Welcome

A very warm welcome to all members of the Old Orchard community as we step into Term 4. I trust that you had a relaxing break with your families and managed to enjoy the lovely weather that we experienced.

Term 4 is always a very busy and exciting one, with a multitude of events and activities sitting alongside the teaching and learning programs in our classrooms. October sees events including:

a range of sporting events
incursions and excursions across the school
the commencement of our 2024 Prep Transition program
the initial stages of our 2024 Student Leader election process
the Spring Soiree
the Spring Carnival Ladies Day
a whole school ‘colour run’

Please check your emails and Sentral Portal for more information about these events.

Traffic safety

Late in Term 3, I wrote in some detail about the importance of traffic safety around our school and beyond. The City of Whitehorse have made some changes to the parking restrictions at the Adina St entrance to the school and we will continue to explore further options. Please take the utmost care when dropping off or picking up your children from school; the couple of minutes you might save by parking illegally will never be worth it should traffic congestion result in an injury or worse to one of our students or another member of our school community.

SunSmart

Our SunSmart policy continues throughout Term 4 and requires that students wear a sunsmart hat (caps do not meet this requirement) when outside at recess, lunch or for other activities. Students are also encouraged to apply sunscreen as appropriate. Students without suitable hats may be directed to a shaded or covered area to play.

Class list requests for 2024

Following a couple of failed attempts, information about the process was distributed earlier this week. Submissions must be received by Monday October 16th.

Punctuality (163 late arrivals this week!)

We have seen a significant improvement in students being in class ready to commence learning at 9.00am. The 8.50 reminder bell has been well received and made a significant difference and we are appreciative of the majority of parents/carers who support our staff by ensuring that students arrive at school and enter class in an organised manner and ready to learn.

Of ongoing concern is the number of students arriving at school after 9.00am. In the five days so far in Term Four, there have been 163 instances of students arriving late at school. We understand that there will always be some late arrivals or early departures due to appointments, etc. However, the vast majority of late arrivals are avoidable. I urge all parents / carers to make adjustments as required to support your child(ren) in their learning. It really makes a difference.

Asbestos removal

As advised this week, contractors will be on the school site to remove a small section of asbestos tomorrow, Saturday October 7th (9.00am - 2.00pm). School community members are advised to avoid the area in and around the Gymnasium.

Kind regards

Duncan

Canteen