Welcome back to a new school year and an exciting 2020. A special welcome to all the new children and their families who have joined Weir State School. The first couple of weeks are very important as everyone settles into the new school year. Our aim is to make our students feel comfortable and successful in their classroom. Your child’s teacher will be working closely with the class to establish classroom rules and routines. They will discuss behaviour and work expectations and set the tone for the year. Teachers are also currently working on developing a picture of the capabilities of each student through individual student data collection. Teachers can then use this information to develop programs that provide support and challenges for every student. Our curriculum is designed around building upon what knowledge a child has and using this to discover further learning. Our school continues to go through transformational change and with this new staff arrive within our community.
New arrivals – Please welcome to our new staff joining our school this year. They are:
- Ms Rebecca Crotty - Prep
- Ms Sharon Lambert - Year 2
- Ms Kayla Roberts - Year 3
- Ms Rebecca Williamson - Year 4
- Mr Lachlan Bakkers - Year 6
- Ms Sharon Ransom - Guidance Officer
- Ms Daisy Zaro - Teacher Aide
- Ms Jenni Harris - Teacher Aide
- Mr Gus Logan - Teacher Aide
- Mr Brendan Baills - Teacher Aide
There have also been changes in school Administration and our 2020 team is:
- Mr Judd Burgess - Substantive Principal
- Mr Brad Coey - Acting Deputy
- Ms Emma Slatter - Acting Deputy
- Ms Wendy O’Neill - HOC
- Ms Maryann Marshall - HoSES
- Ms Sharon Ransom - Guidance Officer
- Ms Sarah Brown - Student support / wellbeing
- Ms Letisha Lowe - Student support / wellbeing
- Mr Tim Birthisel - Inclusion Coach
- Ms Therese Ball - Lower Literacy Coach
- Ms Rae Brosnan - Acting BSM
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS - I would like to start the year with a clear and consistent message that school expectation this year will be no different. Please understand that our school operates under a Responsible Behaviour Plan and has a zero tolerance philosophy against physical aggression, swearing, bullying or continued and prolonged refusal to follow instructions. It is important that clear, consistent boundaries and high expectations regarding behaviour and learning are continually reminded at school and at home. Doing so ensures all students understand their responsibilities and their role as a student in our school community. We come together at school, however we stay a community of learners to build a strong culture.
STARTING THE SCHOOL YEAR - You can read all types of research that will tell you how to identify a successful school; however I believe the best ‘litmus test’ is the response of the children, teachers and parents. We have had an extremely smooth start to the school year. Credit must go to our dedicated staff who have spent many hours ensuring that we have a ‘hassle-free’ start and credit must also go to the children who have settled quickly and industriously into ‘school mode’. I have been delighted by the many positive comments we have received about the school and how the children have settled in.
Schools are dynamic ‘people organisations’ and as a school community we all have a vested interest in the well-being of the school. The working relationship between the home and the school is a vital link, ensuring a positive and productive education for every child.
As the substantive Principal, my number one priority is the happiness and safety of every child. Children who are feeling happy and safe. If you have concerns about your child, please contact us, as ‘problems’ are far more easily attended to if dealt with immediately rather than left.
We are only too aware that at times parents tend to think their concerns are trivial and you debate with yourself whether you should contact the school. Our response is that NOTHING is too trivial when it comes to the education of YOUR child. If you have concerns or want clarification, please contact us. I will ask you, however, to consider the following points:
- Teaching staff’s number one priority is teaching, therefore if you arrive unannounced, it may not be convenient or possible to release them from teaching duties to speak to you. It is always best to arrange a meeting time.
- If you want to meet with me, it is generally best to make an appointment as I can have a number of commitments throughout the day and am not always readily available.
Please remember your child’s happiness and wellbeing is important and when we work together any challenge can be resolved.
This week’s proverb: “A good beginning makes for a good end”
Thanks for reading and welcome to what will be a fantastic 2020 - Mr B - Principal
