Weekend Access to Grounds
We’re pleased to confirm that our first steps towards opening our school grounds last weekend went smoothly. Security guards removed a small group of teenagers off site on Sunday evening, but otherwise there was no damage or vandalism to school property.
As previously promoted, we will trial weekend access into the school grounds during June. The pedestrian gate next to the bike shed will be opened each Saturday and Sunday morning for families and then secured at the end of the day by our security guards.
Pending the outcome of this trial, our School Council will determine the ongoing viability of weekend/holiday access at its next meeting.
Fundraising & Community Engagement
Given the challenges of the last two years, the school has been unable to proceed with its extensive calendar of regular events to support both fundraising for the school and the engagement of our school community. It was therefore very exciting to endorse in principle at our School Council meeting last week, a possible School Fete in March next year. We will now tread cautiously over the next few months to explore the viability of the Fete, with a focus on how we can minimise the school’s financial exposure if by chance the event cannot proceed. Whilst the scope of the Fete will need to be reframed to accommodate a reduced crowd on-site, it is nonetheless very exciting to be rekindling these premier events for the school! Stay tuned for more news on this front!
In the interim, a proposed Walkathon next term towards the end of July will provide a students with a great focus to raise funds for new football/soccer goals, new basketball backboards and some new line marking in the Junior area. We hope to confirm further details about this event prior to the end of the term!
Staffing Pressures
As reported in numerous Newsletters to date this year, all schools are grappling with major staffing shortages at present. A combination of COVID & flu and extended absences is certainly placing pressure on many of our daily operations. Sadly, our entire budget for relief staff for 2022 has now been fully expended. Fortunately however, the school has some ‘rainy day’ reserves to keep engaging relief staff (where possible) so that the school can continue to operate and remain open.
The Department of Education is certainly closely monitoring these pressures on schools and over recent weeks some schools have had no other options but to return to Remote Learning platforms. At our Leadership meeting this week, we have developed an eight step plan for managing staff absences next semester, with the eighth step being Remote Learning as the last resort!
With Term 3 being the typical peak for illnesses, please be assured that we are diligently planning ahead to minimise school disruptions next term. We understand parent nervousness about this matter and will continue to provide transparent updates through Newsfeeds and the Newsletter.
Future Projects for the School
On a brighter note, as we consider the opportunities for improving our wonderful school over the next several years, we have identified a number of key projects for the school to consider.
We have already secured funding for new shade sails in the Junior Playground and a covered walkway between the Junior Learning Centre and main building.
Other potential projects on our radar include:
- Synthetic Turf replacement “Tasmania” (Major project)
- Asphalting Repairs (Major Project)
- Soccer Goals (Walkathon target)
- Major Line marking. (Walkathon target)
- New Basketball Backboards (Walkathon target)
- Shade sails (Funding Confirmed)
- Covered Walkway from Junior Learning Centre (Funding In Process)
- Automatic Doors to the Main Building (Major Project)
If you would like to suggest a future project for the school to consider in conjunction with the above projects, please feel very welcome to forward your ideas to jim.cahill@education.vic.gov.au
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Jim Cahill—Principal
URGENT REQUEST—LOST PROPERTY NEEDS SORTING
Seeking assistance from a parent or parents to assist with the sorting of the Lost Property.
So many jumpers and water bottles need to find their home.
If you can assist, please send Belinda an email to advise what day you can come in and do it.
Belinda.gill@education.vic.gov.au
