Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
Curriculum Day: On Monday 6th November we will have our final Curriculum Day for the year. We are focussing on report writing and staff wellbeing, with some planning for 2024 included. We hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family. I am on long service leave for the remainder of that week, taking a short break to Byron Bay with my son and husband, getting refreshed to be able to finish the year strong.
Special Requests for 2024 Class: Part of the work we do in term 4 is to form the new classes for the following year. if you have any concerns or requests about other children your child should or shouldn’t be with please put these in writing before Friday 27th October. Any requests received after this date CANNOT be able to be considered, due to the flow-on effect that any changes to classes already created has across the board. I will need to stick to this timeline quite tightly to ensure the process runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Please note, requests for specific teachers will not be considered. If you have any questions or concerns in regard to this process, please do not hesitate to contact the office to make an appointment to speak with me.
Language Other Than English Survey: We are in the process of reviewing the language children learn as part of the curriculum at Melton West PS. We have surveyed the staff about a change and will survey the students over the next week. We are interested in hearing from parents and carers, about what your thoughts are. For a few years, children have been learning Chinese by qualified Chinese Language teachers. Some children have shown real growth and interest in the language and culture of China during this specialist subject. Some schools in our area teach Auslan, the sign language deaf people in Australia use to communicate. We have access to a program that the classroom teachers can implement or a dedicated teacher (who would not be specifically trained in Auslan). The program has lesson plans, videos and assessment for teachers to use. We have the opportunity to change the language if the school community is in favour and School Council agree. Please complete the survey by Friday 27th October to have your opinions heard. If you have any questions please let us know by calling the office to make an appointment with me.
https://forms.gle/TtqFyxZmx9KLwQm36
Potential Exposure to Distressing Content/Events: Some of us in our school community may be affected by the devastating events in the Middle East. All of us are upset and disturbed by the awful events depicted in media footage and images. This time is particularly distressing for staff, students, families and carers who have family and friends in Israel and Gaza. We are also aware that students of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim students, may be significantly affected by public events, mainstream media coverage and social media at this time. Please be assured that all staff are aware of the extreme emotional toll on many in our community at this time. But please also feel free to get in contact with any of the staff at our school if you would like to ensure we are aware of what your child is going through at this time. Our support staff will continue doing all they can to support all our students, and support is also available for our staff. I also want to assure you that the department is monitoring the situation from a school security perspective, and have advised there is no further action we need to take at this stage. You may find some aspects of this resource helpful:
• Helping my children after trauma: A guide for parents. Support is also available through external services including:• headspace: 1800 650 890• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800• Lifeline: 13 11 14• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.My door is always open and I am sure we will all look to support one another in this very difficult time.
Inappropriate Online Content: It is possible that extremely distressing scenes from the conflict may be posted online in coming days. Please ensure your children are aware of where they can find support in the event they come across such images. At our school, this includes speaking to their teacher. Please also refer to the following information on how to report such content if you or your child come across it.
How to report abuse or content to eSafety | eSafety Commissioner
Vaping: We, along with many other schools across Melton, Melbourne and Victoria, continue to experience students accessing and using “Vapes” or e-cigarettes in the school yard. Research shows that we are not fully aware of the damage it can cause, so for children, in particular, using them is not recommended and is actually illegal for them to own and/or use. If we find that someone has been using a vape, or is in possession, we will always contact the family so that you are aware and can have a follow up conversation at home. Bringing these products to school, or using them on school grounds is a reason for a suspension. We take each situation on a case-by-case basis and obviously if someone continues to bring them to school, or encourages/pressures others to use it, the consequences are enacted much more seriously than if it is their first time. Please chat to your child about the harmful effects. I have included information about vaping to help you with your conversations with your children.
Protecting Against Mosquito-borne Diseases: Victoria’s mosquito season started this month and will extend to late April 2024. Warm and wet weather can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and increased risk of illnesses from mosquito bites. While the overall risk is low, some mosquitoes carry diseases that make people sick. The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. Families can protect against mosquito bites by:
- covering up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
- applying insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when leaving home
- limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.
To reduce the risk of illness linked to mosquitos, such as Buruli ulcer, promptly wash any new scratches or cuts with soap and clean water and apply a topical antiseptic and dressing. Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages:
Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages
Yr 3-6 Swimming Program: Next week the Yr 3-6 Swimming program commences. They will be going in 3 groups at various times the first group starting at 12:30pm and the last group finishing at 2:45pm. If your child was successful in participating in the program they would have received a note the week before last advising of their place in the program. Please ensure your child brings their swimming gear to school (labelled with their name). They will have time at the pool to get changed, as it is in the afternoon we would advise them not to wear their bathers to school under their uniforms.
High Levels of Learning for All
Michelle Costa
Principal
