Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Planning for 2021: To help us plan our staffing needs for next year please let us know if your child will not be returning to Melton West PS in 2021. You can let us know in writing by emailing us at melton.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au 

Special Requests for 2021 Class: We have reached the time of year where we start to look at classes for 2021. We know some children work particularly well with some children and not so well with others.  If you have any concerns or requests about whom your child should or shouldn’t be with please put these in writing before Friday 20th November. Any requests received after this date WILL NOT be able to be considered, due to the flow-on effect that any changes to classes already made has across the board. I will need to stick to this timeline quite tightly to ensure the process runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Please note, requests for specific teachers will not be considered. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this process, please do not hesitate to contact the office to make an appointment to speak with me. 

Prep Enrolments for 2021: If you have a child in preschool, or is turning 5 before 30th April 2021, we are accepting enrolments for Prep 2021. Please call the office for details. If you have family or friends with children who should start school next year, please encourage them to contact the school for a Prep Enrolment Pack. Unfortunately we cannot do a School Tour, however we can involve the child and parent in our transition program ONCE they have enrolled. 

Parent Opinion Survey: Last week all families received a survey asking for their opinion about all elements of school. The survey is designed to find out what parents think of our school. The Parent Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training. This year it is open to ALL families. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour and student engagement. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies. We are asking everyone to consider participating in order to support us in this way so that we can get a true indication of our parents' perceptions. Earlier in the year, after the first remote learning experience, where all parents were able to complete the survey, we only received 49 responses. This new survey will be open until 13th November. So far we have 27 people who have completed the survey – THANK-YOU so much to those people, your input is greatly appreciated. If you did not receive an email but would like to participate, please contact me via the office 9743 5818.

School Pick-Up and Drop Off: Please be aware that the Melton City Council and the local police are patrolling ALL schools in Melton to monitor people following the parking signs, and driver behaviour that can be dangerous. Please be aware the parking along Rathdowne Circuit is a 5 min drop-off zone during before and after school times. Please do not come early and wait in that space. At the moment we have 2 different times for pick-up and drop off and it is disappointing seeing cars in this 5 minute time zone from 2.30 whose children do not leave until 3.05. Please consider parking further away and walking the short distance to meet your child at the gate, or let them know where you will be waiting for you and they can walk to the car.

Social Distancing: It is very IMPORTANT that parents follow the social distancing protocols recommended by the Chief Health Officer during drop-off and pick-up to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. By doing this we will be able to get closer to what we know as normal. Please avoid meeting with others for too long before your child is released. This includes congregating at the park or milk bar before and after school. We all know how difficult it has been not to be around family and friends for such a long time, but in order for us to be able to do this again, we need EVERYONE to do the right thing. Wouldn’t we all love to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends?

Return ICT Equipment: As the students are returning to school we would appreciate parents returning the ICT equipment lent to families during term 3 as quickly as possible, especially the iPads as they are used within our classroom programs quite frequently. Please bring them to the office at your earliest convenience once the children return to school.

No Hat No Play:  We have a Sun Smart policy which outlines when hats need to be worn outside during recess and lunch and during sport events and sessions held outside. I have attached a copy of this policy with this newsletter for your information. Please ensure your child has a school approved royal blue, broad-brimmed hat, available at Lowes at Woodgrove Shopping Centre for their protection. We would appreciate if you could have a conversation about the importance of being sun safe to support us and your child by ensuring they have an appropriate hat. Please ensure they have their name clearly marked on the hat. 

High Levels of Learning for All

Michelle Costa

Principal