Principal's Message 

As we settle into the rhythm of the final term, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown by. Tonight also happens to be Halloween, so good luck to all parents attempting to settle little ones to sleep after the inevitable sugar rush! We hope everyone enjoys a safe and fun evening, and we’re looking forward to seeing all our students back bright and ready to learn tomorrow… costumes and sugar highs aside!

Colour Run Postponement

I want to extend my gratitude to the many parents who supported our decision to postpone last week’s Colour Run due to the weather. It was not an easy call to make, and while some of our students were not thrilled with me last Friday, I believe they’ll thank us later when we (hopefully!) get a better day for the event. This is a day we want everyone to enjoy to the fullest, and the added wait will be worth it.

To our wonderful volunteers who signed up to help on the original date, I want you to know how much we appreciate your willingness to lend a hand. Even if you’re unable to make the rescheduled date, your support and enthusiasm hasn’t gone unnoticed.

School Zone Safety

Our hearts go out to the entire Auburn South Primary School community in the wake of the recent tragedy that has touched many. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the preciousness of every child and the importance of safety as we travel near schools. 

As we consider those affected, we encourage our own community to prioritise the safety of all students, families, and staff by driving with caution, patience, and vigilance in school zones. If parking spaces close to the school are occupied, we encourage families to take a moment to find a spot further away and walk the rest of the way. Each thoughtful decision helps protect our community and honours our shared commitment to safety. Each of us has a role in creating a safe environment, not just for our own children, but for every young person on their way to and from school.

Celebrating Tree Planting Day

Last week, we held a Tree Planting Day, a fantastic event that brought our school community together to contribute to a greener environment. It was great to see all our students involved, each planting their own individual plant in our sanctuary. A huge thank you to Miss Jodie Ross for coordinating this day and ensuring its success, along with Mrs. Macrae for her invaluable support in establishing our new Indigenous Garden. We are also proud to acknowledge our Indigenous students who have created their own artwork to be displayed in the garden, adding a personal and meaningful touch to this important space. It has now inspired us to revisit the sanctuary space and look ahead to how we can make further improvements to this area of the school. 

Have a great end to the weekend, and for those enjoying a longer Melbourne Cup break, travel safely.

 Tree Planting Day at YRPS

On Thursday 24th of October we held our Yarra Road Primary School Tree Planting Day, as part of our $1000 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant and Indigenous Garden Project.

Every child in the school was able to come down to the sanctuary/green space area to plant an Indigenous species in our ‘Yarra Yarra Indigenous Garden’. Students will be able to watch this area develop over their school years, knowing that they have made a valuable contribution to ensure the sanctuary area has a diverse range of Indigenous species, help beautify the area and attract native birds.

We would like to acknowledge the help and assistance of Mrs Rhiana Macrae, who assisted with pruning branches, planting and securing our existing fencing with chicken wire to protect our plants.

A huge thank you to Miranda from CRISP (Community of Ringwood Indigenous Plant Species) for helping us select a diverse range of plants. We would also like to thank ‘All Inclusive Nursery’ in Wonga Park for donating 48 native grasses towards our project.

A special thank you to Derek Ashton (Bushland Community Officer) from Maroondah Council for all his advice, site inspection and for organising/donating 275 holes to be pre-dug, to ensure that our project was successful. A very generous donation by Maroondah Council. Also, a big thank you to Mark Farmer from Diverse Bush Management for digging the holes the day before, which was greatly appreciated and made planting on the day much easier.

The Indigenous Wall Art Mural was painted and designed by our students, which included Zac W in Prep, Thomas W Grade 4, Clarke W Grade 2, Karleigh W in Grade 4 and Oscar F in Grade 6. 

A huge thank you to Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants for donating $1000 towards this project and which allowed us to purchase plants and other materials to complete this project.

A special thank you to our students in Year 3 and Mrs Tonna for collecting and recycling plastic bottles and cans which raised another $100 towards this project, which was a fantastic achievement.

Finally, a special thank you to our students Toby M, Ceira H, Tannis O and Jye C for all their help planting with all the classes for the day and for their help watering, cleaning and packing up at the end of the day. You were absolutely amazing.

A big thank you to Marnie Ross for helping weed the area in the school holidays and for helping pick up and set up all the plants on the day.

Congratulations to all our students on the day for creating a future legacy and for their enthusiasm towards the project.

Pink Bun Day

On Wednesday the 27th of November, we will be celebrating Pink Bun Day to support the Breast Cancer Network Australia. Students are encouraged to wear a splash of pink and can purchase a pink bun for $2.00 for recess via Flexischools (must be purchased before 20th November).