Term 1

As we approach the end of a term which seems to have flown by it is time to update the blog. I am pleased to report that the transition in to the new buildings has gone extremely well and all the classes are now settled in their new learning environment which continues to blossom under the careful guidance of our classroom Directors.

We have welcomed number of new staff;-Karen, Karen, Venus, Natalie, Orla and Lorri who all seem to have fitted in wonderfully and have already secured a place in the heart of the school community.

Penelope has continued in the role of Teacher in Charge which has worked well for both the staff, students, school community and the Council. There is a real buzz of excitement and enthusiasm around the school again which is fantastic to feel and a reflection of the effort put in by so many people.

Another great piece of news is that our student numbers have increased significantly over the past term. This is fantastic and I warmly welcome all our students and their families to our school community.

Playgroup is now back on the school campus and has gone from strength to strength this term. Orla has done an amazing job - and she had some big shoes to fill as she has taken over from Carmen - and has expanded the plagroup sessions from three mornings to four per week. This has effectively doubled the size of our school community in one term. How is that for an outstanding claim to fame?

These are amazing achievements for the first term and I would like to congratulate, and thank, all the staff for make these things happen.

On the downside - there always is one - Suzanne resigned from running Rainbow Club, our after school programme. Whilst sad at her decision this has provided the school with an opportunity to reconsider the aims and objectives of Rainbow Club. A group of parents are currently working together to devise a new, revamped, Rainbow Club for which will start in term 2. Watch this space for more information.

Talking of information our new, electronic newsletter is fantastic. Not only environmentally friendly it has brought the school into the 21st century. If you have not seen it go to the Rockingham Montessori School website and follow the links to the current and all previous newsletters. This is particularly great for families with overseas relatives who are able to see what their children/grandchildrem/ nieces/nephews etc are doing at school. We even have photographs of classroom activities!!! cathryn and her assistants have done a superb job creating the newsletter and updating the website. Thank you all, it is much appreciated.

Unfortunately we have not held any social or fund-raising events so far this year. This will change over the course ofthe next term so keep ypur eyes open for information about all sorts of upcoming events.

Staffing for 2009

The school council are pleased to inform the school community that we will be commencing 2009 with a full complement of staff. After extensive searching we believe we have engaged people who bring a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge to our school and we look forward to welcoming to our community at the beginning of term 1.
Marianne

Council Meeting 20th January 2009

An additional Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 20th January 2009 at 6.30pm at RMS. The primary business of the evening will be to finalise and approve the budget for 2009 and to consider fund-raising options.
The Agenda has been posted on the noticeboard adjacent to the basketball courts.

Open Council Meeting

Due to the clash of date with the end of term Abba disco the Open Council Meeting has been changed to Monday 15th december 2009 at 3pm.

We realise that this is not the best option and will hold an additional meeting early in term 1 to seek feedback and comment from the school community on a number of issues.

December Update

With apologies for the delay in updating the blog, as the end of term rapidly approaches it is time to let you all know what has been happening over the past few weeks - and hasn't it been a busy time?

Fund-raising Quiz Night

The quiz night was an amazing success despite the absolutely foul weather. Over $2000 was raised through ticket sales, raffles, auctions and donations. That is a phenomenal amount for one event in a small school. Thank you so much for your generosity and those businesses and individuals who donated prizes and gifts for the evening. A special thank you to Simon and Carly Dagnall for organising and compering the event, Dani Whyte for securing the prizes and Jenna nad Kathy Owen for their wonderful child care which enabled so many families to participate knowing that their children were in good hands. This money is going to be used to purchase some resources for the Playgroup and Rainbow Club with the remainder being put towards the refurbishment of the library facilities.

Arrival of the New Classrooms

A momentous occasion in the school history - the arrival ofthe new school classrooms. How exciting it was to arrive at school to find an enormous crane and the first of twelve sections already in place. Children, staff and parents all jostled to secure a prime viewing spot as slowly and very carefully each of the sections was gently lifted into place - no easy task considering the strong wind blowing as the operation was taking place. Many times I closed my eyes scared that a section was waving around and would not reach its destination successfully - a needless worry, the people installing the buildings knew exactly what to do but I could not help but feel nervous at such an important landmark in the schools development. Over the past 4 weeks a team of workmen have completed the building process to create 4 wonderfully appointed classrooms and a staffroom complete with bathrooms, kitchen, air conditioning and a raft of other amenties. These are certainly 'des res' classrooms that will be the envy of students far and wide.

The Grand Opening is scheduled to take place after the end of year graduation concert on 8th December. This will be the first opportunity for the school community to 'walk through' and see first hand the new facilities.

Staff are planning to move into the new classrooms ready for the start of 2009.

This has been a major project for our school and when you remeber that this time last year we thought we had lost our funding it is an amazing achievement largely due to the exhaustive work undertaken by Christine Comer and Helen Cockerill. There is no doubt that without the incredible effort put in by Christine and Helen we would not be in the position we are. Our heartfelt thanks to both of you for all your tireless work.

New Management Structure

Hopefully by now you are all aware of the revised management structure of the school with Mrs Penelope Hollingsworth taking on the role of Teacher in Charge with responsibility for the majority of the day to day running of the educational component ofthe school. Penelope has been at the school for over 6 years and has worked under three different leadership teams so has plenty of role models to disect as she develops her own leadership style.

Mrs Candice Shields [Director of the Dolphins class] has taken on the role of Cycle 1 Educational Leader with specific responsibilities identified.

Christine Comer will be continuing - at the request of Penelope - in her role as a school/council/community link person and the Council liaison person for each cycle will also remain in place for 2009.

The School Council believe that this is a good, workable, management structure, a view supported by DES and the one which, historically, the school has most successfully operated under. This system will be in operation throughout 2009 with a review to take place in term 4 when decisions will be made for 2010.

to be continued....

Change of date for ABBA disco

Please note the change of date for the end of term ABBA themed disco. Due to a diary clash it has had to be changed to Monday 1st December 2008. More details will be available soon but dust off the white lycra and platform shoes ready to be a "Dancing Queen".

Halloween Family Fun Night

Thank you to all of you who attended the Halloween Family Fundraising party on Friday 31st October. Wow! I was overwhelmed by the number of you who attended and you all made so much effort. When I was planning the event I anticipated maybe 6 0r 7 families attending and printed just 12 tickets just in case.... We had more than 40 families attend - that is two thirds of our school. It was wonderful to see you all at what was the first social event in a while. All the children looked fantastic dressed up in their scary best - you looked so good it was so difficult to pick winners. The adult witches coven looked pretty impressive too.......

Once we have the necessary permissions I will place some of the photographs on the blog for you to look at.

We raised around $370 which is great - and quite unexpected.

Thank you Carly - DJ extraordinaire - watch out Simon you have a rival - for all your hard work helping to make it the success that it was. Also a number of people donated prizes and other items for the evening which meant that all the money raised can go directly to purchasing resources for the school. On behalf of the staff and students thank you very much.
I hope that you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you next year!