Principal's Message: 25 October 2024
Last Friday we were visited by Yolanda from Knowledge Society who observed staff and demonstrated lessons and observed staff in our implementation of the Daily Review. Here’s an excerpt from a former eNews article on Daily Reviews:
Yolanda taught us a lot during her demonstrations, but what was most promising is the glowing praise she had for our staff and how far we’ve come in such a short time. While we are not so much interested in comparison, Yolanda, did share that she feels we are leaps ahead of many other schools who implemented Daily Reviews at the same time. She offered high praise for staff buy-in and the enthusiasm in which the 6 staff who ‘volunteered’ prepared for and accepted feedback. Yes, I needed to approach staff to volunteer, but all of those I approached accepted easily, from graduate to experienced teachers. Yolanda informed me that some schools were unable to provide the number of staff requested.
On this World Teachers’ Day and everyday, I have the utmost respect for all our teachers and in particular, what they have implemented in such a short amount of time. There is buy-in, enthusiasm, challenge and excitement about where we are and where we are going. As one staff member expressed in our last staff meeting, “I’m in the pit, but I’m really enjoying the challenge and the learning”.
As I know how hard this career path is, it is disheartening to hear that there is currently some derogatory commentary amongst our community about staff. I have always availed myself to parents and welcome meetings to discuss your concerns. Gossip and negativity never result in positive outcomes. I always suggest you see your child’s teacher as a first contact, but sometimes, some conversations need to take place with me directly. I encourage you to find the most appropriate ways to have your voices heard so that I can hear about your current experiences firsthand.
We had our tram’s official opening yesterday afternoon, attended by the various people representing groups who offered grants towards its refurbishment, members of the SAC, P&F and their children, representing our students adn our school captains. The ceremony began with Fr Michael blessing the tram and ended with guests and students exploring the space.
Our students have a few more days of excruciating wait before the tram is open during recess and lunch. We will share the rules and timetable for its use at Assembly on Monday with a view to opening it up on Tuesday.
Our Sensory Garden has also received a few extra large additions this week with both cubbies being installed. As you will have read, one was purchased with our fundraising money, the other was built and donated by the VCE VM students of Emmanuel College, St Paul’s campus.
Our students are immensely enjoying this space.
We are currently looking for a new School Advisory Council member. To learn more about the role of the SAC, head to our website or contact me for a chat. We’d love to hear from you.
Our School Fun Run is gaining momentum, but we are yet to have a full class create all their profile pages. As you will recall, the first milestone we are hoping to achieve is to have a whole class create their profile pages. The class that does will receive icy poles.
Our next big milestone, which we are actually very close to achieving, is our $5000 halfway goal. The class who is leading the fundraising when we hit this mark gets to choose which teacher will get slimed!
At next week's assembly, I will announce which classes are closest to achieving their milestones.
Have a great weekend,
Respect • Responsibility • Resilience • Courage