Principal Report

It was wonderful to see everyone back for the beginning of Term 2, ready to learn and well rested after the holidays. I hope our entire school community enjoyed a wonderful break together, whether there was time for day trips, travel – locally or abroad or time at home, I hope the break provided you with an opportunity to recharge and refresh. I hope families and our community that celebrate Easter and Eid were able to enjoy time with family to mark this occasion. I also wish to welcome several new families who commenced at our school this term, and know they will be embraced by our positive school community.

We have a very exciting term ahead and we were busy over the school holiday break preparing for Term 2. This term our Year 3-6 students will take part in the annual House Athletics Carnival, and many students will be involved in the District Cross Country event.

Education Week occurs in the middle of the term, including our biggest Morning Tea, BBQ and bookfair. There is plenty to look forward to in learning and community activities throughout Term 2.

In the news

Community members may be understandably curious and distressed about the recent news cycle, particularly following the incident at Bondi Junction. Understanding events may affect staff and families in different ways, please note there are a range of resources to support you and to support navigating conversations with young people about distressing news items.

Speaking to teens about tragic news events

Young people become more attuned to the events of the world, as they connect with the news and social media. Common advice throughout the articles include:

Prepare for the conversation beforehand.
Make the time to hold discussions with your child.
Use curiosity to begin the conversation 'how do you feel about...', 'do you have any questions about...'
Listen actively and without judgement.
Answer honestly and reassure them they are safe.
Have dedicated for 'no news' and 'no social media' time to switch off from the events. Engage in other activities together.
Help seek for external services if needed:
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Parent Line Victoria: 13 22 89
- Engage with the school by contacting the SLWMs or Wellbeing Team

Resources for parents/carers:

Kids Health: How to talk to your child about the news
Raising Children: Supporting Teens with Distressing News Events
Embark Behavioural Health: How to discuss difficult news

ANZAC presentation in Hall led by school captains 3pm Wednesday 24th April

LEST WE FORGET

The school will be closed next Thursday (25th April) in recognition of ANZAC Day. A short ANZAC assembly service will be held on Wednesday afternoon (24th April) at 3pm for students in recognition of this important day. Students in all year levels are encouraged to bring flowers, foliage and resources to create a whole class wreath, which will be presented by each class during the Assembly. Our School Captains and Vice-Captains will be leading the Assembly. We welcome parents attending on the day.

Our School Captains and Vice-Captains are also attending the School ANZAC service at the Shrine this Friday (tomorrow). The students will be laying a wreath and representing our school at the event. We are sure they will learn much from the expreience and represent our school with pride.

BADGES, KEY RINGS & BAG TAGS ARE AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK FOR PURCHASING

PRICES RANGE FROM $2 to $20

Dogs in School Grounds – Policy

We have a policy at ARPS regarding any animals or pets coming onto the school grounds, to ensure the sense of safety and comfort of all our students. Many students, particularly some students with special needs, are scared of even the smallest and most friendly dogs. Parents/Carers are asked to ensure they have requested permission from myself BEFORE entering the school grounds with a dog or other pet. The policy in full is available on the school website: https://albanyrise-ps.vic.edu.au/about-us/policies/

Facilities upgrades

Over the holiday break, significant building and repair works were undertaken and completed across the school. Pleasingly for all, we now have access to the boys and girls toilets which have been beautifully completed, and include new drinking taps and a huge new storeroom for resources from across the school. Students were thrilled with the new upgrades and have shown great care in their upkeep thus far.

Additionally, roofing works were commenced over the break, including a new roof for the covered walkway from the administration building to the classrooms (near the Year 6 and STEM room entry). There are also several areas being repaired and carpet being replaced in areas affected by the storm in Term 1. We have been fortunate in receiving grants for the completion of all these works, ensuring there is no cost to the school.

Term 2 message from The Hon. Ben Carroll MP -Minister for Education

Link: https://vimeo.com/933088690/2bf575e8ee?share=copy

This message includes a reminder about the policy regarding mobile phones at school, and the importance of all community members demonstrating kindness and respect at all times.

PUPIL FREE DAY - FRIDAY APRIL 26:

As advertised at the beginning of the year, we have a pupil free day on Friday April 26, which gives the community a long weekend as it is the Friday between Anzac Day Thursday and the weekend.

We have mathematics Education Improvement Leaders facilitating learning, including Gaye Wilde coming to work with staff from our school on the day. Staff will be focussing on ‘The Big Ideas’ in Mathematics, as well as planning learning and assessment based on the new Mathematics Curriculum, which will be implemented at ARPS in 2025.

Additionally, staff will be working on our approaches to support student engagement and wellbeing. It promises to be a very productive day.

Year 6 important information for Year 7 2025- out this week!

This week (Friday) our Year 6 students will receive their 2025 Year 7 enrolment information for secondary school. The packs are individualised based on the information currently stored at school, including their local government secondary school placement.

Parents are reminded to read the information in the pack and refer the timeline in the newsletter to ensure all actions are completed.

Parents/carers submit Application for Year 7 Placement 2025 to primary schools by Friday 10 May 2024.

Foundation Enrolments for 2025 are now being taken online

We have been pleased to see the number of families who have already been online and indicated their intention to enrol their child at ARPS in 2025. Enrolments can now be entered on the VicStudents portal: https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/s/

The timeline for Foundation enrolments is listed below and available on our school website.

HATS:

Please be advised that as per our SunSmart Policy, students are not required to wear Hats from May to August. We still encourage students to wear hats during times when the Bureau of Meteorology forecast UV levels to reach 3 or higher. At these levels, sun protection (sunscreen, long sleeve clothing, shade, hats and sunglasses) is recommended for all skin types.

Mrs Judith DREW

PRINCIPAL

Wellbeing Wonderings