Parents are reminded that the Staff Car parks at the front and rear of the school are not for parent parking. Parents with a valid disabled pass may use the designated space at the front of the school.

Monday 26th & Wednesday 28th February

‘Meet and Greet’ Interviews

Parents of students from Year 1 - 6

Monday 26th February

Foundation Information Session &

Welcome BBQ 3.30p.m.

Welcome Back

It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces back at Albany Rise to start the 2024 school Year. I can see students have settled beautifully into their new classes during the visits I have made to each class and I have enjoyed seeing well organised and engaged groups of students. Thank you to all the parents and carers who have prepared their children so well for school this year. A special welcome to the parents of Foundation students and the many students in other classes who are new to ARPS this year. We know you will quickly become part of our positive school community.

Staffing 2024

We have a very stable staffing structure in 2024, with only one ‘new’ teacher this year. We welcome Ms Penny Price, who will be teaching in 1/2N this year. Penny comes with a wealth of experience in mainstream schools and special education settings. We are still seeking a STEM teacher for 2024. Penny will be taking on this role temporarily until a permanent STEM teacher is confirmed early this term. We are very fortunate that Penny brings so many new skills to our school!

Anaphylaxis

Albany Rise Primary School has some students with severe, life threatening allergies to nuts. We ask that all families eliminate nut products from student lunchboxes to reduce the risk of these students having an allergic reaction at school.

School Council 2024

Information relating to vacancies on School Council will be distributed next week. Please look out for this if you are interested in nominating or being nominated for 2023. Information will include a timeline and summary of the role of School Council.

Our next School Council meeting is on Wednesday 21st February in the staff room at 7pm. Parents are welcome to attend to see how the School Council works and consider taking part in the election process. Information about the election process will be distributed next week.

Curriculum

Our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2024 has a significant focus on Reading Mathematics and student Wellbeing this year, with substantial professional learning, resourcing and leadership planned to ensure students’ positive progress across the curriculum.

Throughout the year, we are continuing to build our whole school practices in using School Wide positive behaviours and enhancing our communication processes with all members of the school Community.

Our 2024 AIP will be available on the school website soon. We are eager to have parent input and feedback on all aspects of our school program and encourage families to communicate regularly with teachers and school leadership regarding school programs and practices.

Transition tips

Back to school is an exciting time for students and families. It can be a big step – particularly for those starting prep or moving on to secondary school.

For advice in multiple languages on how parents can help their child have a positive start to school, refer to Tips for starting school.

Help with school costs

Families are encouraged to contact myself or the school office if you are having difficulty with school costs. Programs like Affordable School Uniforms and the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) can help with the cost of incursions and events for eligible students. You may also be eligible to organise a Centrepay payment plan.

For more information for parents, refer to Help with school costs and fees.

“Quality Beginnings Celebration Morning” Friday 9th February from 9am – 11.20am.

At ARPS we have a ‘whole school’ games morning to celebrate the start of the 2024 school year! At the start of each new year, students work with teachers to establish positive practices and protocols for working in the classroom and the yard with peers and adults. Students learn our Values, our Code of Conduct, our positive behaviours and our high expectations at Albany Rise. We celebrate all this learning through our special ‘Quality Beginnings Celebration Morning’.

This year we will be running the program with the support of our House Captains and Vice-Captains. Parents are welcome to come and join us at school on the day (and young siblings).

More information will follow next week.

Student Safety

EXCESSIVE HEAT AND LEAVING CHILDREN IN CARS – Albany Rise Primary School ensure students are kept safe on very hot days, by operating a ‘Hot Timetable’. We remind our parent community about the dangers of leaving children in cars on very hot days.

Child Safe Standards Code of conduct & WWCC

Albany Rise Primary School is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making.

Albany Rise Primary School has zero tolerance for child abuse.

Our school is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention is paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in Albany Rise Primary School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

To create and maintain a child safe organisation, Albany Rise Primary School ensures ongoing compliance with the 11 Child Safe Standards.

Access to our school ‘Child Safe Standards’, ‘Mandatory Reporting’ and ‘Engagement, Inclusion and Wellbeing’ policies is via the school website under Policies.

The ARPS Engagement, Inclusion and Wellbeing policy clearly outlines school values and expectations of conduct for parents, students and staff.

Parents are reminded that a current Working With Children Check is required to volunteer in any school based activity.

DET does not hold insurance for students personal items

A reminder to all community members that the Department of Education does not hold insurance for the loss or damage of personal items bought into the school. Students are encouraged to avoid bringing any items of value into the school. Parents are also strongly encouraged to clearly name all items, especially hats and jackets, as this can lead to a prompt return if lost.

Dogs on School Grounds

ARPS has a policy regarding dogs (and any other animals) being bought onto the school grounds, available on the school website. Please refer to this before entering the grounds with a dog (with or without a lead) whilst other students are present.

Hats

A reminder that hats must be worn in terms one and four and anytime the UV is 3 or higher. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also highly recommended.

Attendance

Research has proven that regular attendance at school ensures students have far more positive social and academic learning experiences and outcomes. Information to support parents/carers with attendance can be found here:

https://www.vic.gov.au/attending-school

Great teachers, changing children’s lives – Teaching Awards nominations open between 4 March to 8 April 2024.

National education non-profit Schools Plus is opening nominations for the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards soon. 12 outstanding teachers will be chosen for a prestigious Teaching Fellowship valued at $40,000, including funds for their school. 10 exceptional early career teachers will be recognised with a $10,000 award supported by Salesforce.

Nominate an outstanding teacher or apply yourself between 4 March to 8 April May 2024. Visit schoolsplus.org.au/awards.

Acceptable Use Agreement

At Albany Rise Primary School we support the right of all members of the school community to access safe and inclusive learning environments, including digital and online spaces. During our 'Quality Beginnings' program, studnets and parents will receive notification relating to our school’s Acceptable Use Agreement for digital technologies. Parents are asked to review and discuss the Acceptable Use Agreement which outlines the School’s roles and responsibilities in supporting safe digital learning, as well as the expected behaviours we have of our students when using digital or online spaces. Please look out for the Acceptable Use Agreement over the next 2 weeks.

Foundation Enrolment 2025- ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY

A new ONLINE process for enrolling students into Foundation commences this year for 2025 Foundation students. The process ensures equitable access to all government primary schools, and directs families to access their local government school as a first priority. More details about this process will be shared in upcoming Newsletters.

I look forward to enjoying a wonderful year with all members of our ARPS community in 2024!

Judy Drew

Principal

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES