Principal Team Report
Upcoming Important Dates
Term 1 2024
23 March: Trivia Night (Parent activity)
25 March: School Council AGM (please contact the school office if you would like to attend)
28 March: Last Day Term 1 (2:00pm dismissal)
Term 2 2024
15 April: First Day Term 2
25 April: ANZAC Day (public holiday)
26 April: Curriculum Day (student free)
1-3 May: Year 5 Camp
6 May: Sibling and Whole School Photo Day
9 May: School Photo Day (individual and classes)
17 May: Curriculum Day (student free)
23 May: School Fun Run
5 June: Dad's and Father Figures Event (parent activity)
24 June: Grandparents and Special Friends Day
26 June: Celebration of Learning Event
28 June: Last Day Term 2 (2:00pm dismissal)
2024 Curriculum and Student Free Days
Curriculum Days
Friday 26 April
Friday 17 May
Monday 5 August
Professional Practice Day
Professional Practice Day (student free day) is confirmed for the day before Melbourne Cup Day – Monday 4 November.
Mobile Phone Use and Policy
Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours. Students must not use mobile devices (including Smart Watches) to communicate with family members during school hours (refer to policy for exceptions). If families have concerns during the school day then they should contact their child's teacher via the school office.
If students are caught using phones or smart watches during school hours, they will be taken by teachers and stored in a locked draw until the end of the day.
Parents are encouraged to read our school's Mobile Phone Policy which is aligned to the Statewide directives from the Department of Education.
Do Primary School Aged Students Need a Mobile Phone?
There's not many weeks that go by when I'm not asked about mobile phone use for primary school-aged students. As both the principal and as a dad of 3 children, I adopt a strong stance on this issue and hold a belief that we should delay giving our children mobile phones for as long as possible. In my family, we made it clear to our children that they will not get phones before they are in Year 7. In my conversations with other parents, I urge them to do the same - particularly if there are concerns around social maturity. If your child struggles with 'in-person' relationships and conflict, putting a mobile phone in their hands is likely to exacerbate these challenges even further.
While I understand the argument that having a phone allows children to be able to communicate with parents between after-school activities (etc), there is no need for these phones (mostly smart phones), to allow access to Apps such as Snap Chat, TikTok, Instagram and Safari (unmonitored web searches can present the most risk). If your child has a phone I encourage you familiarise yourself with the 'Screen Time' function (on iPhones) and the associated Content and Privacy Restrictions function.
Giving your child their first mobile phone is a big decision. The following websites and resources might help to ensure that when the time is right, having a mobile device is a positive experience for your child and family.
2024 Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Program Fees
The fees for the 2024 Stephanie Alexander Kitchen garden program are now payable via XUNO. Please refer to Xuno and hardcopy letters for details and payment options.
TRIVIA NIGHT - March 23!
ASPS Mother's Lunch coming soon at Panama Dining in Fitzroy!
LANDSCAPING PROJECT UPDATE
Our Tooronga Rd / Main Wing landscaping project is now finished!
Take a moment to visit this lovely new area and entrance to the school. A huge thanks to Lisa Oaten and the School Improvement Committee for leading this incredible project. This area will provide new play, learning and social opportunities for years to come!
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION WORKS HAVE COMMENC
The school has been working closely with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) in identifying all of our non-compliant accessible ramps and access points across our campus and campaigning for their removal and reconstruction.
We're excited to announce that we have secured just under ½ million dollars of government funding for the works which are scheduled to begin in March.
At Auburn South we are very passionate in creating accessible & inclusive places, programs and infrastructure for our all of our students, staff and community members. This is very exciting news!
THANKS TO ALL OUR WORKING BEES!
A huge turn-out at our first working bee for the year. With many hands on deck, the parent team painted the playground orange. There will be more working bees ahead in the year which are great events to make new friends and contribute to our school
Hawthorn Magic now at Auburn South!
