Principal's Report
Key messages...
I acknowledge the First Peoples of the Wathaurong, who are the traditional custodians of the land and waters on which I work and live, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
2023 Book Packs
In 2023 parents will be asked to make a book pack payment direct to Radmac, as our preferred supplier. Please note that payments cannot be paid through the school .
The book packs, complete with all student needs relevant to their year level, will be delivered to school, ready for distribution to children on their first day of school.
There are great benefits in our process:
- pay & forget for parents ie no pick up required
- delivery to school ready for day one, 2023
- student ownership of resources
- students can take home their own pack for labelling / covering
- consistency of resources for children and staff; and
- students only receive what is required
Further details are being sent home to families this week.
2023 School Fees
At Monday's November General Meeting, School Council approved the 2023 school fees at $250.00, down from $300.00 in 2022.
The reason for the decrease is related to the aforementioned book packs being ordered from a third-party (Radmac).
In essence, parents are being asked for $250.00 per child + their book pack fee, which varies from year level to year level (range from $45.00-$70.00).
Contained within the school fees document (see below attachment), is the estimated costs for additional events throughout the year.
The most effective payment process is to set up a payment plan / auto debit via Bpay with our office team. Please consider this as the most appropriate way of addressing fees and activities requirements.
2023 School Camps
Our school camps program is currently under review, in consideration of increasing costs and new 'time in lieu' requirements for staffing.
School Council have been consulted and much deliberation has taken place. I will circulate the 2023 camping program plan, once confirmed.
Parents & Carers will need to consider the prospect of considerable change and / or increased costs, due to reasons beyond our control.
The value of the camping program is considerable, and an informed decision will be based upon all stakeholders and their best interests.
National Transition Day
National Transition Day is fast approaching on Tuesday 13th December. On this day at Miners Rest K-6, students find out their 2023 classroom, teacher and peers.
2023 Foundation students attend from 9:30am-12pm.
2023 Year 1-6 students enter their current rooms and then move to their new rooms following marking the roll. They conclude their transition component of the day at 12:30pm.
2023 Year 7 students attending government secondary schools make their own way to their various locations - please follow information from your identified school. Students moving onto private, independent or catholic secondary schools will have their own transition date identified.
Parents and carers play a key role in setting up successful experiences for their child/ren. Please promote open minds, great opportunities and positive experiences with your child/ren, leading into the day. For some children it is an exciting day and for others it can be filled with anxiety, uncertainty and apprehension.
Children will very much feed off their parents / carers, so please don't overplay the day, other than what it is - a day to look forward to new beginnings and opportunities.
Year 2 Parent iPad Information Evening Tonight
I'm looking forward to seeing many of the year two parent / carers for an information evening, tonight at 5pm, in the STEM Room (the old Blue Hall in the Brady Building).
It is essential parents & carers are aware of the iPad process, entering year three.
School Roads & Parking
This is a gentle reminder to remember our obligation on the roads surrounding our school & kindergarten. Please carefully adhere to parking and speed limits, in addition to understanding the unpredictability of young children and their decision making.
Neighbours on all sides of the school have reported incidents of parking across driveways and access points - please consider our neighbours and their rights / needs.
With weather improving, it is also a great idea to grow child capacity to walk, ride or scoot to school, particularly for middle and upper students. For example, drop off could be a few blocks away, with children walking the final 500m or so, to school.