Welcome back to 2026

Welcome back to a new school year at our school. I hope all families enjoyed a restful and refreshing break and had the opportunity to spend quality time together. I had a lovely break spending time at the beach and with family. We also farewelled our youngest daughter off last week as she has moved to Dubai in the UAE.

The beginning of a school year is always an exciting time. Our two classrooms are full of energy, curiosity and smiles as students settle into new routines, reconnect with friends and begin new learning experiences. It has been wonderful to see how quickly our students have returned with enthusiasm and a readiness to learn.

I would like to warmly welcome our newest Foundation student Charlotte Rafferty and Mrs Lisa McDonald in joining our school this year. We are very proud of our supportive and caring school community and I am sure Charlotte and Mrs McDonald will settle beautifully into our school.

I also extend a sincere thank you to our staff, who have worked hard to prepare engaging learning environments that support both learning and wellbeing.

At our school, we value strong partnerships between home and school. Working together ensures our students feel safe, supported and confident to do their best. I look forward to another year of learning, growth and shared successes.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing families around the school and at upcoming events throughout the year, such as the our school community breakfast.

School Council

We will hold our first meeting for the Council on Thursday February 26th at 8am. The agenda and reports will be sent home prior to our meeting.

Buildings and Grounds Update

We have had Jason Orval at school for the last few days completing lots of handyman tasks around the school—replacing wooden edging on a garden beds, fixing up our playground to meet OHS standards, painting doors etc.

During the holidays, our carpets and windows were cleaned. Sharon and Karen have also spent many hours here at school mowing.

School Banking details –

Please note the BSB correction from the Parent Payment note that was sent out in the first week of school.

Account name: Merino Consolidated School

Commonwealth Bank

BSB: 063513

Account No: 1038 0461

Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ privacy policy and the Schools’ privacy collection notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students policy describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use [Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education] safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents.

Kind regards,

Lisa Ferrier

Merino Consolidated School Newsletter

BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE A LEARNER

Issue 1 · 06 Feb 2026

In this issue