Thursday 22 February

General Communication update

Today we are communicating a whole school newsletter rather than level newsletters as we all have been disconnected during the past week in more ways than one.

The last week has again made us reassess our responses for when we are faced with an extraordinary event. To not have communication in or out of the school was challenging and we are still working through some network issues with our phone system. If you see Kate on her mobile it is because we have diverted phone calls to her – she isn’t taking personal calls!!

This communication was highlighted yesterday when we had to call for an ambulance to treat one of our students and contact the family. I am glad we could handle the situation appropriately and safely.

We know that there are still members of our community without power. Please check the news feed in compass about accessing some financial support.

Curriculum day tomorrow – no students at school

A reminder that there is no school tomorrow for students. All staff will be joining Sassafras PS to undertake professional learning on the Let’s Talk program. We will be having student sessions next week and are looking forward to having this program commence.

Please contact TheirCare if you require supervision tomorrow on either 1300 072 410 or theircare.com.au

Getting to know you interviews rescheduled

We will have the scheduled interviews for Wednesday 14 February take place on Wednesday 28 February (2:30 – 5:30). If you made a booking at a certain time it will be as arranged. Any concerns please speak with your child’s teacher or contact the office.

School Review Family Feedback

Every 4 years Victorian Government schools undertake a school review. These reviews set targets to aspire to as part of the School's Strategic Plan. We are having our review on the period from 2020 - 2023 this term. Part of this process is to gain feedback from our current school families. It would be greatly appreciated if you could find 10 -15 minutes in answering some questions for us by accessing this link by the end of the week - Friday 23 February.

Annual Privacy Reminder for our School Community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents.

Child Safety and Wellbeing at Menzies Creek Primary School: Information for Families and the School Community

Menzies Creek Primary School is committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment, where students are safe and feel safe.

Our child safety and wellbeing policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students:

Child Safety Policy
Child Safety Code of Conduct
Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures
Appendix A: Legal obligations relating to reporting child abuse
Appendix B: managing disclosures of child abuse. Important information for staff
Aboriginal Learning, Wellbeing and Safety Action Plan
Child Safety Risk Register

As valuable partners in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing at Menzies Creek Primary School we welcome and encourage your feedback.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our child safe policies and practices, please contact me.

Remember to log in to Compass if your child is going to be absent. If a student is unaccounted for you will be contacted via SMS at 10am. Students arriving after 9am need to come to the office for a late slip to hand to their teacher.

Please make sure you notify the office of any changes to your or your Emergency Contact details as well as mobile phone numbers for our SMS system. Please also keep the Office informed of any change in medical issues faced by your children as this helps us to make the best choices for their welfare.

As we are in the middle of the fire season it is a good time to remind our families to ensure that all your details are up to date at the school. If you have changed address, got a new phone number or have a new alternative contact please contact the office to give us the details so that we are able to contact you if required.

Regards,

Dale McInerney

Hollie