Mobile Phones at School

Last week, the Minister for Education, James Merlino, launched the Victorian Government initiative that will see the government investing $12.4 million to deliver the resources schools need to securely store student mobile phones, ahead of the state-wide school ban starting next year.

According to Mr. Merlino, funding will ensure that schools have the support they need as they implement the policy, which will require all Victorian state primary and secondary school students to switch off and securely store phones during school hours. Each school has different needs and facilities. Schools will be able to apply for funding for secure storage resources that work best for their school.

The Labor Government announced in June this year that from Term 1, 2020 all students will be required to turn off their mobile phones and store them during the school day. This will help reduce distraction and bullying, while improving social interactions and learning outcomes for students.

The only exceptions to the policy will be where students use phones to monitor health conditions or where teachers instruct students to bring their phone for a specific classroom activity. When emergencies occur, parents or guardians can reach their child by calling the school.

More information will be forwarded later this year.

Having Fun during Book Week!

This year the Children's Book Council Australia chose the theme "Reading is My Secret Power".

Students dressed up for the Book Week Dress Up Day held last Monday accordingly. Needless to say, many superheroes were at school amongst the numerous other clever costumes students and teachers wore. Lots of stories and book activities were planned both in the Library and in classrooms. A big thanks to Miss K for organizing the Book Week activities.

Kindergarten Visits

This week we had three Kinder groups supervised by their Kinder teacher visiting our school for Storytime followed by time to play in our school ground and on our Junior play equipment which the Kinder kids loved. Each session was led by one of our Foundation teachers who welcomed the visitors and read the stories to the group. The visiting groups came from Bradford Avenue Kinder. The sessions were thoroughly enjoyed by each group. Stories included 'Do Not Open This Book' and 'Pig the Pug'. A big thank you to the Foundation staff for creating this link with our community.

Bloke's Breakfast

Great to see all the fathers and other special male carers at the Foundation Bloke’s Breakfast which was to acknowledge Father’s Day last Sunday. Fathers were invited to a special breakfast of pancakes with a choice of many toppings! The weather was perfect and the Foundation courtyard was indeed a busy place. Each Foundation student had an impressive piece of writing on display for their father using similes to describe their father’s qualities which needless to say impressed each father. Thank you to all the fathers / special male carers who attended as well as the ‘bloke’ teachers who cooked the breakfast. Hope all the fathers/ special male carers were recognised and spoilt on Father’s Day.

Foundation Enrolments for 2020

Do you have a child who will be a Foundation student in 2020? Have you enrolled him/ her yet? If not, please do so immediately by phoning the school office or dropping in to complete the enrolment form.

Are you Moving??

If you are leaving our school and will not require a place at Greenvale Primary School for 2020 can you please let the office know immediately? We are currently organising class structures for 2020, so it is essential that we are informed of any students who are leaving

Food for Thought:

Regards

Angelika Ireland

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