From the Principal  

Harmony Day 

“Everyone smiles in the same language”

What a great quote by George Carlin. 

The words immediately capture my attention.

A smile has the power of a common language for people around the world, bringing peace and understanding, no matter where we are from. 

Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core values.

The students and teachers of GRPS proudly adorned the colour of orange today to signify the importance of celebrating unity and diversity. 

Hopefully you can bring a smile to someone’s face today!

A Message from Mrs Rice 

Reporting  live from the playground at GRPS...... 

Today we celebrated Harmony Day and it was so wonderful to see all the students dressed in their cultural costumes and a touch of orange. We are so lucky at GRPS to have such a diverse community and today has been an opportunity to come together  to share our different cultures.

Harmony Day is a time to celebrate multiculturalism in Australia and the successful integration of migrants into our community. 

Please come and have a look at the mural the students did in the corridor between 2A and 2B, it looks amazing!

School Drop-Off Zone 

 The supervised School drop-off zone operates from 8:45am-8:55am each morning. 

The zone was created for parents’ convenience to drop off quickly without having to park resulting in a smoother transition to school. 

Student safety is always paramount, and we respectfully ask that all families using the drop off adhere to the guidelines to make it operate efficiently. 

The success of the drop-off  zone is reliant upon a few key factors as outlined below and we ask for your cooperation to ensure we can continue to operate this for our community. 

• Students exit the car where possible on the curb side with their school bags ready. Please do not have school bags in the boot as this holds up the traffic flow. 
• We ask parents to remain in the car and the supervising teachers will escort the students to the curb if necessary. We understand that sometimes it is difficult with infant car seat placement.
• Please do not overtake at the drop off. In the circumstance where a student must disembark on the roadside the student’s safety could be at risk if cars are overtaking. We ask that you are patient whilst the students are escorted safely to the curb. 
• Please remain in the car line to ensure that the supervising teachers are also safe. There have been a few times when we are assisting children that we have also been in danger of a car overtaking.
• The traffic is often held up at Great Ryrie St so if you are using the Zone be prepared for the delay and always exit by turning left.  

Traffic Disharmony 

School Access through Heathmont Place

I have recently received a letter of concern from the Owners Corporation Committee of Heathmont Place, regarding car and pedestrian traffic. 

Heathmont Place is Private Property and should not be used for drop offs or pick-ups. 

In addition, the residents have observed pedestrian traffic to and from the school using the roadways for access, rather than the pathways provided through common property areas.

While this use of roadways is understandable given that the estate designers did not provide for footpaths along roadways, the estate Owners Corporation Committee (OCC) is concerned for pedestrian safety. It would be appreciated if the school community could also be encouraged to use the pathways provided instead of roadways where possible, particularly at the estate entrance and along Carbery Place.

I know the parking is always difficult,  but I encourage you to support our local residents in their requests as they are always willing to assist us with security, and we like to work together harmoniously to instil a sense of community with our neighbours.  

Traffic Management

There have been some recent emails and concerned calls from parents regarding the traffic management in the local streets surrounding Great Ryrie.

If you have any concerns, please contact Maroondah Council regarding parking inspectors and the issuing of traffic infringements, the crossing attendants or the parking and management of traffic. As a school we are happy to support you, but the Maroondah Council are the contact for public enquires. 

Planning Week 

In the week beginning Monday 27th March, the staff will be working together throughout the week to plan and organise teaching and learning activities for Term 2. Whilst the teachers are planning the students will be supervised by the specialist staff and will participate in a variety of specialist sessions. The normal curriculum for this week will not be effected.

Ride to School Day

Many of our students rode a bike, scooter , or skateboard to schoool today. Some laced up their rollerblades or pulled out the old speedskates, (that may have just been me), to participate in the  Ride to School Day. Ride to School Day is a nation-wide event designed to promote and develop physical activity in children. The day looks at raising awareness and promoting physical activity in children through initiatives such as cycling, walking, scooting, and skating.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends 

Principal 

Karen Rouda