A note from Mr Jackson

I have been thrilled to receive visits from a range of students celebrating their learning and agency this week. Prep students have shown their remarkable writing skills and Year 5 students have visited my office to discuss their views on the 2023 class structure. These have been joyful experiences that celebrate the wide range of achievement and voice throughout the school. While learning continues until the end of the year, I am sure there will be lots more to celebrate.

We continue to encourage parents to ensure that students arrive on time to school. Every moment students are absent, there is a potential disruption to their learning. Sequential learning experiences and assessments are disrupted which can cause anxiety for students. The start of the day is particularly important as it is a time to orientate and support students to consider and prepare for the day.

Working Bee Thanks

A gathering of hard workers participated in the Working Bee on Saturday. These are held every term and despite the small numbers, parents collaborated to tackle some important jobs. Benches were prepared for staining, pathways pressure washed, overhanging bushes pruned and the start of a small garden took shape outside the 2/3/4 Learning Area. Thanks to all who gave of their time and energy to shape a learning environment that is safe and enjoyable for all. And the sausages weren’t too bad either!

JUST IN! The Fair is ON!

This is a news flash after Thursday night’s FORPS 2023 Fair meeting. 25 parents turned out in support of the fair, lending their efforts to organise the event. It was encouraging to see so many eager to ensure this important event continues. Stay tuned for invitations to contribute your support to this event in November next year.

Shade Sail Complete

We look forward to basking in the shade of our new shade sail outside the Prep and Italian rooms of the lower building. This has arrived at exactly the right moment and we are thrilled to have the extra shaded play space. Over the past few years we have significantly increased the shaded areas in the playground, as well as renewed a range of sails. I am sure such shade will be well utilised by students and classes over the coming summer months.

SunSmart Strategies

As the UV rays increase, we are particularly aware of its impact on our skin. As we discussed at the assembly last week, there are some important messages promoted by the Cancer Council. Students are encouraged to develop some effective habits that will support them throughout their life.

Slip on a long sleeve shirt
Slop on some sunscreen
Slap on a wide brimmed school hat
Seek some shade

I encourage you to continue to discuss such strategies with your child over the coming days.

Remembrance Day Commemorations

On Friday a small group of Year 6 students will lay a wreath at the shrine outside the Watsonia RSL and participate in the community Remembrance Day ceremony. This day marks the end of hostilities after World War 1, but has continued to remind us of the destruction and impact of war and the importance of peace.

Orientation Three Completed

Our new 2023 Prep students explored the school on Thursday, trekking to spaces they will come to know more fully in 2023. While students explored the school, parents were getting ready with their own learning about school.

The next important date on the orientation horizon is next Wednesday night at 7:30pm. This information night is a chance to hear what learning looks like in a Prep classroom, as well as share tips and tricks to support students as they ready themselves for school.

VICSRC Awards Night Coming Up

Next Thursday, students from the Junior School Council and staff are attending the VicSRC (Victorian School Representative Council) Awards. Students have produced quite a remarkable video that we look forward to sharing with our community soon. It details many of their achievements over the year, including supporting students in Prep to understand the significance of the Deeper Learning Protocols. While we are hopeful of winning the award, we are certainly proud of all our students and the recognition in having been nominated as finalists.

COVID Settings

We have recently sent home another round of RATS that just arrived at school. We are eager to ensure that the remaining stock we have at school, is distributed to families as we have been informed that predicted extreme temperatures over the holidays will effect the tests. We hope to empty our stock over the coming weeks. In the meantime if you are in need of further kits please do not hesitate to call the school.

For those curious to know the current DET settings concerning COVID, it appears on the Compass newsfeed. I have reprinted it below.

It is strongly recommended that students:

who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days
should not attend school after 5 days if still symptomatic
who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school
advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result

Where students become symptomatic at school they should:

be collected by their parents/carers
undergo testing for COVID-19

Additionally, the Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19, for at least 7 days after a positive test, when they need to leave home.

Reporting positive COVID-19 test results

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, schools and household. Parents and carers will therefore be asked to continue to report positive student COVID-19 cases using the VicED COVID Tool.

Face masks

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will continue to be supported to do so, face masks are available for staff, students and visitors upon request at the office. The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Policy Updates

Some of you might be aware that we have a review planned for 2023. Part of the requirements for the Victorian Registration Authority is to ensure our policies are up to date. While most are available on our website, I thought it might be valuable to highlight some in each newsletter for your interest. Here are two that are relevant;

1. Sunsmart Policy

Our SunSmart policy is a policy not required by the Department of Education, but one the School Council believes is important. It provides for strategies to ensure that education and actions contribute towards the health and safety of all students and staff. Read it here.

2. Child Safety Policy

Child Safety underpins a range of policies but, as the name implies, aims to keep students safe! It is an important part of our strategy to meet the Child Safety Standards. Of particular note, is our Commitment to Child Safety found on page 3. Read it here.