Thursday 7 November

Dear Families,

MCPS School Fang Run – was brilliant.

We ran like zombies were chasing us and raised money for our school at the same time. It was such a great afternoon last Thursday and we had plenty of kids, big and small running around having a great time. Thanks to our community relations subcommittee for organising this and harnessing support. It was nice to have the BBQ going for families getting ready to go trick or treating. Also wish to acknowledge the donations received to support the houses along School Rd and Menzies Rd – this is greatly appreciated.

Save the date – Monday 18th November – School Community Feedback Night

Our School Council (parent representatives) wish to hold a School Community Feedback Night to receive feedback on both the positives about the school but also seek feedback on areas for improvement. There have been several changes over the last few years so the timing is right. Topics will focus on teaching and learning, communication, community and facilities.

The feedback provided will then inform both current and future School Council Priorities Action Plan.

Placement of staff and students into classes for 2025

Over the last month our school has been developing our 2025 school structure and staffing. Following that exercise, our staff will begin the task of allocating students to classes for 2025. As per the norm, our staffing allocations and final class structures will then be announced in late December.

As with our teaching teams, class groups are developed after careful consideration, balancing a range of issues and needs. These include factors such as academic ability, behavioural challenges, friendships, and previous teachers.

A valuable part of the process is stakeholder feedback:

In the coming weeks students will be given the opportunity to list friends they would like to be with for the following year. They will be placed with at least one friend on that list.
Parent perspective can also add information to support this process. If you have any valuable information, regarding the class placement for your child for 2025, that is above and beyond what we already know please write to me outlining any relevant educational considerations for next year. I ask that written requests are based on educational grounds and reach me by tomorrow. Any request received will be carefully considered, but not guaranteed and specific teacher requests won’t be considered.

I encourage families to trust our school’s judgement and, like I do, value our teachers as high-calibre people that care first and foremost for your children. Ultimately, it is our current class teachers, as professionals with all available information, that are in the best position to place students in classes. Further, I am sure that you would understand that it is not always possible to accommodate all requests and that an important part of any student’s journey through their schooling is the development of vital life skills. This includes meeting, getting to know, and working with different personalities.

Local walking excursions

There may be times when staff and students wish to go for a walk this term. Families will be notified when this would take place. Please provide consent for staff to be able to do this during the term via this link.

Emergency Management

Please access the fire rating for LGA’s- https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-fire-danger-ratings/central-fire-district

Schools and children’s services such as Menzies Creek Primary School are listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR). We are classified as category 3 school on the BARR (Bushfire At-Risk Register) and will only be closed on days where the fire danger rating is Catastrophic in the central fire district. Closure of our school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day. Any information regarding potential or confirmed Catastrophic fire danger days will be

communicated to you by a news feed notification via Compass and a SMS text message.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help you plan alternative care arrangements for your child.

With fire season fast approaching it is a good time to remind our families to ensure that all your details are up to date at the school.

Transition to 2025

This term we will be conducting a number of transition sessions to support all our students prepare for 2025.

Our new Foundation students will come to school this term on the following days:

Wednesday 20th November (9:15am – 1:15pm)
Tuesday 10th December (9:30am – 3:00pm)

Our Year 6 students will have their own taster days at the respective secondary schools this term as well as having a statewide transition day on Tuesday 10th December for all government schools.

Our students who will be moving year levels will also have a chance to taste what next year can be expected to bring as we start the process of our internal transition sessions and 2025 class creation.

Assembly

We will have assemblies on the following Fridays at 2:45 this term:

November 8
November 22
December 6 (presentation of annual MCPS awards)
December 20 (at 1pm)

Take care,

Dale