Assistant Principal's report

Remembrance Day Ceremony - Ringwood RSL

It was my great privilege to accompany our school leaders to the 2023 Remembrance Day Ceremony at Ringwood Clocktower on the 11th November. A large crowd gathered to show their respects and as the clock struck 11 the traffic in Ringwood came to a halt. This tradition never fails to have an impact. Hearing from a returned serviceman was also a sobering moment, as we all reflected on not only our gratitude but the enormous impact that war has on society. 

I was very proud of our School Leaders who represented our community so beautifully, as well as our own Ted Dugdale who as a member of the Ringwood RSL was instrumental in making sure that the ceremony went off without a hitch. One moment that brought me joy was the students seeing Ted rushing around with a big bunch of keys to unlock the Clocktower access door and getting everyone organised, whereupon they remarked 'oh my gosh there's Ted and he's here....just still being Ted!' Thanks for everything that you do in the community Ted. 

Food Sharing

At the end of the year, lots of children love the opportunity to share some joy with friends via Christmas or holiday cards. These can be a really wonderful way to thank a friend for a wonderful year but also to practise writing in an authentic way! We do not allow children to share food at any time and staff are not allowed to give food or treats as rewards or gifts. This means that giving candy canes or other edible gifts is not allowed so please do not send these with your child. This helps us to keep all students safe but also respects the wishes of other families. 

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

I wanted to bring to your attention our Mobile Phone Policy which also applies to the use of Smart Watches. All devices that have communication, internet or camera capability must be signed in at the school office each day so that they can be stored securely as per Department of Education rules and Ministerial Policy. If your student wears a Smart Watch which can be switched to 'school mode' (therefore rendering it incapable of anything except telling the time during a school day) then an exception can be made for this on discussion with the class teacher. These rules are in place for the health and safety of all students. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me to discuss this at any time.

If a student has a mobile phone or smart watch that has not been signed into the office, they may have their device confiscated and parents asked to collect it at their convenience. 

Our Mobile Phone Policy, including exclusions to the rule, can be found on the school website:

https://www.kalinda.vic.edu.au/source/Mobile%20Phones%20Policy%202023%20(1).pdf 

Kalinda Giving Tree

This year we will once again be collecting new and unused toys, games and books under the Kalinda Giving Tree (starting from early December). Our donations will be collected by the wonderful people at Uniting who will ensure they get to families who need and deserve some joy at Christmas. Please leave any donations unwrapped. 

We are also collecting Christmas Stockings (the lolly and/or chocolate type) for parent Melynda Daley who is once again arranging a wonderful celebration for vulnerable members of the Maroondah community. We have a box in the foyer for your donations so please consider popping one in the trolly next time you are at the shops.

Take care Kalinda, you matter to me. 

Lauren Hopkins

We are kind. We are resilient. We are respectful.