The Bolinda Bulletin

Principal's Message

Light Up the Night Bonfire

 

The Bolinda-Monegeetta CFA's 'Light Up the Night' Bonfire event is making an exciting return on Saturday, 19th October, and our school families are eager to get involved in this fantastic community celebration. This event was once a popular tradition in the area, but it hasn’t been run for the past few years, so it’s wonderful to see it revived. In addition to the bonfire, there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained, with food stalls, a live band, and other activities throughout the evening as they await the lighting of the fire. It promises to be a fantastic night for the whole community and is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the spirit of Bolinda. 

Developmental Play Resources

 

I wanted to share some fantastic developmental play items we’ve purchased thanks to the fundraising efforts earlier this year! These items are designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and positive social interactions among our students, helping them learn to work together while having fun. Our ever-popular dress-up box has also received a few new additions, which ALL of the children are absolutely loving.

 

Developmental play is more than just fun – research shows that it plays a crucial role in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Through activities like dress-up and collaborative play, children develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy. They learn to express themselves, navigate social situations, and build strong friendships, all of which are key components of their overall development. We’re confident these new additions will be a huge hit and make a positive impact on their learning and social skills!

 

Recent Weather 

This week’s weather has certainly made its presence known, bringing down a large branch from the tree in the car park. There was no other damage or fallen branches throughout the school grounds. Earlier this term, I had successfully applied for a grant to have arborists come and inspect and prune our trees. Their visit is scheduled for the last three days of Term 3, ensuring that our trees will be cared for and any potential hazards addressed. A tree in the front car park will have to be removed. 

 

Pencil Values

Our Pencil Values project has been completed! This project, which has been in the works since the pencils were first installed back in 2018, was made possible thanks to the work of Nicole and her dad, Ian. 

 

Community Events

 

Be sure to check out the Community page, as there are plenty of activities and events coming up.

 

School Saving Bonus

In Term 4, 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus. The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks. The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home-schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.    

 

Actions for parents and carers

Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:

  • Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School. 
  • Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us. You can check this information by contacting us directly either by phone or by email: bolinda.ps@education.vic.gov.au 

We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:

  • in October, to verify your email address
  • in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus.

Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.

 

New Toilet Build Update

 

A quick update: the construction of the new toilets is scheduled to begin over the September holidays. I have a kick-off meeting with the builders next week, and I’m hoping to share the final designs with you once they are confirmed.

 

Emergency Management Plan

 

We want to inform you about our school’s Emergency Management Plan. Our school plans for a range of hazards such as bushfire, severe weather, medical emergencies, building fires, intruders, and more. We develop specific response procedures to address these risks.

 

We also conduct drills regularly, ensuring that our core procedures of on-site and off-site evacuation, sheltering-in-place, and lockdown/lockouts are well-rehearsed and understood by staff and students.

 

Our school is considered at risk of grassfire. We are Category 4 on the Bushfire At-Risk Register/Category 4 List. Our school will close on days of Catastrophic fire danger in the Central weather district. The Country Fire Authority has more information for schools at risk of fire: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/schools.

 

If we enact our emergency management plan, we will notify you via Compass with updates on our actions. Please do not come to the school unless directed, as you may put yourself and others in danger. If there is anything we need you to do, we will let you know.

In the event of an emergency that impacts telecommunications, we will endeavour to update you by email or Compass.

 

During an emergency, the school will work closely with emergency services to ensure the safety of our community. Additionally, the Department of Education has dedicated emergency management staff to provide additional support during emergencies.

If you have any questions about our school’s emergency management plan, please contact us. Rest assured, our top priority is the safety of our students and school community.