President: Priscilla Hetherton

Treasurer: Bruce Rohde

Secretary: Caitlin Cameron

Hello Mullum School Community

This fortnight's page is jam-packed with information regarding projects and events our Parents' Associaiton (PA) members are currently working on; future events and a new segment "Spotlight"; a post introducing one of our PA members, what Mullum event/project they are currently working on and how the Mullum community can get involved. The first Spotlight is on Ari, facilitator of FrOGs.

The PA are always looking for more members and the invitation is extended to all parents and carers of current Mullum students, to join. More information at the end of this page.

Till next time

Mullum Executive Committee

SPOTLIGHT - Introducing Ari

Ari is an avid gardener who has brought her horticulture skills to support Mullum’s kitchen garden. To support the growth of the edible garden, Ari has brought together families and other members of our Mullum community in the Friends of the Gardens (FrOGs) volunteer group. The FrOGs group has assisted by donating their time weeding, planting and watering the garden supporting the significant work Rebekah Mitchell (Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program lead) has done to keep the garden going.

In the classroom - The Grade 3/4 children carefully planted seedlings generously donated by the members of FrOGs.
Current project
Ari's current project is to get the soil in the garden beds rich and nutrient dense, planting seedlings and seeds, and chicken proofing the new plantings ("Those cheeky chickens think our garden is their buffet when they get out!!" - Ari). At the upcoming Working Bee, 11am on Saturday 23 August, FrOGs plans to support Ms Mitchell in the planting of a native bush food garden. All are welcome.
Future plans
To kick start a compost system
How to get involved
FrOG's welcomes new volunteers and donations of seedlings, plants, compost or mulch. Even if you don't have a green thumb, any help or interest is welcomed. Please email mullumparentsassociation@gmail.com or contact the school office who will pass on your details to one of our FrOGs coordinators.

We are grateful for Ari laying the groundwork and leading a team of volunteers whose work benefits the students of Mullum.

It's never too young to learn the joy and reward of tending a garden. Pictured here is FrOGs’ youngest volunteer Harrison, Ari's son, helping his mum and our lovely crossing supervisor, Connie, in the garden Wednesday morning.

(N.B. Photo supplied by Ari with permission to publish)

A THANK YOU

One of our members, Gigi, created our current PA flyer. The PA Executive Team appreciates the time she spent to produce a flyer that serves well its purpose: to communicate what the PA does, to invite people to join and how to get in touch.

WHOLE SCHOOL BOOK EXCHANGE

PA member Annie, came up with the great idea of a book exchange to coincide with Book Week. Families are invited to bring along donated books on Monday 18 August with all students offered to take home a book on Friday 22 August. More details below

Here’s how it works:

Bring books to school on Monday 18 August. Families are encouraged to donate pre- loved children’s books in good condition (see below)
Take a book home on Friday 22 August: Each student will have the chance to
choose a book to take home and enjoy.

Book Donation Guidelines: To make sure every child receives a book they’ll love, please ensure that donated books:

Are suitable for primary school-aged readers
Have no ripped or missing pages
Are clean and gently used
Are free from scribbles, stains, or water damagePlease note: Some donated books may be added to our school library collection, making them available for all students to borrow and enjoy throughout the year!

Thank you for helping us foster a love of reading across our school community. Let the book swapping begin!

FUNDRAISING

Chocolate Drive - PA Secretary Caitlin, is organising a Cadbury Chocolate drive. Flyers going home 18 August.
Fathers' (Special Person) Day Stall - Friday 5 September
PA member, Bao, will be co-ordinating the promotion, volunteers and the set up/pack down of the stands for this year's Father's Day Stallfor students to buy presents for their fathers, fathering figures and special person in their life.

FUTURE EVENTS

Trivia Night - MAJOR FUNDRAISING NIGHT
Save the date! Tickets go on sale soon.
Saturday 11 October 7pm
Ringwood Bowls, 2-12 Loughnan Road, Ringwood

Bring your snacks, your gold coins and your knowledge of all things trivial, silly and smart. If trivia is not your strong point, no problem at all, still come long as there will be games of chance and skill plus raffles on the night giving everyone the same odds of winning a prize to take home. Digger and Tim and PA members Pei, Bruce, Bao and Priscilla are planning the Mullum Trivia Night, our major fundraiser for this year. This will be a great evening out, only for the adults.
Paint & Sip - Date to be confirmed
Back by popular demand, Annie and Erin are planning another Paint & Sip. With a lot of painting and a lot of sipping, last year's event was a relaxed, fun evening for parents and carers. One does not need to be a Kahlo or Vermeer. Paint and Sip is guided painting by none other than our own Deanne Lawn, whose easy going instructions ensure everybody gets to take home their own work of art.

"How do I join this amazing Parents' Association?" I hear you saying...

The invitation is always open to join the Parents' Association. Your ideas and help will be most appreciated. Time poor? We hear you! Life is so very busy. With the level of commitment solely up to you, you can be a member of the PA and join in on events that suit your schedule. Please email MullumParentsAssociation@gmail.com for more information.

What is the Parents' Association?

Parents’ Clubs (alternatively called Parents’ Associations) promote the welfare of, and provide support to, the school and its community. Parents are key partners in their child’s learning. By interacting with the school and other parents, parents’ club members can use their skills and experience to work collaboratively with others in supporting the school and its students and build a sense of community within the school. You can read more about Victorian Government school parents' clubs here:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-clubs/policy

Why join Mullum PA?

Joining the PA as a registered member means you will actively contribute to the wellbeing of the school community by participating in the life of the school. It's a great opportunity to meet other families through the organisation of social events, and raising funds for the direct benefit of the school. By being a member of the PA, you will have regular opportunities for two-way flow of information and discussion between the parents' club, principal, other school staff and school council so you can stay informed and contribute to school proposals. Joining the PA at or prior to the Annual General Meeting means that you will have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting.

What is the time commitment?

Joining the PA as a registered member is free, and your level of involvement is entirely up to you. As a member, you will be invited to attend committee meetings occurring approximately monthly during the school year. At least 3 members need to attend a meeting to meet quorum. All members are notified of the date of a PA meeting at least one week before. To best meet community needs, meetings can be held in person or via teleconferencing at a time that suits (e.g. after hours).

If you are one of three elected office bearers (President, Treasurer, Secretary), your responsibilities are outlined here: https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/toolkit/committee-office-bearers-overview/ General committee members will also be sought. These committee positions are for one year, and declared open again for nomination and election at the Annual General Meeting.

How do I join Mullum PA?

You can join by completing the official form approved by the Minister, which is available at the school office or downloadable here. Forms can be returned to the office, at the Annual General Meeting or emailed to mullumparentsassociation@gmail.com

Glen Park - Lunch Orders