Principal's Report

Dear Parents and families,

Extreme Fire Danger Rating Relocation Plan

At Macedon Primary School, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, particularly during the fire season. As part of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), we have procedures in place for days of Extreme Fire Danger Ratings. If an Extreme FDR is declared for our local government area, Macedon Ranges, we will relocate to Sunbury Heights Primary School for the day. It is important to note that our fire danger rating is determined by Macedon Ranges Shire, not the broader Central Fire Area, meaning there may be times when we must relocate even if the Central Area is not on an Extreme rating. The decision to relocate is made by the Department of Education and may be confirmed as late as 4:00 pm the day before. Below is an outline of our relocation process and what families need to do in preparation.

On weekends, public holidays, and school holidays rated as Extreme Fire Danger, the school premises will be closed to the community, and access will not be permitted.

Relocation to Sunbury Heights Primary School

For days of forecast Extreme Fire Danger Ratings, as notified by the Department of Education:

• The Chief Warden (Principal or delegate) will enact the pre-emptive relocation to Sunbury Heights PS after liaising with the NWV Regional Office.
• Parents will receive up to four days’ notice where possible via email and SMS about a potential relocation.
• Parents must respond to the first SMS indicating whether their child will attend the relocation site or follow their Family Fire Plan.
• Once the Extreme FDR is confirmed, a second email and SMS will be sent to families. Parents must reply to the second SMS to confirm their child’s attendance at Sunbury Heights or their alternative plans.

Late Changes to Fire Danger Ratings

If there is a late downgrade (after 4:00 pm the day before or on a weekend) or a late upgrade:

• The school will send an urgent SMS update to all families.
• If relocation is required, students will still assemble at Macedon PS at 9:00 am before travelling to Sunbury Heights PS.

Relocation Day Procedure

• Students and staff will assemble in the John Curtin Building at Macedon PS at the start of the school day.
• Organs Coaches will transport students and staff to Sunbury Heights PS by 9:15 am.
• The Chief Warden will remain at Macedon PS until 9:30 am to manage late arrivals.
• A3 posters will be placed on all external doors, advising that the school has been relocated.
• A car shuttle will ensure staff vehicles are not left at Macedon PS.
• Students and teachers will be allocated classrooms in the Sunbury Heights PS Community Hub for the day’s educational program.
• Parents must pick up students from Sunbury Heights PS at 3:00 pm to ease congestion before the host school’s dismissal.
• No Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) on these days.

Additional Information

• Staff who have pre-arranged agreements with the Principal may take fire plan leave if enough staff remain to supervise students.
• No staff will be on-site at Macedon PS on relocation days.
• Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) will be cancelled.

For Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings, Macedon Primary School will be closed, and no staff or students will be on-site.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students and staff during Extreme Fire Danger conditions.

School Review

We are about to begin our school review process, an important opportunity to reflect on our progress and plan for the future. As part of this process, we would love to hear from our parent community.

We are inviting parents to participate in a small group session where you will have the chance to speak with panel members about your experiences at Macedon Primary School. This session will take place on Tuesday, 20th February, during the school day.

If you are available and would like to be involved, please contact me (andrew.bloomfield@education.vic.gov.au)l. Your input is highly valued, and we appreciate your support in shaping the future of our school.

Raising Concerns & Communication Pathways

At Macedon Primary School, we encourage open communication and value working together to support our students. If you have a concern, the first point of contact should always be your child’s classroom teacher.

If you require further support:

• For Disability Inclusion matters, please contact Karren Baker.
• For student health and wellbeing concerns, reach out to Sue Erwin.
• For all other issues, please contact me directly.

We appreciate your cooperation in following these steps to ensure we can address concerns effectively.

Teacher Work Days

At Macedon Primary School, we have a number of staff who work on a part-time basis. To help families know when staff members are available, we have provided a table outlining their working days.

Please refer to the table below to see when staff are on-site. If you need to get in touch with a particular teacher, we encourage you to contact them on their working days.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

I would like to invite families to attend this week's assembly, our assemblies are held fortnightly in the John Curtin Building at 3:00pm on a Friday afternoon. This week we will be presenting our new leaders with their badges. 

Warm regards,

Andrew Bloomfield

Principal

andrew.bloomfield@education.vic.gov.au