Principal Update

We are winding down towards the end of term and reflecting on all that has been achieved so far. We started with setting expectations in every learning space, setting agreements and setting up spaces with routines and processes to ensure that the best learning can be done by every student in every space. As I walk through the school I can see these high expectations that we set and how our students strive to meet these and put in effort with their learning.

I was helping another school with their 4 yearly review and was asked the question “What makes Alphington special?” My answer was easy- It’s the potential that our students bring into the school each day. The combination of an amazing staff, supportive parents and amazing students that makes APS such a great place to be.

I would like to remind parents of our Statement of Values and Philosophy which outlines the values of our school community and explains the vision, mission and objectives of our school. One section lists unreasonable behaviours and clearly lists those that will not be tolerated. My reminder is in relation to emails. We have seen an increase in emails from parents to staff which are demanding in nature and repeated. This is causing anxiety in teachers and is unreasonable. I’m asking for an awareness that each teacher has 20+ students to attend to and the office are managing 293 families. Every student is important and deserves the same attention from teachers. 

Teachers at APS go to extra efforts to discuss their students with parents, through phone calls, meetings and email, which we value and appreciate. However, we are asking that parents be considerate when making repeated requests and be thoughtful about respectful communications and looking after the precious resource of our staff. 

https://www.alphinps.vic.edu.au/community/policies/

Mobile Phone Policy

In accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones — Student Use Policy issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at Alphington Primary School during school hours, including lunchtime and recess, unless an exception has been granted. For the purpose of this policy, “mobile phone” refers to mobile phones and any device that may connect to or have a similar functionality to a mobile phone such as smart watches. We have seen an increase in the number of students who are making contact with parents during the day and vice versa. Please support us to implement this policy by setting the device to school mode and contacting the office if you need to get a message to your child. https://www.alphinps.vic.edu.au/community/policies/

Reminder that if you have not paid your school charges they are now overdue. Please attend to this in the next week. Some families are confused by the School Saving Bonus and how that supplements the charges. Please make contact with the office if this applies to you. 

With only one week to go I wish you all a restful term 1 break. The last day of this term is Friday 4 April and we finish at 2:30pm. The first week back begins with Easter Monday and ends with ANZAC Day so is only three days. Our Year 6’s will lead an ANZAC day assembly on Thursday 24 April. 

Kind Regards

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal