Principal Connections

As we reach Day 66 of the school year for most of our students, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year is already flying by. There has been so much learning, growth and connection packed into such a short time, and it has been wonderful seeing our school community continue to flourish.

It was especially lovely to welcome so many special women and family members into our school for our Mothers and Others Afternoon. These opportunities to come together are incredibly important and create lasting memories for our children. I hope all of the amazing mums, grandmothers, carers and significant people in our students’ lives felt celebrated, appreciated and truly special.

I was fortunate to spend the day surrounded by family as well,  starting with being treated to crepes for breakfast, followed by lunch with my mum and siblings, and then finishing the afternoon at the Vixens game with my daughters and mum. Days like these remind us of the importance of connection, gratitude and taking the time to appreciate the people who care for and support us every day. Teaching our children the value of gratitude and showing appreciation for others is such an important message, and one we continue to nurture at school.

Education Support Staff Day - Saturday 16th May

This Saturday is Educational Support Staff Day, and on Monday we will take the time to celebrate and acknowledge our incredible Education Support staff.   

These dedicated team members play such a vital role in the daily life of our school, especially in our opening year.  From our administration staff, who are often the first friendly faces families see and who keep our school running smoothly behind the scenes, to our Inclusion Support Staff working alongside teachers in classrooms to support students and meet their individual needs, along to John our facilities manager, their contributions across the school are exceptional. 

They build relationships, provide care and encouragement, support learning and wellbeing, and help ensure every child feels safe, included and successful at school. We are incredibly lucky to have such a committed and caring Education Support team at Balambalam Primary School and we look forward to celebrating them on Monday! 

Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day, taking place on Friday, May 22nd, is a national event that encourages students and families to walk, ride, or scoot to school, highlighting the benefits of active travel.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to promote road safety, physical activity, and a cleaner environment, and we encourage all students and families to take part where possible.

As our school community continues to grow, we are also noticing increased traffic around the school, including trade vehicles connected to the ongoing building and infrastructure works. These works are an important part of preparing our school grounds and facilities as we continue toward opening additional gates for student access in the future.

Student safety remains our highest priority. As previously communicated, we are ensuring all concreting works are completed and that gates and surrounding access areas are fully safe and ready before they are opened for student and family use. We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this exciting stage of development.

We ask all families to continue taking extra care around crossings, driveways, and surrounding streets, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up times.  Walking to school, if able, is a great way to reduce this traffic. Remember though, up to aged ten children should still be holding an adult's hand. 

Industrial Action Updates

As you are aware the Australian Education Union (AEU) Members are currently engaging in Industrial Action to encourage the Victorian Government to recognise the work of Teachers and Educational Support Staff.  A number of staff at Balambalam PS are members of the AEU and therefore will be involved in the Industrial Action. This will impact the school in the following ways:

1. AEU members will only be attending 1 requested meeting per week. 
2. AEU members will not be replying to emails directly sent out from DET (this includes surveys). 
3. AEU members will only be reporting on students' progression reports for Semester 1 and will not be writing report comments for students. 
4. AEU members have the option to participate in a ½ day stop work action on a future date. 

There will be further information that will be shared with our school community throughout the term regarding reports and the 1/2 day stop work action, to ensure our community is aware and can plan effectively for these changes.

Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you around our wonderful school. 

Warm regards,