Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,
We are half way there!
Focus on LearningThe staff at APS have taken a deliberate stance this term to do everything to protect learning time, for both students and staff. The very core business of schooling was disrupted so frequently in the last two years that as educators, there is a great sense of urgency to prioritise essential learning above everything else that is good-to-have.
This stance is in line with the DET's request for schools to remain conservative on all things COVID in Term 1 while the situation is still volatile. Further, with our Late Works Project (construction work) taking place, the school is simply unable to host big community events at this stage.
Despite being 'quieter' on the community engagement front, with this newed focus, energy and desire for learning, we have seen incredible progress on student learning in all learning areas. Particularly noticeable is an unprecedented level of Chinese being heard and spoken in the school as students enjoy their newfound 'fluency' in the language. Well done to all!
Tailored learning support has also been implemented rigorously throughout the school, funded by both the school and the DET Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI). Over the last month, we have been recommenced all of the following programs:
- English literacy support (TLI)
- Mathematics support (TLI)
- Chinese literacy support (APS)
- Chinese background speaker extension (APS)
- Principal's extension - French in Semester 1 and Secondary Maths in Semester 2 (APS)
- Victorian High-Ability Programs for Years 5 and 6 (DET)
Staff have also been learning focused with various professional development having taken place within the space of 6 weeks:
- "Career Start" Workshops (Graduate teachers and mentors)
- Primary School Mathematics and Science Specialist (Amanda)
- "Finance Matters" training (Marianna)
- Online NAPLAN training (Lizzie)
- Bilingual Working Party Workshop (Fangni & Travis)
- APS x Richmond West PS x Richmond High School Inter-School Project (Fangni)
- Successful application to DUET - Music Teacher Support (Jasmine)
- Visit to YarraMe (Sercan & Caroline)
- Evolve & Paul Sahlberg Conversation Series with Gonski (Stanley)
Late Works ProjectThank you for your cooperation and patience with the single entrance arrangement (for our roof works). We understand that finding a convenient parking spot can be hard on Albert St during drop-off and pick-up times.
Don't forget Lithgow St is very quiet, so if you don't mind the slight detour for exercise, parking on Lithgow St may be a good option!
COVID
Unfortunately a small number of COVID cases has been identified at APS over the last week. (Note: As per DET instructions, parental communication regarding COVID cases at school is only sent to the parents/carers of the classes affected.)
Please continue to be stringent with monitoring for COVID symptoms and refrain from sending your child to school if you have any doubt.
If your child tests positive via RAT or PCR, please contact Marianna straight away by calling 03 9428 5977.Updated PoliciesAs part of DET requirement, schools are required to update different policies each year, based on the review cycle set for each policy.
Please note that APS has recently updated the following policies to be aligned with the updated DET policies, which are all available on the
School Policies page of our website:
- Anaphylaxis (& Anaphylaxis Communication Plan)
- Asthma
- Bullying Prevention
- Yard Duty & Supervision
Call for Casual Relief Teachers (Subtitute Teachers) & Volunteers
As you may have heard on the news, Victoria is currently going through a massive shortage of CRTs. As the school's Daily Organiser, I can attest to the 'stress' this shortage has put schools under.
If you know of any CRTs that would be interested in working at APS, please encourage them to send through their CV to
abbotsford.ps@education.vic.gov.au Similarly, we are still looking for 1-2 volunteers who can assist with English literacy support. If you or anyone around you would be interested in volunteering at APS, please refer them to the
Volunteering page of our website and contact us via
abbotsford.ps@education.vic.gov.au---
Xīnkǔle! Enjoy the long weekend!
Stanley xiaozhang