Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

Week 3 is finished and it has certainly been a busy one.  I am always very appreciative of our staff and the opportunities that they provide our community.  We carefully meet every coronavirus restriction and we still maintain the momentum of opportunity for students.  Unfortunately, I cannot report the same for our parents.  The restrictions are keeping parents from being directly involved with their children at school and this frustrates me.  The restrictions will, one day, lift and we will return to families enjoying moments with their children and teachers.

Road safety

I am sure by now that many families will have seen the reports on social media this week about three students helping some toddlers who looked as if they were going to cross onto Foxwell Road.  I am very proud of the responsible actions shown by our students. At our school, we consistently speak of ways that we, as citizens, can serve others. We want our children to learn that citizenship starts now, as students at school, and not after they finish their schooling. I managed to catch a quick view of the footage and was immediately impressed but the selflessness shown by the girls. They had quite clearly placed the safety of these toddlers ahead of their own.

I must also applaud the driving of motorists at this time. While I have only briefly viewed the footage, it struck me that nearly every driver reacted quickly and evasively to ensure that the toddlers and our students were kept as safe as possible. I value greatly the care that our community shows for each other.

And while tragedy was avoided this time, it is all too easy for drivers to get it wrong.  Please ensure that you never drive too quickly through the Kiss n Go or car park areas.  One car in particular has been seen as moving too quickly around the children this past week.  Please be very careful and courteous.  

Book lists for 2021

Click here to access all of the book lists for 2021.  You can order through the school supplier or print the lists and organise your own materials.  Regardless of which method you prefer, your children must have these items for school next year.  The school does not use communal resources and anything you purchase for your children remains your property and will not be given to other students.

Student Resource Scheme for 2021

The Student Resource Scheme was discussed at the P&C meeting earlier this week.  Mrs Porch explained the new government requirements about the scheme including:

• The scheme needs to be reported on at each P&C meeting to show that the school is not profiting from the funds from families
• The letters of explanation need to identify the resources so that parents who choose, may opt to provide their own.
• Opting into the scheme means that families remain in and annual renewal is not necessary.
• Parents can opt out at anytime.
• Payment plans are available.
• The same policy applies to all state primary and secondary schools.

We will be sending these SRS letters to families via email in the coming days.  Click here for all the 2021 SRS details.

Human relationships education

HRE is part of the Australian Curriculum so it must be taught at school.  However, teaching children about sexuality and personal safety can evoke strong opinions from parents so it is important that all parents know what is covered in the program. 

Our school will be using the True Relationships organisation again this year to assist teachers with the All School Program that will be covered.  Click here to go to the website that will provide more information about the program.  All students will be involved in the lessons - except if their parents opt them out.  Teachers will send home information about the program and the opt out process.

Parent session: The parent information session is booked for October 28 at 2:45pm and will be held in the music room.  Seating is limited to just 30 adults.  Please email Michelle McMurtrie to reserve your place.

I have included the two information brochures again this week - one lower school and one upper school.  I encourage you to peruse them closely and contact your child's teacher should you have any questions.  

Lower primary brochure for download

Upper primary brochure for download

Best wishes to Ms Rafton

The Department of Education contacted me late last Friday to inform me that they were offering one of our teachers a transfer within the next week.  Ms Rafton accepted the offer for family reasons, and will start at her new school on Monday.  Mr Shannon Ingram will continue on as Ms Rafton's replacement for the remainder of the school year.  I would like to extend my best wishes to Ms Rafton for a successful move.

Important dates

We will keep adding to this list of events as we finalise our plans the conclusion of the 2020 school year.   Please check this list each week and add the pertinent information to your fridge calendars.  

Kind regards

Vic