General

News

Road Safety

If your child is riding their bike or scooter to school could you please make sure that they are wearing a helmet.  There are way too many students not wearing helmets.

School Uniforms

The Purpose of the College Uniform is:

1. To foster collective and individual pride in the College
2. To create a sense of identification with the College
3. To enhance individual student safety and  group security
4. To engender self-discipline
5. To create a sense of equality amongst the students
6. To promote a positive image of our school in the community.

It has been great that most of our students come to school wearing the correct uniform every day with pride. It is an expectation that students are in full uniform and when this is not possible, a parent needs to provide a letter/message with an explanation of why, and when their child will be back in full uniform.

A reminder that only plain white or  plain black shirts/jumpers  are able to be worn under the school polo top or shirt, NOT HOODIES. Parents may be contacted by the school when there is an ongoing issue to try to rectify the concern.  It would be great if families could ensure students are able to come to school in the correct uniform. Your support with this is much appreciated.

The official school uniform includes:

• Wearing plain black bottoms with:
  • No meshing or transparent parts
  • Minimal branding (eg. a small, discreet logo)
• Wearing official College upper-wear including:
  • Official Primary or Secondary jackets
  • Polar fleece jumpers
  • Knit jumpers (secondary)
  • Year 10 Rugby Tops

Parent Payment Schedule

Attached is a copy of the Parent Payment Schedule and requisites for 2024 

Supervision of Students in the Yard

Yard duty teachers from the Secondary area are on yard duty from 8.20 am, and the Primary area from 8.40am before school and until the final bus departs in the bus area at 4 pm after school.  During recess and lunch, teachers from both Primary and Secondary sections are on duty to ensure students are in the appropriate areas and are participating safely in activities. Please ensure students do not arrive at school before 8:15am unless they are travelling on one of the early school buses, as they are not supervised in the yard. Any students who arrive prior to supervision starting will be directed to sit in the cafeteria.

Photographing, Filming and Recording Students - Annual Consent Form and Collection Notice

During the school year there are many occasions and events where staff may photograph, film or record students participating in school activities and events. We do this for many reasons including to celebrate student participation and achievement, showcase particular learning programs, document a student’s learning journey/camps/excursions/sports events etc, communicate with our parents and school community in newsletters and on classroom blogs.

Merbein P-10 College understands that parents and carers have the right to withhold permission for our school to use photographs, video or recordings of your child (apart from circumstances where the school is not required to seek consent – see our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy available on the school website - http://www.merbeinp10.vic.edu.au/index.php).

Please read the attached Annual Consent Form and Collection Notice for further information.  It is an Opt-Out form so if you have read this notice and are comfortable with the school using photos, video or recordings of your child as described above, you do not need to take any further action. 

Every Day Counts

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind. 

Why it’s important?

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.

If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school.

There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.

Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in academic and social development.

What we can do?

The main reasons for absence are:

Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference.

It's encouraged that family holidays are planned during school breaks where possible, and not during the term if it can be avoided. 

Day off” – Think twice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts. “

Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school, speak with your classroom teacher and let the school know as early as possible. 

Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 years over 13 years of school

Top attendance tips for parents

• The school want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting the school and asking for advice and support
• Remember that every day counts
• There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
• Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
• Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea 
• Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term

If your child is going to be absent, it is important this is communicated to the school via Compass or calling on 50252501

Updating Details

Have you changed your address or phone number in the past three months or has your family situation changed?  If so it is important that you pass on your new details to the school. Please contact the school office between 8am and 4.30pm school days or email merbein.p10@education.vic.gov.au 

Canteen Prices

Secondary

Primary

Uniform Shop

School uniforms can be purchased from the school’s main office between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm during the school week.  If these hours are inconvenient for you, please ring the school to make an alternate arrangement.

School Bank Account

BSB - 633 000

Bank Acc Number – 176208320

Account Name - Merbein P-10 College Official Account

Breakfast Club

The Merbein & District Community Bank is financially supporting the Breakfast Program.  Foodbank Victoria also supports the breakfast program with donations of food.  The following organisations provide volunteers to assist with the program when COVID-19 restrictions allow;  the Board & Staff of the Merbein & District Community Bank, Merbein Development Association, Merbein Lions Club, and Merbein Uniting Church.  Merbein P-10 College parents are also welcome and encouraged to volunteer.  The Breakfast Program is held in the school cafeteria.  All students are welcome to come along between 8.15am and 8.45am each morning if they would like a FREE tasty breakfast to kick-start their day's learning.

Student Absences

If your child is away from school, please notify the school before 9.30am. The preferred method to notify of absences is via the compass portal or by phone or sending an email to the following email address:  heather.collihole@education.vic.gov.au

An automated text message will be sent to your phone if your child is not at school and the school has not been notified.