What a positive start to the school year! Classrooms have been buzzing as students and teachers dive into our Learning to Learn program, and we’re so proud of how quickly our new Prep students have settled into their “big school” routines.

Learning to Learn is a three-week program that helps build strong relationships, establish classroom routines, and create a happy, productive learning environment. It also supports students to form new friendships, especially when they’re in a different class from friends.

A special welcome to all our new students, families, and staff. Our school is a place where everyone belongs, and we’re excited to see our newest members already thriving.

ANNUAL SCHOOL PICNIC: Thursday 19 Feb (5:30 – 7:30pm)

Our annual school picnic is one of the first opportunities for families to reconnect and meet new members of our community. Bring a picnic rug or chairs and your dinner, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.

The School Council Social and Fundraising Committee will be selling choc-top ice creams from the canteen, and Miss Nugent’s performance groups will open the evening with a song or two to set a cheerful tone.

OPEN AFTERNOON- save the date: Friday 13 February (2:45 – 3:30pm)

Students are excited to show their families their new classroom, introduce their teacher, and share what they’re looking forward to this year. It’s also a great chance to visit specialist areas and see our newly refurbished portables.

ANNUAL REMINDER OF SCHOOL’S PRIVACY POLICY

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions, or where permitted by law, as outlined in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy explains how we collect and use images and recordings of students, when parent consent is required, and how consent can be provided or withdrawn.

We also encourage families to review information about how we use Google Workspace for Education safely and what steps parents can take to further protect their child’s information. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages: Please contact the school if you would like a translated copy.

ANNUAL FORMS TO BE COMPLETED

Events requiring parent consent are already appearing on Compass. In addition, families will be asked to review information and provide acknowledgement or consent for the following:

Annual Local Excursion Consent
ICT Use Agreement
Recording and Publishing Annual Consent
Photographing, Filming and Recording Students
Class Representative Phone Contact List

Detailed information and consent requests will be posted on Compass over the next fortnight. We encourage families to download the Compass app and enable notifications to stay informed and respond promptly.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (Child Safe Standards)

We greatly value the many volunteers who support our school.

To meet our legal obligations under the Worker Screening Act and Child Safe Standards, volunteers are required to hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). If you don’t yet have one, we encourage you to apply now: it is free for volunteers and valid for five years.

All volunteers must also complete a child safety induction and review the policies and Code of Conduct included in our Child Safety Induction Pack on the website before undertaking any activities where children are present. Further information is available on our school website.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Government schools do not hold a whole-of-school accident insurance policy.

The Department of Education does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and carers are responsible for the cost of medical treatment, ambulance transport, and any related expenses if their child is injured at school. Families may wish to consider their own insurance arrangements.

The Department is unable to provide advice regarding individual insurance policies.

PERSONAL GOODS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL

Students, staff, and visitors sometimes bring personal items to school. The Department of Education does not insure personal property brought onto school grounds and is generally not responsible for loss or damage. Families are encouraged to ensure students do not bring valuable or unnecessary items to school.

I’m excited for the year ahead and all the learning, friendships and memorable moments we will share as a school community.

Chellee Plumb

Mental Health And Wellbeing