Principal Team Report
Upcoming Important Dates
Term 2 2024
25 April: ANZAC Day (public holiday)
26 April: Curriculum Day (student free)
1-3 May: Year 5 Camp
6 May: Sibling and Whole School Photo Day
9 May: School Photo Day (individual and classes)
17 May: Curriculum Day (student free)
23 May: School Fun Run
6 June: Dad's Night @ the Kitchen Garden
24 June: Grandparents and Special Friends Day
26 June: Celebration of Learning Event
28 June: Last Day Term 2 (2:00pm dismissal)
** Please note that additional events can be accessed via the Whole School XUNO calendar.
2024 Curriculum and Student Free Days
Curriculum Days
Friday 26 April
Friday 17 May
Monday 5 August
Professional Practice Day
Professional Practice Day (student free day) is confirmed for the day before Melbourne Cup Day – Monday 4 November.
Talking to Children and Teens About the News
Community members and our students may be understandably curious and distressed about the recent news cycle. It was particularly sad to hear of the tragic events which unfolded on a normal Saturday shopping morning in Bondi Junction, along with the war in Ukraine and escalating Middle East crisis.
Mobile phone use and access compounds this as it becomes very difficult to filter the ways in which these news events reach your child (i.e. news feeds, social media etc).
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
New Website Launch
The new ASPS website has launched! Big thanks to all involved in bringing this to life: Millie Angliss, Rhian ap Rees and resident photographer, Alicia Smith.
Mobile Phone Use and Policy
Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours. Students must not use mobile devices (including Smart Watches) to communicate with family members during school hours (refer to policy for exceptions). If families have concerns during the school day then they should contact their child's teacher via the school office.
If students are caught using phones or smart watches during school hours, they will be taken by teachers and stored in a locked draw until the end of the day.
Parents are encouraged to read our school's Mobile Phone Policy which is aligned to the Statewide directives from the Department of Education.
Do Primary School Aged Students Need a Mobile Phone?
There's not many weeks that go by when I'm not asked about mobile phone use for primary school-aged students. As both the principal and as a dad of 3 children, I adopt a strong stance on this issue and hold a belief that we should delay giving our children mobile phones for as long as possible. In my family, we made it clear to our children that they will not get phones before they are in Year 7. In my conversations with other parents, I urge them to do the same - particularly if there are concerns around social maturity. If your child struggles with 'in-person' relationships and conflict, putting a mobile phone in their hands is likely to exacerbate these challenges even further.
While I understand the argument that having a phone allows children to be able to communicate with parents between after-school activities (etc), there is no need for these phones (mostly smart phones), to allow access to Apps such as Snap Chat, TikTok, Instagram and Safari (unmonitored web searches can present the most risk). If your child has a phone I encourage you familiarise yourself with the 'Screen Time' function (on iPhones) and the associated Content and Privacy Restrictions function.
Giving your child their first mobile phone is a big decision. The following websites and resources might help to ensure that when the time is right, having a mobile device is a positive experience for your child and family.
ASPS Mother's Lunch at Panama Dining in Fitzroy!
See Parents Association Page for details.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION WORKS HAVE COMMENCED
The school has been working closely with the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) in identifying all of our non-compliant accessible ramps and access points across our campus and campaigning for their removal and reconstruction.
We're excited to announce that we have secured just under ½ million dollars of government funding for the works which are scheduled to begin in March.
At Auburn South we are very passionate in creating accessible & inclusive places, programs and infrastructure for our all of our students, staff and community members. This is very exciting news!
Hawthorn Magic now at Auburn South!
