Preston Primary Posts

Principal's Report

School Saving Bonus

In the last state budget, the government announced that every child who is enrolled in a government school will receive a one off $400 payment. We have now received further information on how the money will be distributed and how it can be used. The funds will be distributed via an online portal that parents will have access to. Parents will not receive the funds directly. 

 

An example of how you can use the funds would be if you wanted to spend $100 on school uniform you would log into the portal, complete the required information and the funds would then be sent to the school to pay for the uniform. You will not be able to use external providers such as Kmart to purchase uniform. As we receive more information I will keep families updated. 

 

PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW TO ENSURE 

YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE FUNDS

 

In Term 4, 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.

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 in 2025. 
  • Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information 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. 

Gaga Ball 

I’m sure if you have a child in year 2-6 you have heard discussions about Gaga Ball. Gaga Ball is a new game that we have introduced at the senior school. It involves the children playing a poison ball like game within an octagon shaped pit. If the ball hits your legs you are out. It gets quite competitive at times however the kids are really enjoying it. The lines to play are often quite long. 

Athletic Sports 

Next week our athletics team will be going to the Meadow Glen Athletics track to compete in the Division Athletics Sport. They are all very excited and have been training for their events. If your child is competing in an event, you are very welcome to go along and support them. 

 

Thanks to our PE teacher Kris Mihal for all the hard work he has put into organising the event. Good luck to all our athletes! 

Hats 

In only a couple of weeks we will begin Term 4 and it will be compulsory for all children to wear a hat when they are outside. Children must wear a royal blue school hat. Parents can buy a bucket hat from the school Uniform Shop; however, the children can also wear a broadbrimmed hat (royal blue).

 

Children are not permitted to wear a baseball style hat.

 

Parents, please make sure your child has a clearly named hat in their bag at all times during Term 4. Children who do not have a hat will be restricted to playing in an undercover area.

 

If your child needs a new hat you can order one on QKR. 

Senior School Grounds Work – rear of Milking Shed between the Grade 4 portable and the oval

The retaining wall between the grade 4 portable and the oval is being replaced over the next few weeks and the garden area will be landscaped. 

 

Due to this the area between the portable and the oval will be fenced off so staff, students, and parents will not be able to access this part of the school. 

 

Temporary fencing will be put in place tomorrow (Thursday 05 September), which will ensure that no one can access the work area. 

 

The fencing will restrict access to the ramp on the oval side of the portable and will encompass the 4 square courts in front of the grade 4 portables as well. 

 

I am not certain exactly how much of the 4 square court area will be fenced off, but it may be that the grade 4 portables are not accessible from the oval and people will need to use the basketball court and ramp near the PAC instead. 

 

The 4/5/6 toilets will remain accessible throughout the entire process.

 

Apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause.

 

Regards 

Janet Paterson

Principal