Term 4 Week 9 2023 Newsletter

From the Principal

I cannot believe we are at the end of another school year, and that I am at the end of my second year as principal. You may not be aware, but a principal’s contract is a 2+5+5 year contract, with a review at each tenure point. A positive appraisal is required to move through to the next tenure point.

I recently completed my 2 year review and I am very excited to be moving to the next stage of my leadership journey at OLQP. Reflecting on my time at OLQP so far, we have achieved significant growth over the last 2 years. This includes student learning, reputation of the school, building community, and school upgrades. I would like to thank staff, students, and families as together we are building the school and creating excellent learning opportunities for our students.

Year 6 Graduation

Over the last couple of weeks, the Year 6 students have been finalising their time at OLQP and preparing for the next chapter ahead – secondary education. I have personally seen each of these students grow in my time as principal and I am proud of what they have achieved.

On Monday night, 11 December 2023, students and families gathered for the Year 6 Graduation Dinner. This was the first time that families were invited to attend the dinner. This change is symbolic of the partnership that the school fosters with families; we have journeyed together alongside your child during these primary years.

I wish each Year 6 student the very best as they move into secondary education. I know that they are well prepared and ready for this next step. No matter how long a student has attended OLQP, they are part of the OLQP family and are always welcome to visit in the future.

Community

Each and every day, there are examples of how strong our community is. This term we had some significant community events: Sports Day, Carols Night, Sports Assembly, Year 6 Graduation, and more.

Despite the poor weather, we had a successful Sports Day and Carols Night. I was amazed at how flexible, supporting, and determined the community has been, turning hurdles into opportunities.

As a community, you have filled my heart with priceless memories, and I hope as a school we have filled your heart. I truly enjoyed Carols Night and am thankful for the Parents and Friends community. On Tuesday, P & F organised an inflatable obstacle course for students to engage with and organised an ice cream for students. We were also blessed to have Father Christmas visit!

Transition

Our Reception students for 2024 had their last transition visit on Friday which was such a positive experience. They very quickly became a part of our community. This was especially demonstrated by their participation in the Carols Night. I look forward to seeing them in the new year.

Whole school transition occurred on Friday 8 December 2023. Each child had the opportunity to be with their 2024 teacher, with their 2024 class, in their 2024 classroom. This transition supports students to feel comfortable and ready for the new school year. Staff spent many hours determining class allocations, and my understanding is that students were happy with the allocations.

Reports

I hope you have had the opportunity to collect your child’s report. Though it might be uncommon to collect your child’s report from the school, it highlights the fact that reports are written for parents, and it is important that you open and see the report first.

I spent the previous weekend reading each report. It was clear to me the growth that students have experienced as well as how well staff know their students.

Farewell

At the end of every year there tends to be staff movement. As a school we were able to secure many staff on a permanent basis, allowing the school to strengthen staffing consistency.

This year we thank and farewell, Katerina Skoumbros, Gema Sanchez, Anna Aird, Chevelle Prokop, and Ashleigh Haigh. I wish them well moving forward.

I would like to again thank staff, students, and families; together we have achieved amazing things. I wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and a good New Year. Term 1 2024 starts on Monday 29 January. I look forward to having a restful and recharging break, and to seeing you in the new year.

Lee Abela
Principal