Principal’s Report

Dear families and carers,

I trust that everyone had a pleasant time over the school holiday break. I know there are many very happy Brisbane Lion supporters – congratulations! Can’t say the same for myself as a Blues supporter

What’s happening in term 4?

It has been an amazing two weeks back and so uplifting to see all our students back on deck, and for all of us to experience and share so many stories. What a wonderful start to the term! As always, plenty of highlights to look forward to this term including a late-night experience for Grade 1/2s, the recent 3/4 camp, Multicultural day, Graduation for our Grade 6 students, kinder visits, World Teacher’s Day and much more.

Term 4 is an interesting one as it is a time of reflection on the current year and a time of preparation for the next school year. For the grade 6s, it is the last term they will spend in primary school. It is a time of mixed emotions, excitement and nervousness about starting the next chapter of their education journey and transitioning to secondary school. The grade 5s are preparing to step up and become the next leaders of the school. It is exciting to see the growth the Prep-Year 4s have shown over the last three terms.

Term 4 Staff Professional Practice Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS 3rd, 4th and 5th of November

As part of the DET agreement, teaching staff are entitled to a Professional Practice Day. Due to the shortage of replacement teachers, the Department of Education has indicated that we can hold this day on the same day for all staff. Our Professional Practice Day will be on Wednesday 5th November . There will be no school for students on this day. Families needing supervision for their children can book their child into our Out of Hours Program run by TheirCare.

Students will not be required at school on Monday 3rd November- Report Writing Day, and Tuesday 4th November- Melbourne Cup Day.

SunSmart

Please remember that our SunSmart approach is now in full swing, and all students will need to be wearing appropriate hats when playing outside. If students are outside without a hat, teachers will direct them to play in the shade for their safety. So please support students’ ability to play freely by packing a hat (or two) in school bags, with names on the inside to assist the return of any lost hat.

Planning for 2026

Term 4 is always dominated with planning for the following year – grade and staff selection, budgets, enrolments and more. We have asked this before, (and families have been very good in letting us know), but if any other families are intending to leave our school community in 2026 because of relocation or other reason, could you please advise us as soon as possible. A phone call to the office, or an email to the school or my email account asap would be most appreciated.

Foundation Enrolments

The school is currently accepting enrolments for 2026 and a formal transition program will begin for our new Prep (Foundation) students on Friday 7th November (session 1), from 9.30-10.30am. We currently have 70 preps enrolled and will run four prep classes in 2026.

Families that have a sibling starting at Merri-bek Primary School next year and have not yet completed the enrolment process should contact our friendly Office Staff for assistance.

Your assistance with this process is much appreciated as we go through the process of building grade structures and staffing for the coming school year.

Child Safety:

Merri-bek Primary School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision-making. Merri-bek Primary School has zero tolerance for child abuse.

We are 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 will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability and children who are vulnerable.

Every person involved in Merri-bek Primary School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play 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.

On arrival at Merri-bek Primary School, all volunteers, visitors and contractors must make contact with the office, sign in at the front desk and wear a visitor’s badge while on site.

Visitors Policy Link:

https://merri-bekps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MPS-Visitors-Policy.docx-2.pdf

Emergency Management Procedures:

All schools are required to have an emergency management plan which includes a variety of processes for handling an emergency. These vary greatly depending on the type of emergency and can include; evacuation offsite, evacuation onsite and/or a lockdown. We have a practice emergency drill each term to analyse our processes and ensure they are as efficient as they can be. Students have the process explained to them and are supported by the staff throughout the process.

Please note that in the event of the school having to enact one of the emergency management procedures, our number one priority is ensuring that all students are safe as per our duty of care. If you are concerned at any time that your child has been affected by one of these procedures, please let their classroom teacher know so that we can put some additional supports in place.

Bikes and Scooters:

At Merri-bek Primary School, we promote health and fitness and encourage students to ride or scooter to school as a great way of starting their day. It is terrific to see many students riding their bikes or scooters to school, which assists them in being healthy. Please make sure your child is wearing a helmet and that once they enter the school grounds, they walk their bike or scooter in. When crossing the road, students should also walk their bike or scooters across the crossing for additional safety.

Maria Giordano

Principal

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