Some words from the Principal

Wow, is it just me, or has the beginning of this year been an absolute whirlwind of excitement and activity? From hosting two incredible camps to embarking on a thrilling coin challenge, and not to mention the meticulous work of setting up classrooms, it's safe to say we've hit the ground running in 2024!

I am beyond proud of the unwavering dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff and students. Their commitment and work ethic has truly set the tone for what promises to be an amazing year ahead. There is a lot happening so please keep up to date with reading compass posts and the newsletter! 

The Turf has started!!! 

We are so excited that the temporary fencing is up and they have began work on the turf!!! This has been a very long time coming with fundraising efforts from our community for years!  We thanks all the families in years gone by who have ever donated or been part of fundraising efforts - all the hard work has paid off and we can upgrade the turf for Karoo current and future students!   Don't forget to also lock in Sunday 24th March 10am for our Working Bee.  This is a crucial part of continuing to keep our grounds looking fab! 

Community Colour Night - Thurs 18th April 5pm

Its time to start fundraising for the Community Colour Night! This year we are not using an external company (who we then needed to give a % of raised funds to).   

While the Colour Run promises to be an fun community evening, it is, above all, a fundraiser aimed at supporting the upgrading of our facilities.  Through student voice, we have identified the next major grounds upgrade to be resurfacing the end basketball court and transforming it into a Futsil (Soccer) pitch!   Our goal is to raise $20,000 to begin to make this come to life!! 

Watch the thermometer in the courtyard go up each week until we reach our target! There are individual and class prizes that will certainly get everyone excited!! 

Harmony Festival - Wed 20th March 2:45-5pm

This year we will be celebrating Harmony Day with various in-school activities and an after school festival. We encourage students and staff to wear a touch of orange or cultural attire that would be appropriate for school. Please see the compass posts and further information in the newsletter. 

 Register your attendance @ https://forms.gle/9QW5JH9nrmfNjJwJ7

Welcome 2024 School Council 

I was very pleased to announce the members of the 2024 School Council earlier this week. They are: 

Parent members

1st year - Tammy Culpitt, Sarah Elliott, Luke Michael, Vanessa Fernando

2nd year - Serryn Bryant, David Latham, Betty Kouskousis, Tony Khouri, John Savinos  

Staff members  

Peta Phillips, Clare McCandlish, Josh Edwards, Simone Vitas and myself. 

We also welcome Sue Baxter each month as a visitor.  

Our first meeting will involve nominations for School Council President and office bearers which I will communicate to the community once finalised. 

"Smart" watches - Mobile Phone Policy

While it is wonderful to see students wearing watches - especially if they show an analogue clock! -  it is apparent that some of these "smart" watches can be used to make mobile calls or send text messages. We have been made aware that some children have been using their watches to make calls or messages during school time. The Department of Education is quite clear on its mobile phone (and devices) policy. Smartwatches must have their capacity to make calls switched off (similar to flight mode) or not be brought to school.  

Department of Education Information - https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/students-using-mobile-phones/policy  

Please also find the Karoo Policy here : https://karoops.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mobile-Phone.pdf

Please help your child set up their device so that they are not inadvertently breaking the rules.

Pupil Free Day - Tuesday 12th March

Next Tuesday we are holding a Pupil free day and hopefully your family is able to enjoy the extra long weekend!   The staff will be focused on learning more about student conferences and learning goals.  We will also engage in further learning about the Science of Reading and how to enhance the teaching of Reading in every classroom.  

Community Connector (previously Parent Rep)

The role of the Community Connector is to support building connections for the children and parents of your child’s year level. This may be to communicate an after-school catch up on the school grounds or a family BBQ at a local park. The activities and opportunities are yours to decide! 

Ideally, the Community Connector position will be shared between 2-3 parents per year level. 

 The Community Connector role includes:

• Acting as a contact person for the parents of your child’s year level.
• Organising and facilitating social opportunities between the parents of the year level.
• Managing a class contact list of parents who have given permission to share details and distribute information about social opportunities to those families.

If you are interested in being a Community Connector, please read the letter sent home today and return the slip to your class teacher by next Friday. 

Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you around the school. 

Danielle Heatley

Principal