PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
School Council Election
After seeking nominations for the three parent vacancies on School Council, we had three parents nominate for these vacancies. I am therefore pleased to announce that Rose Guijt, Laura Vassallo and Harley Bailey have been elected to fill these positions.
We also had two students nominate themselves for the one student vacancy on School Council, therefore we will be conducting an election amongst the student body to determine their student representative. The successful student will be finalised and announced by Wednesday 5th March.
Year 7 Camp
We had over 150 students and 15 staff members attend the Year 7 camp in Alexandra from Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st February. It’s a wonderful way for students and staff members to spend some quality time together and build the positive relationships that will be so important throughout the student’s secondary schooling. Thank you to all staff members that volunteered their time to go on camp and to Mrs Begg, Mr Claney and Mrs O’Sullivan who were instrumental in organising this wonderful experience.
School Uniform
Thanks to all the parents and students for their support with wearing the correct uniform at school. A reminder that the sports uniform is to be worn for Physical Education classes and sport days, it isn’t an everyday article of the school uniform. Your support around these matters is always appreciated.
School Swimming Sports
The school swimming sports were held on Friday 7th February at the Kardinia Pool. It was great to see so many students in attendance and participating. We announced the results of the carnival including the winning House and Age Group champions at our General Assembly on Monday 17th February. Congratulations to the following:
Champion House – Thomson
Age Group Champions
12-13 Female – Salita Smith
12-13 Male – Oliver Milner
14 Female – Celeste Taljaard
14 Male – Luke Gilbert
15 Female – Taryn Aldred
15 Male – Matthew Gilbert
16 Female – Alva Dunn
16 Male – Riley Walsh
17 Female – Sophie Gilbert
17 Male – Bart Guijt
18-20 Female – Bridgette Allen
18-20 Male – Joshua Hirst
School Photos
The school photos were taken at school on Wednesday 12th February. If your student was absent on this day a catch-up day is scheduled for Tuesday 4th March.
Year 7 Meet the Teacher’s Night
The school held a meet the teacher’s night for year 7 parents on Thursday 13th February. This was quite an informal evening, but an opportunity for parents to put a face to the name of the staff who are teaching your student this year. Thank you to Mrs Priscilla Begg who organised the evening.
Mobile Phones
A reminder as was our school policy in previous years and a directive from the Education Minister and Department of Education, mobile phones and associated devices are banned from all state schools during the school day. Students will be required to switch off their phones and store them securely in lockers from the start of the school day until the final bell. If an emergency occurs, parents or guardians can reach their child by calling the school general office.
The school mobile phone policy can be found on the school website.
DET Policy on Personal Items
A reminder that the Department of Education and Training does not hold insurance, nor does it accept responsibility for private property brought to school by students, staff and visitors.
School Camps
The school encourages parents to consider taking out travel insurance for school camps as schools often incur a cancellation fee that we are not able to absorb if your child is forced to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances.
School Saver Bonus
The school communicated with families regarding the School Saver Bonus on Friday 24th January, including the Department of Education contacts should you be having problems accessing this payment.
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund applications
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families.
Payment amounts this year are $250 for eligible secondary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child. It is important that funding made available in 2025 supports students to participate in school trips, camps and sporting activities this year rather than being held for future years. This funding can also be used in conjunction with any funding accrued from previous years. Please note these activities will only take place if they meet COVID safe requirements.
If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the school office on 42418000 and ask for an application form.
Privacy reminder
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy which is located on the school website.
Tim McMahon