Principal's Report

The Annual Report for 2024

The annual report for 2024 is complete and has been endorsed by the School Council.   It is now posted on our school website for anyone who would like to read it. There is a lot to celebrate in our annual report as shown by the range of data published. The annual report format is set by the Department of Education and all schools report on the same data sets. As you will see we compare favourably.

WebsiteLink:https://albanyrise-ps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/arc_2024_5427-1.pdf

This week is National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June). This year’s theme: ‘Bridging Now to Next’, urges everyone to "look ahead and continue the push forward towards a more united and respectful nation as past lessons guide us." This week and beyond provides an opportunity to explore how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

You can find more information here: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

And Department of Education resources here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/department/aboriginal-inclusion-plan-dhelk-wukang2022-26.pdf

During library this week, students have enjoyed reading about modern day Aboriginal Cultural experiences linked to stories and connections from the past and into the future,

Beating the Winter Chills

Unfortunately, we have experienced a lot of illness across our school in the past few weeks, with nasty colds and viruses going around. Schools always go through these times, so it is not unexpected. Given our staff work directly with students every day, they are highly susceptible to catching these illnesses too and (just like students) must be away from school when they are ill. We understand that it can be disruptive when the teacher is absent but it’s not something we can avoid. Wherever possible we get relief teachers, but there is a nationwide shortage of teachers, so they are not always available. We hope you can understand this situation and we appreciate your patience. 

One thing parents and carers can do to help is to make sure children are not sent to school when they are sick as this is the main reason that we get these illnesses spreading. Children typically need a few days off with a cold to get over the highly infectious stage, and at least five days for COVID. If children have a tummy issue, then they should not return until after 24 hours since last being sick or having diarrhoea. All we can do is work together as a community to try and keep it to a minimum. Hopefully the current surge will soon be over. 

Attendance Requirements

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify the school as soon as possible on the day of absence, by logging the absence on Compass.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Since the end of Term 2 2018, all Victorian government schools are required to contact parents/carers as soon as practicable on the same day of an unexplained student absence. If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

The Albany Rise Primary School Attendance Policy which outlines the school’s processes and procedures for monitoring, recording and following-up of student absences is available on the school website: https://albanyrise-ps.vic.edu.au/about-us/policies/ 

First Aid Communications via Compass – NEW PROCESSES

From this week, any student who needs to attend sickbay, will have an email automatically sent to parents/carers via Compass when the student enters the sick bay, and when they leave. The automated email relies on parent/carer contact information being correctly provided on Compass. The automated email will include the reason for the visit to sickbay and the time of the visit.

Parents will be still be contacted by phone if a student has a more serious medical condition or injury, including bumps to the head.

Book Fair – fantastic outcome!

Recently we held our annual Book Fair in the Library! Many students and families enjoyed the opportunity to come to the library and browse through the range over a couple of days. It was lovely to note the excitement from the students at new books and the desire to read. A huge thank you to Mrs Cas Foley our librarian, and staff who helped to process sales and make the fair a success. Huge thanks to all the parents who attended, and students who took part. A benefit of hosting the fair, is that based on the book sales we had, we will receive approximately $900 of books for our school library. We are always happy to take any feedback you might have about the book fair. You may like to add any feedback in the current parent survey link: https://forms.gle/BhSRmF2LgfZ7i3LP7

Working Bee- REMINDER: 

Our School Council – Facilities Sub-Committee have set a Term 2 working bee for Sunday 22nd June between 9am – 12pm. We will be completing some indoor and outdoor tasks, including updating our corridor displays with student work and photographs. We would love some talented ‘indoor decorators’ with a flair for displays, to come and assist on this working bee. Other tasks include clearing our storage areas, sorting equipment, gutters and drain cleaning, and general gardening.

Pre- Review Self Evaluation (PRSE)- Reminder and Thanks

Thank you to the 10 parents who have completed the informal parent survey so far. The comments and information received have already been discussed and options considered. 

Whilst is it great to know that most families are content with current practices and so do not feel their response on the survey is needed, THESE are the very families we would like to also hear from. There is still time for more parents/carers to complete the survey.

This year, Albany Rise Primary School is undertaking a whole school review. Schools undertake a school review every 4 years to inform the direction of the school’s 4-year School Strategic Plan (SSP).

Parents/carers have a very important role in the Pre-Review Self Evaluation (PRSE), during the PRSE, we ask parents about their experiences, opinions, ideas and possible opportunities they would like to be considered when developing a new strategic plan. Over coming weeks, I will be asking parents to provide input through various platforms, including a simple online survey. 

PLEASE take the time to complete this simple survey: https://forms.gle/BhSRmF2LgfZ7i3LP7

Education Week- final thanks!

A big thanks to Kylie Szabo, Daniel Redfearn and Michael Mottershead for helping with the construction of our Display board and all the posters, artwork and components to ensure it was ready to display at M-City last week. I encourage families to check out the lovely artwork and information on display next time you head to the shops.

Public Holiday Reminder

Don’t forget that Monday 9th June is a public holiday for Monarch’s Birthday. There is no school on that day.

                 Judy Drew - Principal