The Nurlendi News

From the Principals

Information from Mrs Mann, Mrs Cook and Mrs Strachan

Hello everyone! It's hard to believe that we are already half way though Term 1 - those last 5 weeks have gone so quickly! Students and teachers are to be commended for the way they have settled into the new routines and timetables. We have some great events happening already, with some exciting things coming up very soon! 

Colour Run

You should have all received information about the upcoming Colour Run this week, with students able to set up their online profiles for fundraising. This event is primarily a community activity where we come together for a day of colourful fun, but it's also the main fundraising event for us for the year. Schools (unfortunately) have to rely on fundraising to make improvements outside of what the Department of Education deems as necessary, and we would love to be able to develop our resources and equipment to serve the students who are here right now, rather than saving money to do something in the school which current students may not reap the benefits of. We would love to be able to install our 'Sensory Pod' this year, and all funds raised through the Colour Run bring this a step closer. There is no cost for students to participate in the Colour Run, which is why we are grateful for all funds raised. 

 

If you would like to set up your profile, please go to www.myprofilepage.com.au 

 

For the actual colour run day, students will need a white t-shirt if they are intending to have colour dusted over them, or a black shirt if they would like to do the activities, but not have colour directed at them. Students are recommended to wear old shoes and shorts/pants, and will be provided with protective sunglasses and a headband each. 

 

We can't wait to see you on the day! 

Student Jewellery

We have noticed that there are a number of students across the school wearing jewellery and make up. Students are permitted to wear small studs in their ears, watches and necklaces of religious significance. Whilst we don't seek to squash students individuality, it is a safety risk for students to be wearing hoop earrings, multiple bracelets/bangles or necklaces. Students are engaged in daily physical activity, and we would hate for any jewellery to get caught and cause an injury. If you are unclear if a certain piece of jewellery is suitable for school, please ask a member of staff who will be able to direct you. Our uniform policy is available on the school website if you require further information. 

Parking around the school

This week we have seen an escalation in incidents involving parking issues around the school. This has resulted in the school contacting the local council as well as Victoria Police. I urge parents using the roads around the school to follow all parking guidance, including respecting private property of neighbours and local businesses. We understand that the surrounding roads are extremely busy at pick up and drop off times, but there is not a lot that we can do to alleviate this, other than plead with our community to follow road rules and drive safely and to exercise patience and caution. 

I would encourage all members of the community to report concerns around parking and restrictions to the local council via Make a Report to Council | Whitehorse City Council or use the Snap Send Solve app, or for dangerous driving or damage to vehicles, please call Victoria Police. 

Parents and Literacy Night - Reading and Writing

Thank you to the parents that were available to attend the Parents and Literacy Night last night. It was terrific to see over 40 people attend and listen to our amazing Literacy Team lead by Learning Specialist Mr John Hoskin. Thank you to John, Nic Walsh, Fiona Hedstrom, Bec Mealings and the rest of the Literacy Professional Learning Team for a very informative session.

 

We now look forward to next Thursday night when Dianna Fuller presents the Parents and Literacy Session for Parents with English as an Additional language. Everyone is welcome.

Please refer to the Literacy page for details. 

After School Play Date (Years 1 - 3)

This afternoon we saw a number of families attend the special playdate. The playground was full of very happy, energetic children having that extended play with their friends while their parents were able to get together to talk. 

 

Thank you to Mrs Bronwyn Moore for organising the play date and to the teachers that stayed to chat with the children and parents. 

 

2025 NAPLAN Assessment Information

A reminder that the students in Years 3 and 5 will be involved in the NAPLAN assessment this year. If you are unaware of NAPLAN, it involves assessments in literacy and numeracy. It is a National assessment that the students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. This year, the assessments will be held from the 12th of March through to the 24th March. 

 

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular classroom activities. Excessive preparation or coaching is not required. You can help your child prepare for NAPLAN by reassuring them that the tests are just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply try their best. NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress.

 

Please click on the links below for further information:  

- NAPLAN Brochure (The NAPLAN information for parents and carers brochures are also available in a number of different languages. Please refer to the ‘Information for parents’ page to access.)

simple-english-naplan-parent-carer-information.pdf

 

- the Information for parents page.

- the Public demonstration site  where you will find demonstration tests that are available to schools, teachers, parents/carers and students to familiarise themselves with the online tests. 

Parent / Teacher Interviews

Please make a note on your calendar. The parent/teacher interviews are being held on:

  • Monday 24th March 2025 from 3:45pm
  • Tuesday 25th March 2025 from 3:45pm

Further details about how to book will be sent via COMPASS and in the next newsletter. 

 

School Saving Bonus Information - Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I access the SSB portal?

Parents and carers must access the School Saving Bonus online system.  Please refer to the email from Dept of Education for your access code.  (Vermont Primary School does not have access to these codes).  On this portal you can allocate part or all the $400 bonus to use either at a school nominated online supplier (ie PSW), a school nominated in store supplier (PSW), or for school activities.  

  • What school activities can I use SSB funds for?
    • camps, trips, excursions and incursions 
    • swimming and sporting programs 
    • outdoor education programs 

    • graduations

       

  • Can I use SSB funds for School Contributions?

Unfortunately, the government has been very clear about what parents can use the SSB funds for and you are not allowed to allocate them to the School Contributions.

  • Can I combine SSB funds for siblings?

Eligible families who have more than one child at the same school can combine their School Saving Bonus to use on one child, or for a specific school activity.

  • Will my SSB School Activities credit show in Compass?

No, your Compass app doesn’t show your SSB funds for Activities.

  • How can I use the funds for an Event (ie camp or excursion etc?)

If you have already allocated all or part of your School Savings Bonus to School Activities on the SSB Parent Portal, proceed to the Event section on your Compass app. Please tick the “Use CSEF or Credit Balance for this Event” in the payment section for that event, and continue to complete consent. If the checkbox is not visible to you within this event, please email the school office at Vermont.ps@education.vic.gov.au with “SSB credit” in the subject line, and advise which event and which student you are wanting to use the SSB funds for. The office will process the credit and if there is a balance owing it will be reflected on the Compass event in your app.

  • What happens if I have unused funds?

If you have any unspent funds on the School Savings Bonus portal, or the funds you allocate to in-store purchases or online purchases cannot be used, these funds will automatically transfer to your child’s school account as an Activities credit on 1 July 2025. Note: this credit will not visible on Compass, please contact the office when you wish to use these funds for an event.

 

For additional support: