Dear Parents,

Inclusive School Grant – Success!

I am delighted to confirm that the Minister for Education has approved funding of $297,773.00 for an Outdoor inclusive learning space at Macedon Primary School through Round Nine of the Inclusive Schools Fund. Our School Council president, Julie Monk and a team of community members worked tirelessly on developing a grant application and plan for an upgrade to the adventure track.

The grant will support us to upgrade the adventure track to improve the overall accessibility by creating clear pathways and installing accessible seating areas for children and adults. We will be introducing accessible play equipment such as sensory play station and inclusive climbing structures.

Our primary driver for this amazing project was to enhance our preexisting environment to build on and foster empathy, understanding and respect among all of our students. Our dream is for children of different abilities to be able to easily interact, collaborate, and form lasting friendships. This project will not only benefit our current students but will also positively impact future generations of students who will pass through our school.

We aim to maintain the integrity of the beloved adventure track and enhance this space for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who supported our grant application. We had support from many parents and carers at the school, all of the school councillors, parents who wrote supporting letters, specialist reports, surveying reports, provided high level town planning advice and grant writing skills. It was a real team effort and I’m so happy for the school and our students.

As was advised earlier in the week, the funeral for Mr John Ewels will be held this Friday the 15th of December at 2:00pm at Middle Gully Reserve. A wake will follow at Tony Clarke Reserve.

There will be parking available at Jubilee Hall, The Mount Players and at Tony Clarke Reserve. A 50 seater bus will shuttle people from Tony Clarke to Middle Gully.

The Ewels family have asked that members of the school community and families are welcome to come along to Tony Clarke on Friday afternoon and enjoy refreshments and something to eat, to celebrate the life of John and his involvement in the Macedon Community.

Lunchtime changes

Due to the funeral starting at 2pm, we have decided to move lunchtime to start at 12:30pm and finish at 1:30pm

Limited parking at school pick up

As the funeral is commencing at 2pm at Middle Gully, we anticipate very limited parking near the school grounds at pick up time. Please be aware that you may need to park in a surrounding street and therefore allow time to walk to school. Please advise your children that you will probably not be where you would normally park to avoid confusion and concern. We appreciate your understanding.

Further resources available

I expect that some of you will be attending and if you and your family knew John well, maybe you have been thinking about whether you should take your child or not. Please find some information at this link to support your decision. Kids and Funerals. I acknowledge that not all students and families would have known John well, for those of your who did please find the help support you to help your children through this if they are feeling sad or upset. When someone you love dies | Kids Helpline

Please reach out if you believe your child needs further support to navigate this tricky period for our school community.

Kind regards and Sampai jumpa (until next time),

Matt

Mary-Anne Thomas visit