the panel will seek responses to questions that were identified through a ‘terms of reference’ process. I will keep you updated as the review process continues over the next few weeks.

Staffing – Currently we are undergoing a selection process for an Art Teacher position, as well as a classroom teacher replacement for Lauren White who will soon be going on Family Leave. Once the process is complete, we will notify the community of the successful applicants.

Flooding repair – Unfortunately the recent flood damage has required all of the new flooring (carpets and vinyl) to be replaced. Besides the expense, it is absolutely devastating to see all the labour, materials and hard work of the past reparations simply wasted. Fortunately our students and staff have shown great resilience and flexibility in dealing with the inconvenience, and I am really thankful and proud of the way they have calmly gone about business. I also really appreciate the understanding and patience shown by parents, and I’m certain we are all looking forward to the completion of all building works on campus scheduled for the end of April!

National Action Day against Bullying and Violence (NDA) – On Friday 18 March many schools across the country will be promoting inclusive and respectful communities for all students. Please have a look at the information we have included later in the Newsletter that also includes strategies and information when talking to your kids about the topic.

Another AFL season has arrived! As much as many of us might enjoy sport, please bear in mind that adequate sleep is more important than watching your favourite team win (or the CATS lose) during a week night game. I encourage families to stick to routine sleep and recreation times during the school week, which ensures students are rested and are able to engage in learning the next day. On the topic of football, at the start of each season I always make a bold prediction about who will win the flag. This year I’m going with the Lions as Premiers, and tipping that my team, the Eagles, won’t even make the final eight! Enjoy this wonderful autumnal weather and have a great weekend.

Adrian Waters