Disappointingly 6 demountables weren’t in place for the start of school at Carlingford West PS and according to the media they weren’t the only schools who had a difficult start to the school year. Just very frustrating for the school communities & it does nothing for the image of Public Education. Executive will be discussing this

However on a much brighter note there were some good news stories with the students at Artarmon PS moving into 21 new classrooms and reclaiming some of their playground. There are some great new facilities & even some “grassy mounds” for the classrooms!!

Ultimo PS is a school on the move. Situated close to the inner city, the site had reached its capacity and there was an identified need for more space and increasing its capacity to take up to 800 students. Across the road from the school is Wentworth Park & a “pop up” school was established whilst the original site will be modified. Principal Nic Accaria provided this great look at his temporary school.

Wentworth Park PS, is a brand-new school opened up in the growth area near Homebush on the Parramatta River. Principal Rose Manousaridis provided this information:

Recently when I was bemoaning that I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew, John Goh provided me with some salient advice and that was to keep chewing, because eventually it will taste good. I’m chewing like mad….

Wentworth Point Public School is a stunningly beautiful school, overlooking the Parramatta River, located in a very densely populated developing suburb, Wentworth Point in Olympic Park. It has been designed purposefully to accommodate Futures Learning pedagogy and has 18 Homebases including 4 Homebases for Au/IO and Au students, 4 Special Programs rooms, a larger COLA, and a hall. The school also has a Learning Resource Hub (Library) which extends across three levels and which is inviting us to think of innovative ways we will utilise this area as it is extremely unique. The school is also fitted with flexible furniture which can be accommodated to the learning needs of the children.

The ups:

• Ambiguity, uncertainty and unpredictability can be really energising and bring out the best in us. I have become a lot more flexible as a result.
• Teaching and learning in a magnificent building, with amazing views, spaces and furniture (we have a lot to learn about how to make it work for children and teachers). And no, my office does not have a view of the river it has a view of the IGA Market Cellarbrations sign which is quite ironic as I do not drink alcohol, but things might change!!!
• Leading the branding process, including the development of the logo, motto and the school uniform was really exciting and allowed me to express my creative side which had been in hibernation.
• Getting straight into creating what we know will work for children, staff and the community without having to concern ourselves with reshaping an existing culture.
• A fabulous community who are really excited that the school has opened.
• A very supportive Director in Kathy Powzun.

The downs:

• Ambiguity, uncertainty and unpredictability can be really terrifying and bring out the worst in us.
• Working continuously through Spring and Summer breaks because of the tight time frame and not getting access to the school until the 18th of January. Huge thanks to Stacey Furner who kindly gave me an office next to hers for term 4 and provided me with space to conduct lots of parent forums and K orientation sessions.
• Trying to get answers from many people was extremely and continues to be extremely time consuming. I remind myself that everyone is learning.
• Not being able to provide transition programs for our children in the Support Unit.

Thank you family, friends, colleagues, Dr Glasser, Fitness First, my meditation stool and Boris my Siberian cat. All visitors welcome. Tours are on every Thursday 3.30 – 4.00. Please email me rose.manousaridis@det.nsw.edu.au Please follow us on Facebook.