Principals Report

SAC news

Over the last two weeks, members of the school council have been meeting to conduct the Expression of Interest and selection process for a new external provider for our School Aged Care program. After a rigorous process, the subcommittee submitted their evaluation and recommendation for school council approval. I would like to thank the members of the SAC subcommittee for the extra hours and effort working through this process so thoroughly to achieve the best outcome for our school community. 

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with an independent Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) provider called TheirCare. 

TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity through play-based programs.

We look forward to welcoming TheirCare to the Wales Street Primary School community in 2024. 

For further information, visit: www.theircare.com.au or call their support office on 1300 072 410

Division Swimming

We sent 25 students to the Division championships last Wednesday at Northcote Pool, to compete against schools from the Banyule, Darebin and Nillumbik area. The students chosen had qualified from the District swimming sports earlier this year. All the students swam their very best and we now have 6 students who have advanced to the next round. Congratulations to our  representatives:  Will Rutherford-50m Butterfly and Jack Boyd- 50m Freestyle, Albert Beer 50m Breastroke and grade 5 Freestyle 50m relay team, Sion Sapountzis, Jack Boyd, Liam Taylor and Teddy Bissland who will compete at the Regional Championship. 

Grade 6 camp 

The grade 6 students are off to Portsea on Monday for their annual camp and the weather is looking great for a seaside stay. Stathis, Michelle, Michael (grade 6) and Anna, Samantha, Samim, Skye and Donna will be the staff who are attending the three day camp and we know they will have a wonderful time. 

WORKING BEE reminder 

Working Bee Sunday - Calling for wheelbarrows and trimmers

Just a reminder that the working bee is on this Sunday from 10-1pm. We have 8 cubic metres of sand and mulch being delivered to refresh our small sand pit, garden beds and soft fall for our play areas. If any family has a wheelbarrow they can bring along that would make the process much quicker for all. School has a couple of wheelbarrows too. 

We will also need to do a little trimming and weeding of some garden areas before the mulch is applied. If anyone has a hedge trimmer or blower, secateurs etc that would be most helpful. 

Please come for a few barrel loads or a few hours. All help much appreciated. Great opportunity to meet some new families and we will provide refreshments. 

See you Sunday. 

Curriculum day- Tuesday 12 March reminder

A reminder that our second curriculum day is planned for Tuesday March 12 ( after the long weekend) and the focus for the day will be on a new social/emotional/wellbeing program- UR Strong. On this day, all staff will be trained to deliver the intensive program ready for term 2. A key component of the UR Strong program is parent participation so an information session will be delivered in term 2 to support school wide adoption of this program that will help build resilience and support your child's mental health. 

Respectful behaviour in our school community

Our school community has demonstrated incredible solidarity and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Being back in our classrooms with extra health and safety measures is another big transition, but it’s the very best one for our children's education. As we navigate these changes to onsite learning, including required mask wearing for some students, it’s more important than ever that adults in our school community treat each other with respect and kindness.

The Department of Education and Training has released a new policy that describes the positive behaviour expected from parents, carers, and other adults in Victorian school communities. The policy sets clear standards of behaviour to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students, staff, and adults. 

There are also other resources to support safe and respectful relationships in our school community, including information about getting involved in the school, advice on how to raise a concern or complaint, and parenting support resources. 

Lost property

The pile of lost property is growing again, and we are finding many items are not named. Those that do have names on them, are sorted and returned to students. Please check your child’s name is on all items of school uniform clothing. Lost property is stored in the Hall.