Principal's Report

Parent/carer Meetings with Teachers - locations

We are looking forward to facilitating the upcoming Parent/Carer-Teacher meetings over the next two weeks, with all classes except 1CR, 4AS & 6MB having meetings scheduled for next Wednesday, July 22. Bookings can still be made via Compass. 

For the safety and warmth of parents/carers waiting for meetings, for Years 3-6, these meetings will occur in the main admin building as follows:

3KD, 3KP & 4BC: Library

5CB: Japanese Room (waiting area in the inside corridor leading to the room)

5IB: Counselling Room (next to Assistant Principal Office)

6MG: Meeting/Conference Room

Save the Date!

Online Respectful Relationships Forum

          Student-Led Parent Information Evening

Respect Online: Supporting Young People to Thrive in the Digital World

 Roberts McCubbin Primary School Hall

Wednesday 26 August

 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Our Year 6 Lighthouse Leaders are excited to invite all families to a special student-led parent information evening as part of this year's Lighthouse Leadership Program.

Working alongside the Inner East Respectful Relationships Network, Optus Digital Thumbprint, and The Cyber Safety Project, our students have been exploring one important question:

How can we help every student be respectful, responsible and confident online?

Using student voice, our Lighthouse Leaders surveyed students across the school and discovered that while students generally feel confident showing respect in person, many wanted more support with respectful online behaviour, digital safety and knowing what to do when something doesn't feel right online.

Rather than keeping this learning in the classroom, our students wanted to share what they have learned with the important adults in their lives.

What can you expect?

This evening has been designed by students, for families.

Our Lighthouse Leaders will:

• share what they discovered through student surveys
• explain what students are learning about respectful relationships and online safety
• showcase the lessons and resources they have developed for students across the school

• provide practical tips for supporting children to be safe, respectful and responsible online.

   

Following the student presentations, representatives from the Inner East Respectful Relationships Network, Optus Digital Thumbprint, and The Cyber Safety Project will be available to answer questions, provide expert advice and share practical resources to help families navigate the ever-changing digital world.

Whether your child is just beginning to use technology or is already spending time online, this session will provide valuable information to help support positive conversations at home.

Childcare Available

We understand that organising childcare can sometimes make attending school events difficult.

If you are unable to arrange care for your child, please bring them along. We will be running a supervised movie in a nearby space during the presentation so families can attend.

Everyone is Welcome

We warmly encourage all parents, carers and family members to attend. Even if your child is not directly involved in the Lighthouse Leadership Program, the information shared will be relevant to every family.

Together, we can continue building a community where our children feel safe, supported and confident both online and offline.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 26 August at 6:00 pm in the School Hall.

AusAlert Nationwide Test

The Department of Education have asked schools to share the following information about the upcoming national AusAlert test:

We’ve been advised that a national test of AusAlert will happen across Australia on Monday 27 July at 2 pm. 

AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026. 

On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test. 

To minimise disruption, student phones and smart devices should always be switched off and stored securely in lockers or bags during the school day. Students who use their mobile phone as part of a documented exception can continue to do so. If appropriate, they can turn their phone off during the test. 

You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens. Information is also available in other languages. 

Safe phones 

AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices. 

If you or someone you know has a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during the test is to: 

• turn offyour mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode 

• keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours. 

Silent mode and do not disturb will not stop the alert. 

For more information, please refer to the Staying safe with AusAlert page. 

Projects Update

• The VSBA budget for the playground expansion didn't quite stretch to include planting - we're collecting quotes from landscaping companies to deliver this!

• Replacement of existing gas heaters in the gym with a heating and cooling system - work is due to begin next week. This project is only possible due to our incredible community fundraising in 2025!

• Toilet floors throughout the school have been upgraded, much brighter now!

• The new veggie garden area is progressing, with the beds flattening out, hothouse & chicken coop on the way up (thanks flat-pack volunteers!). Any more green thumbs who would like to volunteer to help with the garden are most welcome!

• Our electronic sign on Birdwood St has unfortunately reached the end of it's functional life. We've explored a number of options, with a new screen due to be installed shortly.

Peter Watson

Principal