Inclusion & Engagement 

Here at Miners Rest Primary School our school values are Courage, Kindness, and Respect. As a school we highlight the importance of these values in promoting a positive learning environment. 

• Courage: Encouraging students to be brave and take risks, both academically and socially. 

   

• Kindness: Emphasising compassion, empathy, and caring for others. 

   

• Respect: Promoting respectful interactions, considering different perspectives, and valuing diversity. 

Fruit Snack Time – What Families Need to Know

Fruit snack takes place during our first learning block (8:55am–10:55am) and is a quick, healthy refuel to support student focus and learning. Please keep the following in mind:

• Fruit snack is part of learning time, not a break – students continue working while eating.
• Keep it simple and quick – it’s a snack, not exceeding more than 5 minutes.
• Fruit only, please! Whole fruit or fruit prepared in a small container is perfect. No packaged snacks.
• Children can opt out if they prefer.
• As part of readiness for learning, fruit should be placed on tables at the start of the day.

Forgotten fruit? No worries – students without fruit can access our PLC fruit tubs. This fruit is kindly donated to us by Lucas Woolworths.

Supporting Student Wellbeing Through Inclusive Practices

One of our annual implementation goals this year is to maximise student wellbeing outcomes. To support this, one of our key improvement strategies is to build staff knowledge, confidence and capability in implementing inclusive practices for all students.

This year, we have continued to deepen our professional understanding of neurodiversity. A highlight has been a whole-school curriculum day where staff worked with a developmental psychologist to build our knowledge in this area.

In Week 5 of this term, staff are looking forward to further developing their understanding of sensory processing through a session with an Occupational Therapist from a local allied health service. This allied health service works closely with many of our students both onsite at school and in the clinic.

As a school community, we are committed to supporting children, families and staff to better understand and respect how the neurodivergent brain works. We believe that by working together, we can enhance our learning environment where every student feels safe, supported and included.

Free screening of "SEEN"

Relationships Australia Victoria, in partnership with the City of Ballarat, is pleased to invite you to a free screening of the inspiring and thought-provoking documentary, SEEN: The Film. Created in collaboration with parenting and child development experts, it paves the way for parents and carers to build healthier connections to positively impact child brain development to create stronger, healthier families. The Australian documentary features Maggie Dent, Lael Stone, Dr Vanessa Lapointe and Dr Billy Garvey, and is the brainchild of Sam Jockel from ParentTV, and film director Hailey Bartholomew.