From the 

Principal

Dear Parents / Carers,

Learning is the core purpose of schools… If you can’t learn, unlearn and relearn, you’re lost because sustainable and continuous learning is a given of the twenty-first century.

Our teachers need to participate in ongoing professional learning so that they remain at the cutting edge of their profession. This is the reason why whole school curriculum days where the school is closed for students are so vital for schools. These days are timed so that they fit in with whole school staff learning priorities.

We are undertaking some focussed learning as a staff around the teaching of Mathematics which commenced on the curriculum day that was held on the first day of Term Two. Every Wednesday during Term Two, Andrew Lorimer-Derham works with students and teachers in our classrooms. On Wednesday nights our teachers have been gathering as a professional learning community to undertake learning that is facilitated by Andrew.

Our Foundation students form bonds with their buddies that endure life-long memories. The connections that are formed are treasured. This occurs because our values of responsibility, respect, pride, and perseverance are instilled in students from the outset.

The 'Buddy Program' connects each Foundation student with a “Buddy” from Year Six in a way that is natural and mutually beneficial. The senior "Buddy" interacts with the junior student in several ways, from helping to orientate the student in school procedures, to shared activities such as supporting them to purchase from the canteen. The benefits are mutual. The Foundation student is instilled with a sense of belonging and security, while being presented with a role model worthy of emulation. The Year Six student acquires the invaluable experience of mature responsibility and compassionate caring.

School life begins with support of a Buddy

The 2025 Foundation enrolment process has commenced. We invite parents who have a child commencing in 2025 to visit https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/ to create an account and complete an online application by Friday 26 July 2024.

I would like to acknowledge Sharon, Kieron, Teresa, Yvette, Bianca, Dora, Lucy and Zen for running the Mother’s Day Stall last Tuesday, our students enjoyed buying gifts for their special someone. This is an important cultural event in our school as it provides our students with an opportunity to buy a small gift for someone special as a token of love and appreciation.

We look forward to welcoming our mothers and mother figures in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen on Friday 10 May at 2.00pm and at 2.45pm in their child/children’s classroom. Assembly will be cancelled on Friday 10 May to enable the Mother’s Day celebration to take place.

Parents and carers are invited to visit their child’s class on Wednesday 15 May from 9.15-10.45am and then join their child in the playground from 10.45-11.15am. The canteen is offering an Open Morning Snack Special for parents to pre-order on the QKR app and share with their child during recess. 

You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support. This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025. It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025. Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms. There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.

Kind regards,

Anne Babich

Principal