Dear parents and carers,
Thanks for your ongoing positivity and support of the school through a tough term. We have made it to the end and there has been moments that have tested our resilience yet again. From the lockdown to the storm, we have had another one that has tested us. I would like to congratulate the students for the way they have adjusted to the disruptions and continued to work hard on everything their teachers have asked of them.
Reports
You will receive your child report tomorrow afternoon. The report format has changed slightly this semester. In the past your child’s report would usually contain a lengthy written comment, this semester we are representing this same information with several statements that break down the skills taught in English and Mathematics. Your child’s proficiency in these skills will be indicated with a five-point scale checkbox as well as an overall mark which is represented by the dots most parents will know from previous reports. Teachers have continued to include a written comment on your child's personal and social development.
We have planned our parent teacher meetings for next term in the week beginning 9th to the 13th of August. This will be another opportunity to discuss your child’s progress at school. If you require additional time to meet your child’s teacher please reach out to them in person or via email, the staff email addresses can be found here. Details about the parent teacher meetings will be provided in term three.
Library learning Hub Update
I am excited to announce that an architect has been appointed to lead the Library Learning Hub grant project. We are redeveloping the old multiple purpose room in the main building and Justin Sawyers, our School Council President, and I have a site meeting with the lead architect on the 1st of July. We look forward to getting this project underway to provide new and exciting opportunities for our students.
Wurundjeri Bush Tucker Garden – Middle Gully Reserve
Many parents contribute to the Voluntary Building and Grounds Fund when they pay school fees. We are putting some of these funds toward improving the grounds in Middle Gully Reserve this year. We have engaged Kylie Blade, an ex-parent of Macedon PS, to develop a landscaping concept design. Kylie has completed multiple phone calls and a site visit with our Koori Education Support Officer, Kerri Douglas. Kerri is a local Aboriginal woman who works for the Department of Education to support us to integrate the Aboriginal perspective to our programs and school while paying respect to all Aboriginal people. I am very excited about the prospect of starting this project. Once the landscaping features of this garden are completed, David Oxworth and the teachers will be working with our students to plants this area out with local bush tucker and learn about our local Aboriginal history. This work with the students will also be supported by Kerri Douglas.
Fairy Garden Sustainability project – Middle Gully Reserve
We have also been collaborating with the Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre on a sustainability grant that they would like to work with us on. We have been granted $6500 to complete a sustainability project and we will be contributing additional funds from the voluntary buildings and grounds contributions parents make. The development of this garden is another exciting opportunity for our students to contribute and learn about rehabilitating a native area and improving our school. Once the project is completed, we there will be viewing platforms, walkways, and exciting outdoor interactive opportunities for students to use and enjoy Middle Gully Reserve. I can’t wait to see this come to life.
Performing Arts - Term 3.
I would like to thank Bronwyn Slater for her outstanding work in Performing Arts in Term 1 and 2 this year. Bronwyn has focused the students learning on dance and drama. Bronwyn is now taking up her usual position as one of our main relief teachers in the main school. Thank you for everything Bronwyn. In term three there will be a new relief teacher supporting us to run performing arts program. Tom Foster comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in teaching students the arts and a strength in teaching music. I look forward to working with Tom and increasing the amount of music in our performing arts program.
Enjoy your break and remember we have a curriculum day on Monday the 12th of July. Students return for the start of term 3 on the 13th of July.
Matt Forrest
Principal
