A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

† Whole School Mass. The whole school Mass to celebrate the feast of All Saints last Friday was very special. I would like to thank the children in the school choir whose singing made the Mass so memorable. Thanks also to the teachers who contributed to the music and singing.
† Parent Concern. As you would be aware there was an issue regarding a claim of an attempted abduction of a child from the Swan Anglican School. We were not formally informed of the incident and only became aware that something had occurred well after the children of the school had been dismissed at the end of the day and left the campus. As you would be aware the school regularly informs the parent community of alerts as soon as we are notified. In addition, the school is in the process of erecting a boundary fence that will fully secure the site and ensure that no one is able to access the school without being monitored and registering their
presence.
† Teaching/Learning Program. Following the restructuring of the school which took place at the beginning of 2009, student performance data (both NAPLAN and school based assessments) suggests that some further adjustments to the teaching/learning program are required. Consequently in 2010 there will be some refining of the delivery of the teaching/learning program across the school.
Changes being made will ensure that the school achieves further improved learning outcomes for its students. These changes include the introduction of;
�� Reading Recovery Program (Year 1-2)
�� EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding) (Year 1-2)
�� Science Specialist Program (Pre-Primary-Year 6)
�� Education Support for literacy and numeracy (Year 1-6 with emphasis on Year 3-6).
Other changes will include reducing Teacher Assistant (TA) support provided to Year 1 classes from full time to mornings only for each class. For Year 2 classes TA support will be reduced from two TA’s each morning to one TA each morning. In addition, classroom teachers will be taking responsibility for the provision of the library program currently being provided by Andrea Millar.
† Staffing 2010. It is with some sadness that I must announce that Amy Tome will be leaving the teaching staff of St Helena’s at the end of this year. Amy has made a significant and positive contribution the education and care the school provides to its students and this will be a loss to the staff. We wish Amy the very best with her future teaching career on her return to Victoria.
On a happier note, Caterina Di Carlantonio has announced that she is about to become a mother and we are all very pleased and excited for her. As Cat will be on maternity leave from approximately midterm 1 2010 it is proposed that her replacement will take responsibility for the class from the beginning of the year and Cat will provide support to Year 1 and 2.
The school has appointed Catherine McRae as the Music Teacher. Catherine has had extensive experience in teaching music within Catholic education and is currently teaching at Methodist Ladies College. In addition, Theresa Crothers and Caitlin Nugus have been appointed as Kindergarten teachers. Both Theresa and Caitlin will join Cathy Byrne and together they will be teaching the three
kindergarten classes the school will be running in 2010.
† School Fees. A reminder to parents that school fees are now due. Parents are asked to ensure that any outstanding fees are finalised.
† School Fete. A reminder that the school fete will be held on Sunday 29 November between 12.00 p.m.- 4.00 p.m. The P&F as well as the staff and children of the school are working towards making this a significance and successful fundraiser for the school.
† Kindergarten 2010 Orientation. The orientation for families in the 2010 Kindergarten program will be held on 18 November at 1.00 p.m. in the under-covered area. It is anticipated that the program will run for approximately one hour with some refreshments served at its conclusion. We have a near full cohort of students attending three classes of Kindergarten in 2010 however there are a few places available for any late applications.
† Three Year Old Program. Interviews for placement into this program have begun this week. Those currently enrolled for the 2010 program have been contacted by phone and appointments arranged. The program will run on a half day or full day basis with an option to attend on two full days. If you know of anyone who is interested in such a program it is important that they submit an application as soon as possible.
† Nomination for School Board/Parents and Friends. As a school we encourage the
involvement of parents and your participation on such bodies as the School Board and P & F is a valuable way you can help the school. With the School/P & F AGM taking place on Wednesday 2 December I would ask you to give some consideration to being a part of these significant groups within our school.

Roger Saulsman
PRINCIPAL