Whole School News

Whole School Photo Day

Our 2026 Whole School Photo Day will be held on Wednesday 25th February. 

We are excited to announce that we will be using School Pix as our new provider in 2026.

You can view their website here  - https://schoolpix.com.au/ 

Ordering

Families will receive an email over the coming days with 'Unique ID' codes for each of their children at the school. You will need these to order your photos. Please keep an eye out in your email inbox and junk folders. 

Sibling Photos - orders by 8am on photo day (Wednesday 25th February).

Please see the attached flyers for further information

Student Charges, Building, Library & First Aid Funds

Thank you to everyone who has already paid their student charges for 2026. For those families who have elected to pay in two instalments, please be aware that the 2nd instalment is scheduled to come out on the 30th April 2026.  

NLPS thanks our families for their ongoing support through curriculum contributions and other important contributions, including the Building and Library Fund (which are both tax deductable) and the First Aid officer, which is not a funded position from the Department of Education. Without the support of our families, we would not be able to have a dedicated person such as Hoang as our First Aid Officer. I am sure your child/ren have had the opportunity to meet Hoang over the first few weeks and if they haven’t, please take the time to read below so you are familiar with her and her role.

Introducing Hoang our First Aid Officer

Hopefully,  you and your children have had a great start to the new school year. For those families who are new to Newport Lakes Primary School, my name is Hoang and I am the First Aid Officer. 

My role is to look after the students if they are feeling unwell, have an accident in the yard, need medication, and everything else in-between. Any visit to first aid requiring that ‘little bit extra’ will get a compass note recording their visit and any treatment given. Sick Bay is located in the main office, so, if you are needing to collect your child if they are unwell, this is where you will find us. 

If students are needing medication to be administered during school hours, there is a Medication Authority Form that needs to be completed. This is attached below and on the Parent Info page in this newsletter, on the website, and available in person from the office.  

Please note that all medication is to be kept in the sick bay and not in the student’s bag. 

Students can pop into sick bay for all sorts of things; for example they might come in with a ‘sore tummy’ as they are feeling anxious, they might be getting over a virus, they may be having a flare up with their asthma, or they just need a band-aid for a grazed knee or elbow. I also liaise with class teachers, leadership, and our mental health and wellbeing leader, should a situation require it. Life and needs change from time to time, so please let me know if there is anything I can do to help support your child/ren with their health care needs.

Medications at School

A reminder to families who have children who require medication to be administered at school, or to have stored in emergencies, to please return all medication to the front office ASAP. This includes Ventolin and spacers, antihistamine and other daily medications that may be required. Please ensure you also complete an updated Medication authority form for the new year. This is attached below for your convenience. 

Notification of infection (measles and chickenpox)

As we begin the new school year, we would like to ask for your co-operation in an important matter.

One of our students at Newport Lakes PS is currently undergoing serious medical treatment and is at increased risk if exposed to chickenpox or measles. This risk can be reduced if the student receives a special injection as soon as possible after any potential exposure.

It is therefore very important that you let us know immediately if your child develops chickenpox or measles, so that the child at risk receives the protective injection at the earliest opportunity. This protection lasts for a few weeks only, and must be repeated every time they come into contact with these illnesses.

Your child is at no risk whatsoever from this situation. However, the health and wellbeing of one of their class/schoolmates does depend on your cooperation. Newport Lakes PS and the student's family very much appreciate your understanding and support with this important matter.

Student Charges and Contributions for 2026

2026 student charges and contributions can now be processed via the Payment section in Events and Contribution sections on your Compass app/portal.

Your ongoing support ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for our students. Our school only invests in items that we believe add value to the school experience for students. All contributions go specifically towards items and activities that help improve your child/ren’s educational experience.

There is an array of payment methods. Please take note that payments can be made via Compass or by other means as arranged with the school. 2026 Extra-curricular Contributions and Activities can be paid in full or by two instalments. Payment in full or first instalment (50%) is due by Friday, 30th January 2026 and the second instalment (50%) is due on Thursday, 30th April 2026.

Please refer to the Parent Payment Policy available on our website (newportlakesps.vic.edu.au) for a full breakdown of all costs; they are outlined clearly under the 2026 Contribution Schedule.

If you have any questions about how to pay these charges via the course payment and confirmation section on Compass or if you would like to discuss alternative payment arrangements, please contact Kellie Holdich – Business Manager via Ph: 03 9391 8942 (during school hours) or email: kellie.holdich@education.vic.gov.au

Financial Assistance for families - (CSEF) Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

The annual CSEF amount per student in 2026 is:

•    $400 for primary school students

HOW TO APPLY

New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download and fill in the attached form below, and return to the office with a copy of your Healthcare card.

You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:

• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.

Permissions and Agreements 2026 - Compass Portal

All families are asked to please complete the 2026 Permissions & Agreements in 'Compass Course Confirmation' by Friday 6th February.

This includes the ICT Code of Conduct, Photography and Recording of students, and Local Excursions permission. This is so your child can attend local excursions (such as to the park for special activities/lunchtime play, etc.).

There are several activities currently being planned to take place in the next week or two. To ensure your child is able to participate in these, we do require the permissions to be completed.