Welcome
Wawa, Wominjika.
Here at Old Orchard Primary School, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we visit each day, the Wurrunguri and Woiwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge and respect the elders and leaders past and present and the elders and leaders of all of the cultures and nationalities that are part of the Old Orchard Primary School community. We express our gratitude towards the orchards that were kept in place by the peoples on this land before us. We thank the traditional owners for sharing this beautiful land that we all love, and for keeping the land, sky, waterways and animals all in great condition for thousands of years, not only for themselves but for all the generations to come.
Smart watches & phones
As per the Mobile Phone - Student Use Policy, we understand that some students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school.
The clear expectation is that:
- Students who bring a mobile phone to school must have them switched off and hand them in at the school office upon arrival and collect them before going home.
- Students wearing smartwatches must have the messaging or call functionality, sounds and games disabled during school hours.
We are hearing of students as young as Year 1 wearing smartwatches and would strongly discourage this practice. We expect our students to be focussed on their learning during class time and teachers have been asked to send students to the office if they are using phones or smartwatches during class time.
Excessive screen time is a significant concern for the mental health and wellbeing of our young people and it is a priority of our school to minimise screen time whenever possible.
Interestingly, the Department of Education has advised this week that they will be introducing a formal policy later this year that classifies smart watches and similar ‘smart devices’ in the same category as mobile phones.
Teddy Bear Picnic
We enjoyed a wonderful ‘Teddy Bear Picnic’ yesterday, where our Year 6 and Prep buddies ate lunch together on the oval, along with their respective parents, and of course, their favourite teddies! Thanks to our Prep and Year 6 staff and to all those who were able to come along for the occasion.
Cross Country - ‘Take 2!’
Best wishes to all of our students ahead of today’s Prep to Year 6 Cross Country at Koonung Reserve. The students will no doubt look fantastic in their house colours and this will be a great way to conclude our term. Thanks again to James Roche for his organisation, as well as other staff who have all played key roles in organising the event.
Building Works - Term 2
Fiona Kirby and I met yesterday with the builders (Modus) who have been awarded the contract for the installation of an accessible ramp and automatic doors at the front entrance, as well as upgraded bathrooms in the foyer, gymnasium and Drayton Hall to make them accessible. This is an exciting project that will greatly enhance our school. We will provide a more detailed summary of the works early in Term 2; we expect that the ramp works will impact on the front entrance for up to 6 weeks.
End of term arrangements
A reminder that students will be dismissed at 2.30pm today, following assembly at 1.50pm. Term 2 will commence on Monday April 20th.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break and for the many families in our community that celebrate Easter, we trust that this is a special time for you. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 2.
Warm regards
Duncan