Principal Update

What a week at APS! 

Monday saw the postponement of the Year 3 Camp due to the incredible weather and dangerous winds. Luckily the camp site could accommodate them on Tuesday. So yesterday our Year 3’s headed to Grantville for their overnight camp. I spent the day with them yesterday and admired their courage, excitement and values as they took on challenges just past their level of comfort. They showed care and concern for each other and supported their peers throughout the activities. I believe the penguins at Phillip Island was a highlight.

This morning Yarralea St was full of buses with our Year 4’s heading to Camp Jungai for the rest of the week. They will also be challenged to step out of their comfort zone and I am confident they will show the same values and enjoy the experiences on offer. 

The other buses were for the P/1 students to travel to Kew HS for their concert rehearsal. Tonight we will experience “The Colour Monster” performance where all of our youngest students will wear the costume they’ve made. They’ll sing and dance the night away much to the delight of the very proud audience. I’m always amazed with the confidence they show at this event. 

This Saturday night the gym will come alive with parents and friends ready to compete in the APS Trivia Night organized by the Community Events and Fundraising Committee. Ticket sales have been amazing and this promises to be another fun-filled night. Any funds raised will be going towards our next project which is upgrading the outdoor basketball court with a new surface, new lines and backboards. 

Next Thursday 12 September we will acknowledge RU OK day. Thanks to those Class Liaison Parents who have organized a coffee and chat to start the day up at the canteen. The students will be completing activities in class to remind us all of the importance of checking in with others and asking “RU OK?”. 

We are a Sunsmart school which means we adhere to the policy of wearing hats from August to April when the UV is above 3. Please support us and your child’s skin by providing a NAMED broad brimmed hat for all outdoor  activities. You can find the APS Sunsmart policy on our website. 

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.

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 and access to an online system.

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 attached or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus. 

Take care during this very busy period

Kind Regards

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal