Dear Parents & Caregivers,

 Everyone has returned to school feeling re-energised as we were able to make the most of sunny weather during the holidays. Welcome back to Sue Langton who enjoyed several adventures during Long Service Leave. While Kathleen Patitsas is on Leave this term she will be replaced by two teachers. We are very happy thatKathy Xanthis, the First Language Maintenance teacher will take the majority of classes for Greek LOTE and Georgia Kassara, a former student teacher during our inaugural 2004 year, will teach Junior Primary classes.Georgiahas recently held contract positions atSt AndrewsSchool.  

The Greek Orthodox Community of SA have generously offered to provide a teacher for Greek language classes to be held after school. Please see the expression of interest form enclosed.

This term we welcome four Flinders University and UniSA Pre-service teachers, Esther, Kyren, Rob and Chengji who will commence their teaching block in Junior Primary classes. We are also pleased to have assistance this week fromSeymourCollegestudents, Gen, Britt, Soraya and Taylor.

 Last night the recently elected Governing Council met. We would like to extend an invitation to members of the community to attend meetings which are usually held twice a term on a Monday evening. You are welcome to submit any agenda items through Governing Council members listed on our website. Please refer to the Diary Dates for upcoming  meetings and events.

 NAPLAN

The annual National Assessment programme, Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing will be held from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th May for all Year 3, 5 and 7 students (with the exception of students with disabilities).  Parents may also choose to withdraw their student from the tests, usually on the ground of philosophical or personal reasons.  In both of these cases a special exemption and withdrawal form needs to be completed, signed by the parent and a copy kept at the school.  If you are considering withdrawing your child please talk to your child’s teacher, Darrin or myself.  We are required to submit this information by 1st of May. 

 Regards,

Pat Cardone

Principal

Parent Complaint Policy

Parent guide to raising a concern or complaint

We all expect quality and expert care and teaching for your child in order that they achieve their potential. Working together will give us the best chance of solving a problem that may arise during your child’s years in preschool and school.

We also recognise that at times things may go wrong. If you have a concern or a complaint, we want you to let us know. It’s important to learn from mistakes or misunderstandings so that we can improve your child’s experience and learning, and also improve processes where possible.

The first step in working through a complaint is to talk to your child’s teacher, and then the director or principal if you still are not happy.

Ask at the front office for a copy of the school/preschool’s Parent Guide to Raising a Concern or Complaint brochure. Steps guiding how complaints should be made are explained in the brochure.

Use this guide to help you think through what you are concerned about and how to resolve the matter respectfully and effectively.

This information may be helpful in explaining what a complaint is:

A complaint may be made by a parent if they think that the school has, for example:

• done something wrong
• failed to do something it should have done
• acted unfairly or impolitely.

 Your concern or complaint may be about:

• the type, level or quality of services
• the behaviour and decisions of staff
• a policy, procedure or practice.

 Sometimes a complaint is about something we have to do because of State or federal law. In such cases we are able to talk to you about the matter and help you understand the requirements and why they exist.

 If you’d like more information give me a call on 8231 3100 or visit the department’s website at www.decd.sa.gov.au/parentcomplaint  or email DECD.parentcomplaint@sa.gov.au. There is also a Freecall number  1800 677 435.

 Pat Cardone

Principal