THANK YOU

Dear Families

I wanted to start this newsletter by saying a HUGE thank you to all of you… our wonderful parent community.

Months of remote learning will have tested the patience of many, but you did it and we couldn’t have done it without you.

I really must commend our students on the exemplary way they have settled so quickly into their class and to school routines. It has been wonderful to see friendships and peer connections rekindled.

Now that we’re back at school, it’s time to wear a hat.

Living in Australia, we can all appreciate the importance of sunsmart behaviours, such as wearing a hat and sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, hats are required when outside. Parents can assist by making sure children come to school wearing their hat first thing in the morning. From next week, students will need to sit in designated shaded areas if they do not have their hat.

COVID -19 STAY SAFE STRATEGIES

Keeping our school covid free is a joint responsibility between the school and the community. Again, I would like to thank parents for your support in following the advice provided through COMPASS posts.

It is vital that parents continue to get their child tested if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus and DO NOT send their child to school until a negative result is obtained.

If you receive notification from the Department of Health to isolate, then please contact the school. Our teachers want to ensure that students, who are also having to isolate due to Health Orders remain connected to their classmates and stay up to date with the learning occurring in the class.

An email from you to inform us of your isolation will be followed up with a phone call by the teacher to make negotiated learning arrangements for your child.

OUR CONCERT

Just because restrictions and lockdowns prevented us from enjoying our concert at the Palais Theatre, we don’t want our students to miss opportunities to participate in Performing Arts.

Commencing this week, students will be learning routines, dressing in costumes and performing for the camera. A mini version of the concert will be filmed and shared with families.

CLASS PLACEMENTS

Determining class lists for the following year is quite a lengthy and considered process. On occasion, parents have particular requests when considering the most suitable class for their child. For example, social and emotional issues and friendship groups.

We are NOT able to take requests for particular teachers as staffing for the following year is not finalised until much later.

Parents, please note that while our school will endeavour to do our best to meet requests, there are many factors to be considered which means it is NOT possible to approve all requests.

Parents must make their request in writing and email it to the school at Murrumbeena.ps@education.vic.gov.au no later than Friday 14 November.

CONFIRMATION OF STUDENTS FOR 2022 - THIS IS VITAL

Please remember to let the school know if you have plans to relocate to another area and/ or enrol your child in another school.

It is important that the school plans staffing and resources for 2022 based on accurate student enrolments.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTS

I would like to thank the numerous parents who have already settled their 2021 school accounts.

Even though students were participating in remote learning over the past term, teachers still organised incursions which were run at a cost.

While the incursions were held online, they still assisted in keeping our students engaged in their learning, and interested and connected to the units of inquiry.

Teachers have recently been provided a copy of their incursions/excursions budget and, where there are funds remaining, the teachers will be planning special events for the students over this last part of the term.

Given the challenging year students have had, it is timely that they have events to look forward to. For example, Year 4’s are excited that they are able to go ahead with their camp to Golden Valleys Lodge at the end of the term.

We appreciate and thank parents for phoning the school to settle their accounts. If you are unsure of the balance of your account, please contact the office.

OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS

It has been wonderful to see so many teachers taking their classes outside for a range of learning activities, and by the looks on the students’ faces, they love working outside. We recently received notification that our grant for shade has been approved and the process for contracting a builder and obtaining a permit has commenced.

I am hopeful that the shade over the new playground and the gazebo over the SAKG decking will be completed by the end of term 1 of next year.

SWIMMING

Our swimming program is on a user pays basis. All classes with the exception of Prep have participated in the swimming program.

Now that restrictions have been lifted, the Prep classes will be participating in swimming lessons between now and the end of the year.

PARENT PAYMENT CONTRIBUTIONS AND SAKG

Parents and carers have recently received statements outlining the 2021 outstanding costs, including the SAKG program.

Refunds are not required to be made for essential learning items. These levies are paid to continue curriculum delivery.

While curriculum has been delivered differently, costs have been incurred to support offsite and online learning. For example, rather than classroom materials being used, there have been additional costs incurred for online learning platform subscriptions for online apps, such as Reading Eggs, Wushka, Essential Assessment etc.

With regard to the year 3 and 4 students participating in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen and Garden program, Anna and Angel continued working to deliver a variation of the program during remote learning.

With the return to school, students are once again enjoying the meals made. It is a costly, but worthwhile, program so we are hopeful that parents will support this through their payments.

GRADE 6 GRADUATION

While we are hopeful that the Premier’s next announcement will allow parents to attend the year 6 graduation, at this stage we have made arrangements for the ceremony to be livestreamed through a private youtube channel for parents to enjoy and given access to the recording.

Funds from the year 6 excursion levy (the night they missed at camp) have been used to pay for the live streaming and video production of the students’ graduation performances, the Year Book and DJ.

The graduation will be held on Wednesday 15 December from 6:00pm.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

This week on Thursday 11 November, we will be acknowledging ‘Remembrance Day’ and observing a minute of silence in respect for those who have served our country in the past and current wars. Our Captains will provide a brief service over the public address system so that students gain a better understanding of Australia’s part in the historical Armistice Day and why a red poppy is usually worn.

Thank you parents and carers for your flexibility in adapting to the changes our school has made in response to Victoria's changing restrictions.

Chellee Plumb

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