Dear Parents,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share with you the exciting news about the recent Year Five camp at Portsea that took place between Monday and Wednesday this week. It was truly an incredible experience to be there with the students.

During their time at camp, the Year Five students engaged in a variety of thrilling activities including boogie boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, castle building, the flying fox, and the giant swing. It was fantastic to see them embrace each opportunity with enthusiasm and courage.

I'm delighted to report that the students were beautifully behaved throughout the camp. They showed great determination and resilience, giving everything a go and making the most of every moment.

Camp not only provided an opportunity for adventure and fun, but it also allowed the students to bond with each other and with their teachers as they embark on this new school year. These shared experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that will undoubtedly carry through their academic journey.

Random Acts of Kindness

Happy Random Acts of Kindess Week!

I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to the following students for their exemplary display of kindness towards others. It's truly inspiring to witness students across different year levels supporting one another and making an effort to spread kindness. Your actions make our school community a better place for everyone.

Week 3

Zoe S . (PSM) For putting a coin in the PKA Project Compassion box even though she’s not in that class, because she wanted to help.

Darcy Z. (1CL) For being kind and encouraging a classmate to line up with the class.

Finley P. (2BL) For helping his classmates and letting others go before him.

Cassie O. (2IL) For always being positive and a kind friend to all.

Ava T. (5ID) For being a stand out student at the Year 5 camp.

Baxter K. (5ID) For being a wonderful help to all staff at the Year 5 camp.

Ben Watkins (5SB) For always volunteering to help others while at camp.

Mila C. (5SB) For being a kind friend to others at Year 5 camp.

Amelie R. (5JD) For her kindness and positivity throughout the week while on camp.

Orlando L. (5ID) For being an amazing help to all at camp.

Olivia S. (5SB) For helping all teachers and students at Year 5 camp.

Josh B. (5JD) For encouraging other students when they were nervous during camp activities.

Sebastian H. (5ID) For looking for a camp friend and providing encouragement to all.

Thomas P. (5ID) For being an amzing helper on the flying fox.

Buddy Z. (5JD) For being an outstandingly polite and generous camper.

Beau N. (5SB) For assisting the camp teachers with various tasks, without being told.

Grace M. (5JD) For her happy, kind nature to all at the Portsea Camp.

Arriving at School on Time

As we gear up for an exciting school year, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of punctuality in shaping your child's academic success and overall well-being. The habit of arriving at school on time is a valuable life skill that sets the foundation for a positive learning experience.

We kindly request that all students arrive at or before 8:45 am each school day. Punctuality not only helps students settle into their day smoothly but also maximises their engagement in the learning process. Being present and ready at the beginning of the school day allows students to make the most of instructional time and fosters a positive classroom environment.

In the event that your child arrives after 9:00 am, we kindly ask that you sign them in at the school office. This helps us maintain accurate attendance records and ensures that any missed instructions or announcements are communicated to the students promptly.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we appreciate your cooperation in instilling the importance of timeliness with your child. Consistent and prompt attendance supports their academic progress, social development, and overall success in school.

Should you have any concerns or if there are specific challenges your family is facing regarding attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you and work collaboratively to ensure the best possible learning experience for your child.

Operoo

As we embark on a new school year, we want to remind you of the importance of keeping your contact information up-to-date. It is crucial for us to have accurate details to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. If there have been any changes to your address, email, phone number, emergency contact information, or your child's medical details, please take a moment to make the necessary updates on Operoo.

Safety on the Yard - before and afterschool

As we continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of all students, familes and staff I want to send a friendly reminder regarding the use of bikes and scooters on school grounds.

To maintain a secure environment and ensure the safety of everyone, we kindly request that bikes and scooters be walked while on school property. This small but important measure helps prevent accidents and ensures a smooth flow of foot traffic, particularly during busy times.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. By walking bikes and scooters, we collectively contribute to the safety and comfort of our school community.

Seasons for Growth

I am pleased to inform you that this year, we will continue to run the Seasons for Growth Program, specifically designed to provide support for students in Years 1-6 who have experienced significant changes in their lives. These changes may include loss, death, family breakdown, or any other circumstances that have impacted their well-being.

The Seasons for Growth Program aims to create a supportive environment where students can explore and express their feelings, develop coping strategies, and connect with peers who may have gone through similar experiences. We believe in the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of our students, and this program serves as a valuable resource in that regard.

We look forward to sharing more adventures and successes with you throughout the term.

Have a wonderful rest of your week,

Joelle Diakrousis

Deputy Principal

Learning Diversity Leader

Visual Arts

from Jen Brown