Principal's Report

Principal Report

We have enjoyed a busy week of celebrations and learning over the past week. Of special note were the Foundation students celebrating their first 100 days of primary school. We also celebrated the news that Ms Megan Adaway and her partner are expecting a new family member in January 2025. How exciting!

Student learning across the school this week has focussed primarily on Science experiences and knowledge. Many year levels have been developing student skills in writing procedural texts, such as ‘How to make Fairy Bread’ or ‘How to Create a Volcano’. It has been very enjoyable watching the excitement and learning occurring across the school. I am sure parents/carers can find ways to follow up this learning at home, through involving children in reading and using recipes, or simple constructions. A special thank-you to all the parents who helped provide resources for some of the activities occurring at school this week.

Before and After School supervision and Duty of Care

Parents/Carers are reminded that teachers are on Duty in the Yard to supervise students before school from 8.45am and after school until 3.45pm.

Students who arrive early or are collected later, are requested to arrange to attend the available Before and Afterschool care facility and program at our school. Camp Australia (Before and Afterschool Care program) is specifically for families who are unable to collect their children by 3.45pm, or who need to bring children to school before 8.45am.

We strongly encourage families to ensure children are kept safe and adequately supervised by booking into the Camp Australia program if children need to be dropped off early or collected after 3.45pm.

Our Office staff are not in a position to supervise students for long periods of time before and after school. Many thanks to all our families for your understanding and consideration of student safety at ARPS.

Student Bike and Scooter Safety – Helmets and safety in the yard afterschool

Parents/Carers are reminded that it is a legal requirement that children riding a bicycle or scooter near the road, in parks or playgrounds, must wear a helmet. Staff on duty before and afterschool are seeing an increasing number of children without head protection riding bikes and scooters into (and out of) the school grounds.  Our Duty of Care requires us to ensure all students have adequate safety protection. We are mandated to report any situation where this is not the case. Please help staff by ensuring every child is wearing a helmet when riding, scooting, roller-skating, etc. 

You can find more about Victorian bike rules and helmet rules here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/cyclist-safety/wearing-a-bicycle-helmet

Additionally, before and afterschool when staff are on yard duty (8.45am-9.00am and 3.30pm-3.45pm) we do not allow students to ride and scoot on the grounds for the safety of other students and parents collecting and dropping off students. There are just too many people on the grounds to have students (including secondary students) riding and scooting around the grounds. We thank all our families for your understanding.

Year 5 and 6 Camp in Ballarat

Our Year 5 and 6 students have enjoyed their first days at Sovereign Hill Camp in Ballarat, with many historical experiences and connections to curriculum embedded in their Camping program. The students have shown great teamwork, cooperation, leadership and independence throughout their first days at camp. I know they will return with some wonderful stories to tell. 

Many thanks to parents for all the preparation and support allowing students to take part in this amazing learning experience. Thanks also to staff attending over the three days; I am sure they will also have plenty of stories to share when everyone returns tomorrow. 

Our Year 5 and 6 students also enjoyed the opportunity to dress up and imagine life in goldfields and Early Australia during the week, before heading off to Ballarat to see history in action.

                                                        Lunch stop on the way to camp

Our Year 5 and 6 students also enjoyed the opportunity to dress up and imagine life in goldfields and Early Australia during the week, before heading off to Ballarat to see history in action.

Jump Rope for Heart- Fundraising for Heart Foundation

Albany Rise Primary School is participating in Jump Rope for Heart this year – a fantastic fundraising and physical activity program by the Heart Foundation. By participating in Jump Rope for Heart this term, our students will raise funds for the Heart Foundation as well as build their skipping skills, stamina and fitness. We have skipping ropes available on the school grounds and are encouraging everyone to help raise funds for lifesaving research and support programs.

Over the coming weeks (start 22/7/25 & completed 11/9/24) children will learn new skills, increase their physical activity, and learn about heart health. The program will end with our school wide ‘Jump Off Day’ on the 11th of September 2024 where all children get to show off their new skipping skills to their friends.

When you register your child online, you’ll get access to additional skipping resources to help give your child a great reason to get away from the screens and get outdoors. Register and create your own secure webpage at jumprope.org.au/parents

Mrs Judy Drew

PRINCIPAL