Dear Craigslea Community,

Term 4 is progressing quickly, and as we conclude Week 3, we have a busy calendar of events ahead. While these activities are important, it is crucial that we maintain our focus on teaching and learning, as students aim to finish the year on a strong academic note. I encourage families to ensure that students attend school every day. Regular school attendance significantly enhances students' chances for success, both academically and in life. When students attend school every day, they:

• Access more learning opportunities,
• Maintain and strengthen friendships,
• Stay connected to the curriculum,
• Build self-confidence as learners, and
• Achieve better long-term life outcomes.

Same Day Student Absence Notification
It’s vital that parents and carers notify the school if their child is unable to attend on a given day. In the event that a student is absent without prior notice, we will contact families as soon as possible. If you receive a notification from the school regarding an unexplained absence, please inform us promptly. We will follow up if no response is received, as ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority.

Morning Drop-Offs
We’ve observed an increase in students arriving at school before 8:30am. Please note that supervision begins at 8:30am. If students arrive earlier, they should be part of a supervised activity or enrolled in OSHC, which operates from 6:30am to 9:00am. For families needing to drop off students earlier, OSHC is available to ensure a safe and supervised environment.

Staff Appreciation Day
Next Friday, we will celebrate the incredible individuals who make our school the thriving community it is. Our staff, across all roles, contribute daily to the success and well-being of our students, and it is their dedication and passion that enables us to achieve so much together.

We could not be the school we are today without the unwavering commitment of every staff member. From our school officers and cleaners to our office staff, teacher aides, speech pathologist, social worker, guidance officer, and of course, our exceptional teaching and leadership team – each plays an invaluable role in shaping the educational experience of our students.

This celebration is our way of acknowledging and thanking each of them for the difference they make every day. Their hard work does not go unnoticed, and together, we continue to build a positive and enriching environment for everyone in our school community.

Planning for 2025
It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of my first year as Principal at Craigslea. It has been a year of learning and exploring ways to further contribute to this wonderful school. As we prepare for 2025, our school team is reviewing data, reflecting on our experiences from this year, and identifying areas for enhancement. Currently, our teachers are working collaboratively on a whole-school curriculum plan for English and Mathematics, aligned with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Mrs. McGregor and our Targeted Learning Teachers are reviewing our current ways of working and processes so that we strengthen their impact on student learning and I am leading the visioning process and priority-setting for 2025.

We are excited about the opportunities the next year holds, and we are eager to share our plans with you. Please join us at one of our What’s Ahead in 2025 sessions: 

• Coffee & Connect on Friday, 15 November from 9:00am to 10:30am, or
• An evening session on Monday, 18 November from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, prior to our final P&C meeting for the year.

Yours in Learning,

Melanie Rehm