Principal Team's Report

Welcome back to Term 4

We've hit the ground running and are already into a busy term of learning and events! Within the first three weeks, we've already had our Prep Community Helpers Day, a visit from Author Adam Wallace to launch his brand-new book, Hatman, and we've also sent students to volleyball, division sports finals, the Phillip Island MotoGP track and Myuna Farm. Not to mention the Year 2 Stay Late evening, which is happening as we publish this newsletter! I am so proud of the opportunities we extend to our students, and I am incredibly grateful to all staff for making these experiences possible. 

BYOD Update

As you may be aware, the Victorian Government last week announced the cessation of Bring Your Own Device programs in schools. As this was an unexpected decision, with no consultation and/or input sought, it has meant that we have needed to rethink our approach to technology in the coming years.

We have been in touch with all of our Year 3 and 4 families regarding the process to follow if they have already purchased a school-approved Chromebook. Please contact the office directly with any queries you may have. 

Being Respectful Community Members

When travelling to and from school each day, our students are reminded that it is important that they are respectful and responsible community members at all times. We ask families to have a chat with students about leaving the property of our neighbours alone and staying on the footpaths as much as possible. 

New Sensory Pod at Pakenham Springs!

We have been extremely lucky to have received a grant for the supply and installation of a Sensory Pod. Our Sensory Pod provides a calm, safe, and customizable space for children to manage sensory input, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation. It has already been a valuable addition to our newly developed wellbeing calm space.

Have you checked out our new school Website?

Our school website has recently undergone a massive transformation and is now updated with current information, galleries of events, reminders and links to useful services and supports for families. It also houses the majority of our School Information publications, policies and Annual Reports - if you're looking for information, this is your first port of call. 

Head over to www.pakenhamsprings.vic.edu.au and check it out! We'd love any feedback or ideas on how to make this website even more amazing!

Hat Reminder - Compulsory for Term 4

Just a reminder that Term 4 is a compulsory hat term at Pakenham Springs. Not only is this a stated expectation in our Uniform Policy, but it is also an essential health and safety precaution that we all need to help instil in our young people. SunSmart hats help protect the sensitive skin on our faces and necks from getting sunburnt. Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful rays can have a dangerous and sometimes fatal impact on the long-term health of students. We ask for your support in ensuring all students have a SunSmart hat for Term 4. Please note that students will be required to sit in a sheltered area if they do not have an appropriate hat for break times. They may miss valuable learning time taking place in the outdoor environment, and they will be unable to attend any events or excursions if they do not have a SunSmart hat. This is not negotiable. The safety of our students is our number one priority.

Save the date! Springfest 2025 is coming...

We look forward to showcasing and celebrating our Specialist Subjects in our bi-annual Springfest afternoon coming up in Term 4 on Friday, 21st November. Pop it in your diary now! Special exhibitions, demonstrations, games, prizes and food trucks galore! We hope to see our whole community turn out for this special event.

Planning for 2026

We are well into our workforce and class structure planning for 2026. If you do not anticipate your child being at Pakenham Springs in 2026, please let us know immediately for planning purposes (this does not include our current Year 6 students). If you have a younger child who will be starting Prep next year and hasn't already submitted your enrolment forms, please visit the office immediately so that you do not miss important transition information.

Each year, we get many requests from parents regarding placing their child/ren in classes for the coming year. Class placements take many hours of discussion and take into account many different factors, including compatible groups of students (based on teachers' observations of how students learn together), balance of academic ability, the need for additional learning assistant support and an overall gender balance. Please note that requests for particular teachers, or requests not to have specific teachers, will not be considered, nor will requests for placing students with a certain 'friend' or keeping them away from a student they may have had problems with in the past. If you believe you have information that should be considered when placing your child in a class for next year, please submit this in writing directly to the Principal at renee.cotterell@education.vic.gov.au.

Please see our Class Placement Policy for further information. Class Placement Policy 

Attendance Reminder

Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don't fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age.

School participation is important as it maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. School helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community.

If you need support in establishing regular school attendance patterns with your child/ren, please contact your classroom teacher or our office staff.

Communication with staff

Please remember that our staff are doing their best to provide a positive, safe and supportive educational environment for all members of the community. We understand that sometimes a parent or carer may require further information about an incident that has happened at school. This clarification must be done in a respectful manner. Our staff have the right to be safe at work, and any abuse or explicit language towards staff will not be tolerated. Please see the Department's Respectful Behaviours Within the School Community Policy for more information.

Supervision before school

Students are not to arrive at school until at least 8:30am on school mornings.  Staff are not on supervision duty until 8:45am - responsibility for the safety and supervision of students remains with the parent/carer until 8:45am. Any student arriving before 8:30am will be asked to sit at the office and wait. We ask for your support in this matter.  Likewise, under no circumstances are students allowed to leave the school grounds in the morning and go across to the shops.  Not only is this incredibly unsafe, with them crossing the busy Heritage BLVD road unsupervised, but a small number of students are also coming back having purchased items inappropriate for the school day.  

Please contact OSHClub if you need to organise care and supervision for your child/ren outside of 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.

Have a wonderful fortnight,

The PSPS Leadership Team