Mr. Carlyle's Message
Hello families and welcome to this week’s newsletter.
Curriculum Day/Public Holiday Reminder
Next Friday, the 7th of June is a whole school pupil-free curriculum day. This is followed by the Kings Birthday long weekend with a public holiday on Monday the 10th of June.
School Saving Bonus
You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.
This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025.
It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025.
Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms.
Existing supports
The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested support for camps, sports, excursions and uniforms.
The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.
There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.
Parents!!
Parents this one is for you, and if you think this message is not for you or doesn't concern you yet.... Then it is for you!
One of the single greatest social shifts between our generation and our children's generation, is the rapid rise of online social interactions and intuitive social technologies.
As a parent of two children (5&8) I am keenly aware of my place in this narrative, and my role in supporting, protecting and educating my children in this ever-evolving landscape. As a Principal, I am continuing to commit to these opportunities for parents to be informed, ask questions, and come together as a community in supporting our current and future generations in navigating an often problematic landscape. Whether your child is in Prep or Grade 6, strategies, conversations, and knowledge around digital safety will be an integral part of the fabric of your future parenting conversations.
So come and join us, it is FREE! Click the link to register bit.ly/ballanps
Celebrating 150 years
This year Ballan Primary School will be celebrating its 150th year. In November this will see us hosting a community event that will merge with our Fete. The Parents and Friends Group is seeking anyone who would be interested in being a part of the organisation of this event. Or to help out or volunteer their time in any way, as Teamwork makes the Dream Work! You can reach out to me or the school, if you feel like you could contribute, or if you have a fantastic idea for something we could add to the celebrations.
