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Principal's Report

Principal’s Report -24th June 2021

Well, here we are, at the end of another term, another tumultuous term in which our students and staff have managed incredibly well with the support of our wonderful community. We are all hoping for a much calmer and predictable start to term 3 but we all know that COVID is with us for some time to come yet. In the meantime, we all need to do what we can to minimise the risk of spread, ensuring that our students can continue their learning, uninterrupted by further lockdowns. Wear masks, socially distance where possible, keep up the hand hygiene, get tested if you feel ill and, perhaps most importantly get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Well-Being Day

Last Friday was a wonderful way to end our term with our Well-being Day. There was lots of fun and laughter and activity across the whole school, and I saw plenty of lovely comments on our Facebook page about the enjoyment that the children drew from the day. Huge thanks must go to our Well-being coordinator, Simone Smith and her ever faithful and energetic side-kick, Lisa Howells, for the enormous amount of work they put into this magnificent day. Many thanks too, to their team of student helpers. 

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

This Thursday, our Preps are had their Teddy Bear’s Picnic! What an adventure and what a fabulous event to bring all of our Preps together for a day of fun and picnic food! I hope you had a great time, Preps!

Year 3 Camp

Our Year 3’s have headed off to camp this week as well. They will return on Friday, totally exhausted and full of stories of fun, challenge and adventure.

Film Crews

This week, we will be hosting two film crews in the school. One group on Thursday will be taking 3D shots of our school as we prepare an online, 3D tour of our school grounds to support our enrolment process. The second crew will be here on Friday morning as part of a video series for the Victorian Principals Association. The first crew (the 3D guys), won’t be videoing children. However, the crew on Friday may be out and about in the morning, filming children arriving at school. If you don't wish your children to be filmed, or you think they may have been filmed and you don't want that, please contact the school and make us aware.

Prep Enrolments – Expressions of Interest

Prep enrolments have been left open for the time being, to give all of our neighbourhood families an opportunity to enrol before we consider any out-of-zone enrolments. Enrolment Expressions of Interest must be submitted as soon as possible, to ensure a spot for your child. We have already had a number of applications from outside our enrolment zone but we want to make sure all of our “in zone” neighbourhood children have the first and best opportunity to enrol.  Get those expressions of interest in and, if you know of anyone in our neighbourhood who should be enrolling for Prep 2022, please let them know.

Social Media Monitoring

We have once again been made aware of inappropriate student behaviours on online platforms/social media apps such as Discord. Over the past 6 months, we have made the following observations in relation to such incidents:

  • They usually occur out of school hours, while students are at home
  • They usually occur on student or family-owned devices that have the apps installed on them
  • Apps that are brought to our attention have a minimum age requirement and this is usually at least 13 years of age.

We would like to reiterate that, whilst students are at school, their activities on devices are monitored and there are clear guidelines on what can and can’t be installed on these devices. Students have all signed a user agreement and are aware of the outcomes should they breach their agreement. We will continue to educate students on ensuring their online behaviours are appropriate and that they are conducting themselves in a responsible manner.

 

We would appreciate the support from the parent community to help reinforce this message by being aware of what your child is engaging with online. Issues that occur online outside of the school user agreements may require external follow up when they occur offsite and not on a school device. 

Remember, there is no substitute for close supervision by parents.

  • NEVER let your child operate an online device without your close supervision
  • ALWAYS know what your children are doing when online
  • CONSTANTLY remind your children about online safety and NEVER allow them to share personal information.
  • Make online safety and appropriate online behaviour, a regular topic of conversation in your family.
  • Ensure your children have a suitable space for device use that can be monitored and supervised.

The police have a dedicated department on cyber safety. For further information please use https://www.police.vic.gov.au/online-safety 

For child support at home, the Kids Helpline is a great resource http://kidshelpline.com.au/  

Term Break

I wish you all a wonderful term break and hope that you are able to spend some quality time together with your children. I know many people were planning to escape for the holidays and, with borders opening up, it seems many of you may be able to do just that.

 

Greg Lacey

Principal