Last week I was very fortunate to attend the Principal's Regional Briefing and hear Darrell Fraser, the Deputy Secretary for the Office for Government School Education speak about a new teaching framework called the e5 instructional model. It focuses on what makes high quality instruction. The teaching team will be working through the model during the coming months. As a continuation of my Instructional Leader role at our school I have scheduled regular classroom visits around the e5 instructional model.

I am determined to keep student learning and improvement as my core business and enjoy spending time with the children and teachers. Lynn Raidme has now commenced working with the Junior School teachers but will continue to work with Semester One teachers developing Literacy across the school.

Can I ask that any parents who have not enrolled their Prep students for 2010, to do so in the next few weeks to assist our curriculum and classroom planning for the future. Also if any of our Winchelsea families are aware of other families contemplating enrolling here, we ask them to contact us as soon as possible.

Our Green School‟s Connect program application was successful which entitles us to between 6 to 10 volunteers who come out for the day and provide “people power” to complete an environmental school project. A huge appreciation to Kate Glynn who organised for a company to donate 240 beautiful blue gums to use at school, thanks Kate. Our new solar panels will be installed shortly (we have received the $50 000 National Solar Schools grant) and the tanks will follow for the recycled water. The foyer area outside the office looks fantastic after the floors have been sanded and polished.

Due to all Curriculum Days being allocated centrally this year our Student Learning Discussions will begin with the students at school. Discussions are scheduled for 15 „minute intervals and represent a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child/ren‟s learning. For more information please refer to the information sent home last week.

I would like to personally welcome two new students to our school who began last week. Chloe 3/4E and Liam 5/6S have moved to Winchelsea from Western Australia and we look forward to having them in our school community.

Our Regional Director Grant Rau will be conducting a Literacy Walk on Friday at our school. I am very excited at the opportunity to “show off” the wonderful work of our fantastic teachers in Literacy at our school and celebrate student achievements. Our assembly this week will be at 8.45 am to accommodate the visit.

Good luck to our debaters on Thursday. Also congratulations to three of our Grade six students who have been accepted in accelerated learning programs at their respective Secondary Colleges next year.

Have a fantastic break and keep supporting our school,

Darryl Diment.
Principal