Important Information

Beginning of the School Day

We will continue to start the school day with the children going straight to their classroom any time between 8.45am and 9am. We have been doing this for several years now and it makes for a very calm start to the school day. 

Meeting Siblings

If you have children at both the Senior and Junior School we recommend that the children at the Senior School walk to the Junior School to meet their sibling and parents at the end of the day. The children are very safe to walk to the Junior School as they are able to cross Tyler St at the crossing. 

Weather

As is typical with Melbourne we have experienced a range of weather conditions this summer. When it is hot we endeavour to keep the children as comfortable as possible. 

We have air-conditioners in every room to keep them cool. We encourage every child to bring a drink bottle full of cold water to school each day. 

The children are permitted to have a drink bottle with a pop-top lid, which must contain water, with them during teaching times to ensure they stay adequately hydrated. 

Depending on the temperature we vary the amount of time the children spend outside during their break times. When it is raining the children stay inside and are able to do indoor activities of their choice. 

Sharing Information with Your Child's Teacher

From time to time parents have information that they want to share or discuss with their child’s teacher. If this is the case you can:

• email your child’s teacher through Compass
• chat with them after school 
• make an appointment to meet with them if it is something that might require more than a quick chat
• call them on the phone, however please be mindful that although the teachers do have access to the phone it can be difficult to talk to them throughout the day. We suggest you call before or after school. 

Tutoring Program

The Tutoring Program will continue throughout 2024. We will use two models to deliver the program. Some will take place in the child’s classroom during their normal session and others will be withdrawal sessions. 

The program is available to eligible students in years 1 to 6 and the focus is on English and Mathematics. Children who are deemed eligible qualify for three 45 minute sessions per week for two terms. 

Last year’s classroom teachers identified the students they believed met the criteria and Julia Mutis, who coordinates the program, is now assessing them to ascertain who will be included in the program this semester. Once the decisions have been made parents will be notified if their child is to be included. 

CCTV Cameras

The School has CCTV cameras installed on both sites. There are signs on each of the entrance gates notifying anyone who comes into the school grounds that they are monitored. The cameras were installed with the approval of DET and the Preston PS School Council. The policy relating to the CCTV cameras is on our school website. 

School Newsletter

We publish a school newsletter that contains school related articles. It is very important that parents read the newsletter as it will keep you informed about what is happening in the school. The newsletter is our main form of communication with parents. 

The link to the newsletter will be emailed directly to your email address via Compass. We will not be providing a hard copy of the newsletter. We have used the most current email address that you provided us. If you have changed your email address please let us know. This can be done via Compass or you can email the school at preston.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au. 

If at any time you would like to read the school newsletter it is published on the school website at www.preston-ps.vic.edu.au 

Mobile Phones

All government schools are required to have a policy that complies with the DET policy on internet connected devices including mobile phones and smart watches. Our policy is on our school website so we asl that all parents please ensure they read the policy. Please be aware that children are not permitted to wear smart watches that have internet connection to school.

The school and the DET take no responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones, smart watches or iPads.

Medical Issues

We currently have many students in the school who have medical conditions including, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes etc. It is vital that we have current management plans and medication for every child who has a medical issue. 

All Anaphylaxis plans need to be signed by a doctor and parents to verify the information is correct and that we have permission to administer an Epipen if we need to. From time to time, children’s plans change so it is important that the school is kept updated on any changes. Each staff member has Level 1 First Aid, Asthma, CPR and Anaphylaxis training. A number of staff also have Level 2 First Aide qualifications. 

Personal Details

Have you changed your phone number, address, work place or emergency contacts? 

If the answer is yes, have you informed the school? 

It is essential that we have current details for every student. If we need to contact parents it can be very frustrating when our information is not correct. If you need to update any of your details you can do so on Compass or email us at preston.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au  

Accident Insurance

Preston Primary and the DE do not have accident insurance for students and as such if a child is injured at school parents are not covered for any out of pocket expenses including, doctor, hospital or ambulance bills. Parents need to arrange their own insurance. 

Parents please be aware that if your child is injured, is having an asthma attack or if we believe they are in any medical emergency, we will always err on the side of caution and call an ambulance. If the ambulance takes the child to hospital parents are responsible for the costs incurred.

Personal Belongings

If children bring expensive items to school including, balls or toys they do so at parents own risk. If there is any damage to them or they are lost or stolen the school does not accept any responsibility. DE does not have insurance to cover teacher or student personal belongings. 

Parents please ensure you are aware of what of your child is bringing to school. All items brought to school must be clearly named. The school does not recommend children bring any expensive or treasured items to school. 

Sunsmart

Children need to ensure they come to school each day prepared for the heat of the summer days. 

They MUST bring their hat to school EVERY day as we have a “No Hat No Play” rule that we enforce in Terms 1 and 4. 

Students must wear a school hat; baseball and Legionnaire's hats are not permitted. 

Parking Restrictions

All parents need to be aware of the parking restrictions around the school.  Cars are not allowed to park or stop on the 

• West side of Bowden St,
• East side of Ellison St and the
• South side of Shakespeare St
• East side of Foch Street

between 8.30 & 9.30 in the morning and 3.00 & 4.00 in the afternoon. 

There are no parking spaces in each street surrounding the Junior School and in Foch St to allow parents to stop and drop off and pick up their children however, you are not permitted to stop and get out of your car in those spots or park there. 

Parents need to be aware that the restrictions are in place to ensure the streets surrounding the school are safe for all of the people who use them.

Please take careful notice of the parking restrictions as the Parking Officers do patrol the street surrounding the school on a regular basis. 

They will issue infringement notices to drivers who are not abiding by the road rules.