Dear Parents and Guardians,

Ms Burns Baby: Congratulations to Ms Burns on the birth of her second child Taite. He was born on the 8th October. The family is doing well and we wish them all the best.

Annual Report to Community: This is a meeting that is scheduled every year, usually in June, however due to the Covid-19 restrictions it has been postponed to this Monday 26th October at 7.00pm. At the meeting, the 2019 Annual Report will be presented and people will have the opportunity to ask any questions. If you would like to attend the meeting please call the office on 9743 5818 and I will send you a WebEx link due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

School Pick-Up and Drop Off: Please be aware that the Melton City Council and the local police are patrolling ALL schools in Melton to monitor people following the parking signs, and driver behaviour that can be dangerous. Please be aware the parking along Rathdowne Circuit is a 5 min drop-off zone during before and after school times. Please do not come early and wait in that space. At the moment we have 2 different times for pick-up and drop off and it is disappointing seeing cars in this 5 minute time zone from 2.30 whose children do not leave until 3.05. Please consider parking further away and walking the short distance to meet your child at the gate, or let them know where you will be waiting for you and they can walk to the car.

Social Distancing: It is very IMPORTANT that parents follow the social distancing protocols recommended by the Chief Health Officer during drop-off and pick-up to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. By doing this we will be able to get closer to what we know as normal. Please avoid meeting with others for too long before your child is released. This includes congregating at the park or milk bar before and after school. We all know how difficult it has been not to be around family and friends for such a long time, but in order for us to be able to do this again, we need EVERYONE to do the right thing. Wouldn’t we all love to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends?

Return ICT Equipment: As the students are returning to school we would appreciate parents returning the ICT equipment lent to families during term 3 as quickly as possible, especially the iPads as they are used within our classroom programs quite frequently. Please bring them to the office at your earliest convenience once the children return to school.

World Teachers’ Day: On Friday 30th October Australia will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. This is an opportunity for the wider community to recognise and thank the teaching profession. Teachers (with support from parents and carers) have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite major challenges. It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities. On Friday 30 October, say a big thank you to teachers and celebrate the bright future of teaching. Post a photo in your sunglasses on social media, either on your own or with family or friends. Use these tags on the social media platforms you use: #thankteachers #brightfuture@aitsl If you send a photo of yourself or your children wearing sunglasses to melton.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au we will post it on the Melton West PS Facebook Page as a celebration. World Teachers’ Day is held internationally in early October. As this is during the school holidays for many parts of Australia, we celebrate a little later. Make sure you have Friday 30 October in your diary to celebrate and thank teachers!

No Hat No Play: We have a Sun Smart policy which outlines when hats need to be worn outside during recess and lunch and during sport events and sessions held outside. I have attached a copy of this policy with this newsletter for your information. Please ensure your child has a school approved royal blue, broad-brimmed hat, available at Lowes at Woodgrove Shopping Centre for their protection. We would appreciate if you could have a conversation about the importance of being sun safe to support us and your child by ensuring they have an appropriate hat. Please ensure they have their name clearly marked on the hat.

Prep Enrolments for 2021: If you have a child in preschool, or is turning 5 before 30th April 2021, we are accepting enrolments for Prep 2021. Please call the office for details. If you have family or friends with children who should start school next year, please encourage them to contact the school for a Prep Enrolment Pack. Unfortunately we cannot do School Tours until things settle down. Once we get the all clear we will let everyone know because we are looking forward to showing everyone our school.

Planning for 2021: To help us plan our staffing needs for next year please let us know if your child will not be returning to Melton West PS in 2021. You can let us know in writing by emailing us at melton.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au

High Levels of Learning for All

Michelle Costa

Principal

Additional Newsletter Items

Student Banking is back!!!