From the Assistant Principal

Disability Inclusion Reform

In 2024 we will be preparing to move from the Program for Students with Disability model (PSD) that we are currently operating under. The PSD program was a deficit based model.

We will move to the Disability Inclusion Profile (DIPS) which part of the Disability Inclusion Reform. The Disability Inclusion Profile is a new tool and process to help schools and families identify the strengths, needs and educational adjustments schools can make for the individual student.

The North Eastern Region (NEVR) that Wonga Park Primary School sits in, is the last area to move into this new model for Inclusion. 

It's an exciting change, one that we are very much looking forward to. 

Inclusive education means that all members of every school community are valued and supported to fully participate, learn, develop and succeed within an inclusive school culture. The aim is to create safe and inclusive school environments for students with disabilities and additional needs. The initiatives focus on developing the knowledge and skills of school staff and giving schools clearer guidance and specialist support to better respond to the needs of students with disabilities - Department of Education Victoria 

This video highlights what Victorian students have to say about inclusive education - What does inclusion mean to me?

Uniform  - bike shorts to be only worn under uniform reminder

We have noticed recently that bike shorts and leggings are starting to be worn with a school tshirt. These items of clothing should only be under school uniform, they should not to be worn as outta wear.  A link to our uniform policy is attached for your reference. 

Volunteer Child Safe Training

Thank you to all members of our community who have either trained or updated their Child Safe Training this year. We are mandated (without exemption) to provide annual training for all volunteers working in our school. No further sessions will be offered this year. 

Please check the parent Sentral calendar in 2024 for information regarding sessions, volunteers will be unable to support our school programs without being current with their training. 

Transition

This week we commence our transition sessions for our Grades 1-5 students, there will be 3 sessions the students will participate in.

Week 9 - Current class teachers take their students up to the area of their 2024 grade level. Students will engage in activities with their class teacher noticing things such as what is similar and what is different to the grade level that they are currently in.

Week 10 - On the Friday, students will engage in a session in their 2024 grade level. 

Week 12 - On the Monday of Week 12, our students will meet their 2024 class and teacher/s. 

Recently updated Policies 

The Education Sub Committee has reviewed the following policies. These policies did not require school council approval as they are operational, approved by the principal. 

• Personal Property Policy

We understand that staff and/or students may sometimes like to bring items of personal property to school. The Department of Education and Training does not have insurance for personal property of staff, students and visitors. Wonga Park Primary School does not take responsibility for items of personal property that are lost, stolen or damaged at school or during school activities. Damage to personal property brought to school is the responsibility of the owner of that property. We encourage staff and students not to bring items of value to school, or to obtain appropriate insurance for such items. 

• Complaints Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

• provide an outline of the complaints process so that students, parents and members of the community are informed of how they can raise complaints or concerns about issues arising at our school
• ensure that all complaints and concerns are managed in a timely, effective, fair and respectful manner.

• Communication with School Policy

We understand the importance of providing helpful and timely responses to common enquiries from parents and carers. To ensure that members of our school community are directed to the most appropriate person to assist them the Communication with School Staff policy has been created.

Respect for School Staff Policy

Staff  are committed to providing a positive and supportive learning environment for all our students. Our staff take their work very seriously and feel privileged to be able to play an important role in each child’s education. 

Parents/carers and visitors to our school also have an important role to play in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for the entire school community. 

Cyber Safety Project

All parent/carer modules have now been presented for 2024 . You are able to rewatch sessions by accessing them via this link; www.cybersafetyproject.com.au/webinars 

Please don't hesitate to contact me on 9722 1325 or via email adele.brice@education.vic.gov.au should you require any further information.

Kind regards,

Adele Brice - Assistant Principal