As teachers, we often talk about making every day count, and this can only happen if students feel just as committed to getting to school, on time each day. Students may also recall this being raised in assembly when we discussed and celebrated the increase in days that students have been present at school this year, compared to last year.  I was really heartened to hear this week from a student that was adamant that they wanted to maintain their 100% attendance as they were concerned that heading away on a school trip may jeopardise this! To me, this highlighted that the student placed that value on their education that we want every student to have. I was able to share with the student that activities like Emusicians, excursions and approved work placements are considered as being ‘present’ in alternate learning opportunities, to which they were relieved! This includes students that we have farewelled this afternoon with Mr Hawley, Ms Dunlop and Mrs Van Essen as they set off to Vietnam.

Over the first few weeks of term 4, we anticipate that our staffing profile will be finalised for next year. As we are a part of a larger system, there are transfer processes and timelines that all schools must adhere to. We attempt to work through this as quickly as possible as this supports the transition for students and staff for the upcoming year, however, if we published a possible list of classes and teachers with ‘To be Advised’ alongside some of our classes, we don’t believe that would be a positive outcome for students. We will however, be working with parents and students that have been identified as requiring additional support to transition in to the following year. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to announcing grades and teachers for the primary campus early next term. This week, Prep to grade 5 students have been identifying up to five peers that they feel that they learn most effectively with. This information will then help us with class placements for 2020 so that students can know that they have friends and connections in their class for the upcoming year.

Tomorrow Mrs Eberhardt will be presenting at a national early years education conference in Hobart. Mrs Eberhardt will be sharing our school’s journey and the approaches and measures that we have in place in monitoring the impact that we have on our youngest learners.  Congratulations Mrs Eberhardt!