Principal's Message

Dear families,

As usual there has been a lot of things going on in the life of the school.  We detail some of the information for you below……

Swimming program

Our annual swimming program has commenced and this week some students in years one and three have been participating in swimming lessons at the Event Centre. Travel is by bus.  Being able to swim may save your child’s life one day so we encourage you to enrol them in these classes when they are offered, free of charge, by the school.  Note:  children in the same year level may participate across different weeks – depending on our timetable - so if your child in year one or three has signed up and did not go this week, it may be that they are on the list for the next time.   

Athletics Sports

Well done to the students in years three – six who participated in the athletics sports which were held on Wednesday and Friday of last week. Thank you to the staff who supported this event.  Children who achieved at a high level may have the opportunity to proceed to the next round whereby they compete against other schools.  Further information about this will come home to successful students once it is finalised.  We have some photos showcasing the athletics sports later in the newsletter, under the School News tab. 

Parent teacher interviews

It was fabulous to see so many of our families taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with their child’s classroom teacher at these planned interviews last week and exchange information about student learning.  There is clear research that says when parents and schools share information and work together children achieve better outcomes.  

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Our parents and friends are holding a sausage sizzle at Bunnings in Hoppers Crossing on Saturday, August 5.  This is not only a great fundraiser for the school but a terrific way to spend some time working with and getting to know other members of the school community. If you have an hour or two to spare and would be able to volunteer helping to cook and/or sell sausages leave your name and contact details at the front office and someone will be in touch.

Changes to NAPLAN reporting

Following the release of the NAPLAN data, and students’ reports being sent home to parents on Friday last week, I’m writing to inform you of some changes to this year’s reporting. These are changes being introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels.

These are:

· exceeding

· strong

· developing

· needs additional support.

This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels.

Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be in order to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

Each set of NAPLAN results is an important milestone but it’s also important that students know that one result does not define them – these results are about making sure every student gets the support they need so they can continue to get the best from their learning.

As ever, you’re welcome to speak your child’s teacher with any questions about your son or daughter’s achievement in NAPLAN, as the class teacher is better placed to give you feedback about your son or daughter’s progress across the broad range of curriculum offerings that they are exposed to each week.

Stay well this winter – some advice from the department around flu and respiratory illnesses.

In Victoria, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection numbers are high among children aged 5 to 11 years, particularly in those in their first few years of school. The Victorian Department of Health expects more respiratory infections over Term 3.

Most children with flu or RSV have a mild fever, runny nose or cough. Some children, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions, may have more severe illness.

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to:

· wash and sanitise their hands regularly

· avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

· cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing 

· stay at home if unwell and consult a general practitioner (GP) or NURSE-ON-CALL as needed

· stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Our school has masks for staff, students and visitors if they want to wear them.

Flu vaccinations

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. As part of the National Immunisation Program, it is free for:

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older

· children aged 6 months to under 5 years

· people aged 6 months or older with underlying medical conditions.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs, pharmacies or your local council immunisation service.

For more information about staying safe this winter, refer to: 

· Stay well this winter on the Better Health Channel, translated into 16 languages 

· Influenza and immunisation on the Better Health Channel 

· Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the Better Health Channel · Getting vaccinated against influenza.

Book week parade: August 25

From August 19 – 25 it is book week, where we acknowledge the important place literature has in increasing children’s learning outcomes as well as acknowledging the role books have in all of our lives for both information and enjoyment.  To recognise and celebrate this, we are holding a book week parade.  On Friday, August 25 all children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character.  This is a fun day and we encourage you to attend the parades that are held on the day – you will be impressed by the wide array of costumes!  Further details will be made available closer to the day.   

WE WANT OUR PARENTS / CAREGIVERS / GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents / caregivers / guardians think of our school. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. 

A random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents / caregivers / guardians has been selected to participate in this year’s survey. Those selected families that complete the survey will  go into a draw to win one of three $100 Coles Myer gift vouchers.  Instructions on how to do this will be provided with the introductory email.  

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open from Monday 7 August to Friday 8 September 2023. Emails inviting parents to participate will arrive sometime AFTER this date.  

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Please contact the office if you would like more information.

Congratulations

Stephanie Varga, her husband Jade and daughter Ivy, welcomed the arrival of their baby girl, Evie who was born on 16th July 2023.

Acting Principal

I have a need to take a couple of weeks of leave and during my absence Jodie Gauci will be acting principal.  Thank you in advance for your support of Jodie in this role.  

Have a fabulous weekend everyone.  

Sue Seneviratne

Principal