A note from Mr Jackson

Basketball Space Transforming
Although we are disappointed to loose our basketball court over the coming three weeks, we are excited for what might emerge! Again, thanks to FORPS, some generous individual contributions and the North East Link Community Fund for making it all happen.
Sausages, Cake and Ballot Papers – a Great Mix
Saturday 3 May
A special thanks to those who organised a fantastic BBQ and Cake Stall on Saturday and arranged a Federal Election to be scheduled on the same day! People reported choosing to vote at Rosanna Primary because of the sausage sizzle! We look forward to announcing the results of this important fundraising effort.
School Council Update
Monday 5 May
School Council met on Monday night and discussed a range of items. This included …
Hearing from our finance committee who have been working hard to confirm the adjusted budget with new figures released from the department. They accounted for the expenditure on the resurfacing of the basketball court and the meeting gratefully acknowledged many who had pledged financial support for the project.
The grants team spoke about several recent grant proposals the North East Link Community Fund. These two grants hope to receive funding for a special digging, exploration and natural play space on the oval, as well as an arts mural that would be incorporated with the school fair in November.
The facilities team updated the council on planned works that will see the installation of ramps and accessible routes in various parts of the school. They reported on the ongoing works to level the admin building as well as to provide ventilation into the sub floor spaces.
The Principal’s Report reflected on recent professional learning experiences of staff as well as actions related to planned events, programs and staffing.
FORPS reported on the successful BBQ and Cake Stall that was held on Saturday during the election. They noted their gratitude to all who organised the event, as well as those who shared in the management of the event throughout the day.
Our Canteen representatives provided a brief update that described the fundraising events scheduled for the coming year.
During General Business, the Council explored several subjects that included,
A presentation on Child Safety and the Council’s responsibilities in governance in this area
The decision to confirm the Besen Theatre as the site for the 2026 School Concert. While Councillors acknowledged the 30 minute distance, it also recognised the fact that we have outgrown the Loyola space.
The Council approved a recommendation from TheirCare to increase the fees from Term 3. This annual increase coincides with staffing increases and a range of other costs.
Councillors explored a potential new campsite for the 2026 3/4 Learning Area
Changes to Semester Reports
I encourage you to consider the changes to the reports this semester. From the start of this year, all schools were required to implement an updated Mathematics curriculum. This means that students' mathematics data will not show growth from previous results. It will also provide one aggregated progression point that describes a students mathematical level, a combination of the interrelated strands that include Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability. A fuller description of the changes has been posted on Compass.
Swimming in the 3/4 Lane
The 3/4 Learning Area head off to swimming again tomorrow. They are hoping that there might be a few more helpers to support students as they participate in this important program. Please speak with the classroom teachers if you are available to support students this week or in the further six weeks of lessons.
‘Dance Curriculum’ Visit
Tuesday 13 May
We are excited to be offered this free dance incursion that celebrates movement and an active lifestyle. All students will be participating in workshops throughout the day in their Learning Areas. We look forward to encouraging each area along and sharing each dance later in the day.
Education Week
Starting Monday 19 May
This year’s Education Week theme of Celebration of Cultures highlights the diversity of our communities and the importance of every child feeling safe and welcome. It is an invitation for all to celebrate learning in our community. This is how we are marking the week. Please consider joining us on Thursday.
A. National Simultaneous Storytime Wednesday 21 May
In 2025, over 2 million people at more than 21,000 locations across Australia will join together to listen to Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell, the authors of ‘The Truck Cat’. After listening to the story online, students will springboard into a response in their learning areas. We look forward to a fun and collaborative celebration of reading for all.
This year, we will invite parents of potential 2026 Prep students to join in the activities in the Prep Learning Area. If you and your incoming prep child would like to attend you can register your attendance here.
B. A Shared Learning Invitation!
Parents and carers are most welcome to join us on the afternoon of Thursday 22 May at 2:40pm as we explore the Education Week theme. There will be shared learning experience that parents are invited to share in. We understand that many of our parents are working and will be unable to attend, but look forward to welcoming those who can.
FORPS Mothers’ Day and Special Others Stall
A reminder that students will have an opportunity to make a purchase at tomorrows stall. Each class is scheduled in to have a visit or do some ‘window shopping’.
2026 Prep Information Morning
Saturday 24 May
If there are new families that you are aware of who are considering attending in Prep next year, please encourage them to attend the final Prep Information Morning on Saturday 24 May from 9:30pm to 11:30pm. The day includes a chance to meet our 2025 Prep team, tour with a Prep teacher, as well as visit the important spaces for our 2026 cohort. The morning will end in a brunch! Bookings can be made at the office or by visiting the booking site.
Other invitations to our 2026 incoming cohort include
Come and Play Sessions that are a gentle hour of relaxed connection to the teachers and play spaces in the Prep area
Joining the National Simultaneous Story Time on Wednesday 21 May at 11:45am in the Prep Learning Area.
A reminder that 2026 Prep Enrolments are due by 25 July. Please see Ally or email us to find out more.
Asbestos Update
As noted in the newsfeed this week, a small fragment of material was discovered in the yard that may possibly contain asbestos. As a precaution, we immediately enacted the relevant protocols from our School Asbestos Management Plan.
The following measures have been taken:
- the affected play space was immediately isolated and access has been restricted.
- Students have been instructed not to dig in the yard
- the Department of Education has been notified
- plans for the remediation of the area concerned are taking shape
- an independent hygienist has attended the site this afternoon to conduct a full inspection, collect samples, and assess whether any remediation work is required.
It is important to note that the quantity and location of the material mean that the risk to students, staff, and visitors is considered minimal. We are committed to keeping our school community fully informed and will provide an update as soon as further information becomes available.
I will continue to update the community on any updates.