Community News
Altona College Fundraising
The Science Department is hosting a Bunnings BBQ on Sunday, October 13th (weekend of Week 1, Term 4) at their Altona Store. They are raising funds to upgrade the Aquarium Room. Help from parents and students on the day, as well as donations such as water bottles, canned drinks, sauces, and gift cards, would be hugely appreciated and can be received via the admin office. Generous commendation points will be awarded to students who volunteer to assist on the day.
Please contact Ms Kaltmann directly via Deena.Kaltmann@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you in advance for your help!
Deena Kaltmann, Head of Science and the Altona College Science Team
Fundraising Committee Meeting: Moved to next week
Last week was a busy week for the committee running a successful Father's Day Stall for our school, and the kinder next door. Unfortunately that meant a reminder was not sent out regarding the Committee Meeting which was supposed to be this evening. Consequently, we have decided to move the meeting to next week - same time, same place.
Wednesday September 11th, 7pm, Altona RSL Bistro
We hope you can make it, and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Attached you will find the minutes from the last meeting, as well as some images of a marquee and teardrop flag in use at Friday's athletics competition - which the committee funded through proceeds raised at the recent Christmas in July event.
Next week we will be in the venue where Trivi-Yeah will be held in October, and will put some planning into place.
All welcome, whether it is your first meeting or one of many. Enjoy a meal and getting to know some college parents, all while planning future events to enrich the school. Hope to see you then!
Kind Regards,
Sarah Prismall
Chairperson, Altona College Fundraising Committee
Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
"A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day"
Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.
So don't wait for R U OK?Day on September 12th, Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.
YOUTH-CON 24
Hobsons Bay Youth Services are running a Youth Event on the 7th September at Laverton Community Hub. This event is free for attendees aged 12-25 years old.
Williamstown Baseball Club
The Williamstown Baseball Club is hosting a "Come & Try Day" on Sunday 8th September between 10 and 12pm. This is an event run by our Senior players, coaches and families for any child to have a go and see if they enjoy baseball.
Occupational Therapy Services
The Personnel Group have commenced Occupational Therapy services from their Altona North, Werribee and Bundoora and has appointments available for our students.
Referral to the services is simple; you can either complete and return a referral form to Personnel Group directly(see attached) or call 1300 874 000 to enquire further or book.
Bullying No Way Week
Bullying No Way Week was from the 12th to 16th August 2024. It is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative; it connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying. The theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'. To see what belonging means to our school community, the video can be viewed on the Altona College Facebook page.
School Saving Bonus
Dear parents and carers,
In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus.
The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.
The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.
Actions for parents and carers
Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:
- Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School.
- Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us, this can be checked and updated in compass.
We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:
- in October, to verify your email address
- in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus and access to an online system
Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.
To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.
School Student Broadband Initiative
The Australian Government is offering a valuable initiative to support educational opportunities for school-aged students. The program will provide 30,000 eligible families across the country with access to free NBN internet service. Families and carers can apply until 31 December 2024, and eligible households will receive free home internet until 31 December 2025.
This initiative is designed to enhance students' learning experiences and help bridge the digital divide. It is available to all families with school-aged students in Victoria.
For more details on eligibility and to apply, please visit