Principal's Report

A great way to end Term 2

Pyjama day (positive behaviour reward) made for a very enjoyable and fun Thursday, today. This was a great opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful work of teachers, ES and students from Term 2. Of course all of this is possible because of the amazing support from our parents and carers at ARPS. Thanks to Dana Kroenert and our JSC (supported by Michael Mottershead) for ensuring student voice was a big part of this SWPB activity. And for all the parents who ensured students had just the right warm and snuggly clothing to wear today! It was clearly the most popular choice for students (and perhaps some teachers also…)

Stay well this winter

This winter season, more people are getting and being hospitalised with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others – it is never too late to vaccinate.

Keeping our school community well

We encourage parents, carers and students to:

· wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face

· cough or sneeze into your elbow 

· stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed

· stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies. Many can give a COVID-19 booster at the same time.

COVID-19 booster

The COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and over. Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a booster dose. 

You can get your booster at your local pharmacy or GP. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder can tell you if you need a booster, and where to get one.

RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies

RSV is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illnesses like bronchiolitis.

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Tuesday 30 September 2025. For more information, refer to Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation.

You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine.

Find out more

For more information about staying well this winter, refer to:

· your GP or pharmacist 

· Better Health Channel – Don’t Risk the Flu campaign with translated resources, influenza and other vaccine information. ·

 Better Health Channel – RSV vaccine for mothers and infants ·

 Raising Children Network – influenza, COVID-19, bronchiolitis and helping your child prepare for vaccination.

Musical Tickets

Tickets for our Whole school (F-6) Musical production ‘The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland’ are now on sale via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/DDHII

About the show:

Albany Rise Primary School students and staff are proud to present our 2025 production of ‘The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland’.Loosely based on the original classic novel by Lewis Caroll, our story follows the adventures of ‘Nice Alice’ and ‘Mean Alice’ as told through the recollections of our narrators, Pip and Squeak.This fabulous musical production includes new and classic songs and dances, involving all the students in the school from Foundation to Year 6. We encourage everyone to come along, join in and decide who is telling the REAL story of Alice in Wonderland.

TICKETS INCLUDE THE COST ACCESS TO THE VIDEO- NO NEED TO PURCHASE LATER!

Dates

Wednesday 6 August 2025 - Thursday 7 August 2025 from 6.30pm

Location

WELLINGTON SECONDARY COLLEGE91 Police Road, MULGRAVE VICTORIA 3170

Ticket purchase revenue helps to cover the cost of creating and purchasing costumes, art consumables for creating props, the commission for the rights to the purchased script, lighting and sound technician costs, video recording and more.

Dance rehearsals have been engaging for students across the school in the past week. I loved seeing many students at the Disco enjoying displaying their dance ‘moves’ to their Musical dances- great fun! I am sure classroom dance breaks will be a big part of our first few weeks back next term.

Musical Promotion Badges went on sale recently and already over 100 have sold!, These will be on sale again next term. There are 8 wonderful designs for students to choose from. Badge prices are:

1 badge = $2

3 badges = $5

8 badges = $10 (this is a full set)

Main Cast performers have had several opportunities to work with Mr Redfearn on their lines and performances over the past week. Holiday homework will definitely include rehearsing with support from families over the break.

Costume notices were sent out to families this week. We hope to have all the costumes ready for rehearsals by the end of the first week back next term Ann Dunford (Grandparent and costume coordinator) has been working around the clock at home and school to create some lovely outfits for all our students. Thanks Ann!

Props and Stage sets are being created by students during their art classes. There are some absolutely beautiful pieces of work for the sets being created by the students- I am sure parents will be able to admire the detail in these pieces during the performances.

DISCO

What a fabulous event our DISCO was last Friday. A huge thanks to our Parents Association team who organised the music, sold the food and arranged the sale of glow sticks. The PA team also set up the hall with lights and disco balls!

It was so lovely to see all the children dressed up and having loads of fun, and teachers joining in with the dancing. I am sure the students will have fond memories from this wonderful community event.

Important Information about our Uniform Supplier and Shop – Reminder

Our new Uniform supplier is Spartan School World, Noble Park. 

Instore trading at Noble Park and online trading will commence from Monday July 28th (week 2, Term 3). Our school website and the store online purchasing website will be updated by 28th July, for parents to access online purchasing.

From 1st July to 27th July, uniform sales will not be available to parents/carers for Albany Rise branded uniform (a total of 8 school days, onsite and online).

Parent/Teacher/Student meetings- very high attendance!

It was lovely to see such positive interactions between staff and parents/carers and students over the past 2 weeks. Despite some wet weather, families were very responsive to the opportunity to talk to teachers about their children’s learning and development at school. 

Today, those parents who were unable to attend and could not access Compass to view reports, were provided with a portion of their child’s Semester 2 report (printed & sent home with students). Parents are welcome to attend or call the school any time to have support in accessing this very important information, or to make an appointment ot discuss student learning and development with staff at the school. 

Holiday Facilities upgrade – Reverse Cycle Aircon in the Hall

I can hear the cheers from here. Yes, we have brand new reverse cycle air conditioners being installed in the hall/gym over the coming school holidays. How wonderful it will be in the summer months to take some of the heat out of this area for assemblies and special events!

Final Word

I do hope everyone enjoys a safe, warm, and healthy holiday break with lots of rest ready to return for all the big events in Term 3. Camps, sleepover, State School Spectacular, Musical performance, and of course all the learning and sports events! What a great term to look forward to 😊.

A reminder, Friday 4th July is a Curriculum Day. There are no students at school on this day.

Judith Drew

Principal