Important Information

Messenger Kids App

Many parents, particularly those in the junior school, have asked about how students can connect and stay in touch with friends during these times. This has proved a challenge as the many of the apps and video conferencing software are not suitable for younger students. 

Messenger Kids is a free video calling and messaging app for smartphones and tablets developed by Facebook which may provide a safer alternative for families. It requires a parent to download and set it up on their child’s device and is linked to the parents Facebook account. There is NO Facebook account created for the child. When the child logs in there are a series of screens giving information on respectful and responsible use of the app and an agreement that the child and parent submit. There are no ads or in-app purchases. There is text and video available and a sleep mode so the parent can choose the times the app is available. Parents manage the contact list and the parent dashboard allows the parent to download and view 30 days of text messages in case of an issue. Other features include; filters, stickers and games that spark conversation. 

As with any app, parent engagement is vital but this is a great way to allow communication between children that the parent has approved. Social interactions and being able to continue building relationships with friends is extremely important during this time. We hope this app will help to fill a gap and would be happy to hear feedback from families using it. 

Applications for Year 7 Placement 2021

A reminder to Year 6 parents, all Applications for Year 7 Placement forms need to be returned to school by Friday 15th May. They can either be emailed through to the school email or dropped off at the office. If you have any questions please contact Amanda Nelson.

Onsite Learning Applications

Department of Education and Training Secretary continues to communicate  about the importance of learning from home. The advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer is that – all children who can learn from home, must learn from home, to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Below is an application form from the Department of Education for on-site attendance. If you feel you have grounds to request your child attend school you must complete and return the attached application to the school email. This application will be reviewed and you will be informed if your application has been successful or otherwise. No child is permitted to be on the school grounds without the approval, by the school principal, through an official application.

Application forms must be submitted weekly by Thursday 3.00pm for approval for attendance the following week with a decision communicated on the Friday by 3.00pm.

Reach Assessment

As it is still unknown when we will be returning to school, we have moved the Reach Assessments to be online. The dates for all assessments have also changed. Students who have returned forms will still be able to sit these tests, and will be notified of the changes and how to access the assessments themselves at a later date.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on Sentral.

Marissa Mundy