PRINCIPAL’S REPORT ~ Nov 4th
Learning Update
Welcome back to term 4. Hoping everyone is feeling relaxed and refreshed from the holidays.
Learning Expo – Tuesday 10 November
We are looking forward to welcoming families to our ‘Celebration of Learning’ (Learning Expo) on Tuesday 10 November, from 3.45–6.00 pm.
Families will have the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom and see the learning that has taken place throughout the year. Students will be able to share some of the learning goals they have worked towards and achieved. Our specialist learning spaces will also be open for families to visit.
As it is Diwali Week, we will also have an opportunity for families to participate in some Indian Bollywood dance. Following the success of last year’s Bushdance Family Picnic, we thought it would be wonderful to explore a different genre of dance each year and provide families with an opportunity to learn and have fun together.
Transition 2027
As we start to prepare for 2027 just a reminder about transition. We ask children who are moving to the next multi age level for their 5 nominated friends. As we split classes a number of ways we can plan to have your child with at least one of their friend choices. Remember it is a chance for your child to make new friends too.
If you have any requests please place them in writing and send them to the school via email and attention the request to myself so I can sight them:- Clifton.springs.ps@education.vic.gov.au You have until mid November to send your requests in so we can include them in class planning.
We also need families to let us know if you are moving and your child/ren won’t be attending CSPS next year.
We do not know which teachers will be at which year level yet, as we have some on maternity leave, on long service leave, or staff have requested a grade change, etc. Therefore we stress with parents there are no guarantees their requests can always be granted.
We do like to keep students who were in the younger of the multiage level with the same teacher if the teacher remains at that year level, as that teacher knows the child and their point of need and the teacher has also established a working relationship with the families. We have done this for a few years now and it has led to a very calm transition to the following year. Those older students in multiage classes are also great role models for students coming up.
| Prep 2027 transition | Preps 2027 have already had 3 successful transition days in term 3. Next term, Prep transition will be on:- Tuesday 10th November and parent info session, 2.30 – 3.25 pm. Tuesday 24th November, 2.30 – 3.25 pm Tuesday 8th December, 9.30 am – 1.30 pm |
Year 1-6 2027 transition | December 8th statewide transition day -find out 2027 class teacher, classroom and classmates. Teachers also prepare students for being in their 2027-year level and the learning expectations throughout term 4. |
Year 7 2027 transition | December 8th Statewide transition day Different high schools generally do transition on this day. Some may do 1-2 days. Some allow students who have additional needs including anxiety, additional days throughout the term to become familiar with their school. The Year 5/6 teachers will let you know what is available depending on what school your child is attending. If you think your child would benefit from additional transition to secondary school, please let your child’s teacher know. |
The teacher’s commence planning class combinations in November at multiple meetings as it takes a lot of work to get the right combination.
On Monday 7th December Curriculum Day teachers will work in their teams for 2027 planning the year and first term’s work so they have the rest of term 4 and summer holidays to be prepared for your child in 2027. We usually have new staff attend this day to get to know their new team and also the following day to get to know their class and receive a CSPS induction.
Tuesday 8th December teachers spend two sessions with their 2027 class building a strong class culture. At the staff meeting that day your child’s teacher for 2027 meets with this year’s teacher to pass on what they know about your child s skills and abilities, learning, social and emotional needs.
You are welcome to make contact with your child’s 2027 teacher after December 8th and set up a meeting if you would like to talk about your child with them. Remember we arrange a Meet and Greet 2-3 weeks into term 1, 2027 for a parent information night and then again for a three way conference with your child’s new teacher week 6 and you will have an opportunity to touch base then in person.
The first couple of weeks each year we call ‘Spring into Springs’ and the teachers spend the time explicitly teaching the students in their new class the expectations for learning, behaviour and getting along in the class to set them up for a successful year.
A lot of care and thought goes into your child’s transition each year. If you have any concerns please make contact and the school is always happy to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
We have a lot of wellbeing continuing at school:-
Brainstorm Productions – Protectors
This exciting theatre in education program provides practical strategies for bullying prevention, online safety, social skills and emotion regulation.
The performance follows the story of Leo and Serena, who are struggling to get along with their peers. Serena is teasing and bullying other students at school and online. Leo is thoughtful and sensitive, but has trouble managing his feelings and standing up for himself.
When Leo and Serena enter Protector School they discover that empathy, assertiveness and resilience are their super powers.
Curriculum-aligned and developed by educators and a clinical psychologist, The Protectors is a creative and entertaining addition to your wellbeing program. Students will be inspired and empowered to stand up to bullying, seek help and protect themselves and others at school and online.
The Protectors | Cyber Safety & Anti-Bullying Program
Rone – School Mural
Rone was a student at Clifton Springs PS back in 1993. RONE | Artist
He came back to visit and worked with a group of students to create a mural at the school.
Dr Connie Buckingham – Social Stencil
Connie has provided professional learning this week to Education Support Staff and Teaching Staff on the Social Stencil.
Social Stencil is a neurodiversity-affirming program designed for use in schools and clinics, helping educators and clinicians facilitate inclusive social and emotional learning experiences for all learners.
Through engaging and creative pedagogy, the program explores emotions, friendships, peer relationships, and conflict in ways that are accessible, thoughtful, and neurodiversity affirming.
There are resources for parents available also on the website.
