Welcome back and welcome to our new families for 2025. I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer break and have returned to school refreshed and energised for the upcoming year. I was lucky to spend plenty of time with friends and family both here in Melbourne and in Sydney, as well as spending many hours pushing my daughters Penelope and Matilda on the swings at local playgrounds and visiting all the animals at Melbourne Zoo on two separate occasions.

We have had a smooth start to the school year, with new staff and students all settling in well. Our students are participating in the Learning Induction Program for Students (LIPS) during these first two weeks of the school year. This program is designed by teachers to build positive relationships within the learning environment. Teachers will spend time explicitly teaching school-wide and classroom expectations, that are underpinned by our school values, Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, so that the classroom is conducive to effective student learning. Students will participate in activities to help them get to know one another, their teachers and learn about themselves as learners.

Parent Contributions

If you have not yet paid the Parent Contributions, please make arrangements with the Office to pay these as soon as possible. A payment plan can be negotiated with Sarah McDonell (Business Manager) if parents are experiencing difficulties meeting these costs.

Twilight Sports

We are pleased to announce that our Twilight Sports event will be making a return in 2025. Save the date-Friday 7 February from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. We invite you to attend and join in the fun down on the oval. More information will be communicated early next week.

Staffing Update

Over the holiday period, Mrs Robyn Davis (6D) was successful in obtaining a Learning Specialist position at Seaford North Primary School. We have begun the recruitment process to find a replacement teacher for 6D and wish Robyn all the best at her new school. We also learnt over the vacation period that Ms Sarah McDonell our Business Manager will be leaving Solway after 7 years. Sarah has obtained a Business Manager role at Weeden Heights Primary School. Her last day at Solway will be Friday 28 February. We are extremely sad to see Sarah go, but know that this change will allow her to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.

Assembly

In 2025, we will be moving to a fortnightly whole school assembly. Our first assembly for the year will be held on Friday 7 February at 2:40pm. We look forward to welcoming as many parents/carers as possible to help us recognise our students.

Community Fair

Our Solway Community Fair on Saturday 15 March which is fast approaching. Keep an eye out for the Fair Newsletter that will be published each week leading up to the fair.

School Start Time – 9:00am

Please be aware that school commences each day at 9:00am, with the first bell going at 8:50am. This gives the students 10 minutes to settle into their classroom, unpack their belongings, change their take home reading book and follow the classroom morning routine. Teachers commence instruction and the daily learning program at 9:00am. Students who arrive after 9:00 am are required to go past the Office and sign in via Compass. Arriving late disadvantages students and interrupts the class. We kindly ask that you do your best to arrive at school on time.

Sun Smart

Sun Smart School Policy requires that your child wears a red school hat (named and sun smart approved) each day. It is also a good idea to put sunscreen on before school. You may also wish to have some in your child’s school bag for them to reapply during the day.

Money and valuables to school

A reminder that students are not permitted, and do not need to bring money to school. Students are also asked not to bring along any toys or items of value. Items or money lost at school will not be replaced if they are lost. The Department of Education does not have insurance for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged at school. Students are therefore asked not to bring any such items to school.

Annual Insurance reminder

The Education Department does not have accident insurance. Items of personal property that are lost, stolen or damaged at school are not the responsibility of Solway Primary School or the Department. Staff and students are reminded not to bring items of value to school.

Annual privacy reminder

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.

Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website

https://www.solwayps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/collection_statementprimary_school.pdf

For more information about privacy, see Schools’ Privacy Policy – information for parents. This information is available in nine community languages.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Pages/Schools-Privacy-Policy-information-for-parents.aspx

Annual Ambulance Cover reminder

The Education Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance or transport as well as any other transport costs.

Finally, the publication day for our fortnightly newsletter will be moving to Thursdays. Keep an eye on your inbox for all upcoming news and information.

Thank you for your support and lets all strive to be “our best always”.

David

Principal

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