Dear Parents and Carers,

Road Safety:

We’ve noticed some students and parents crossing the road outside of designated school crossings. Please always use these crossings, especially when a supervisor is present, as they are the safest way to navigate the roads around our school and set a positive example for students. Your cooperation is essential for everyone’s safety.

Safety Before School:

Another reminder that we don't have teachers supervising on the school grounds before 8:45 am. Please don't send your children to school before this time, unless they are supervised by an adult.

Dogs at School:

We are currently reviewing our Dogs at School policy, following Victorian Department of Education guidelines, as we’ve seen an increase in dogs on school grounds. While many students enjoy seeing pets, some feel frightened, and we've also had issues with mess being left behind!

While we finalise our policy, we kindly ask families who bring dogs during pick-up or drop-off to keep them securely leashed and away from students. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all students and staff.

Social Media and Staying Safe:

Government legislation is expected soon to set a minimum age of 16 for social media use platforms like Facebook and Instagram by the end of the year. The eSafety Commissioner’s website offers tips and resources to help families keep primary school students safe online. It also offers resources to help you support your child/ren’s safe digital experiences. The site includes an eSafety Guide, detailing social media platforms, games and apps, their age requirements, and how to report inappropriate content.

Even if your child isn't using social media yet, you can prepare them by teaching them good online habits and staying informed about online safety.

Visit the Safe Socials webpage to learn about:

Supporting safe, positive online experiences
Recognising signs your child may need support
Responding to unsafe online incidents
Where to find additional support

We have high expectations when it comes to student behaviour, and teachers spend a lot of time reminding students about our school's value of ‘Respect’. At school, students learn about the importance of maintaining good relationships and that friends do not always agree – we all have ‘Friendship Fires’ - normal conflicts between friends from time to time. Or sometimes ‘Mean on Purpose’ behaviour raises its ugly head (intent to hurt). The Stand-Up Project (SUP) is designed to reduce these issues and name them correctly, by educating students how to be a good Upstander.

We always encourage children to speak to an adult if they are unable to resolve an issue before it becomes a problem.

Colour Run:

Next week’s highlight will be the Colour Run, with students and staff getting covered in vibrant colours! Thank you to all families who have already set up student profiles. Remember, students who raise $10 or more will be eligible for a prize! Funds raised will support school facility upgrades and resources for our library. You can also order a sushi lunch through the Parents’ Association ‘Meal Deal’ (Yummy!!)

Bringing a towel for pick-up and the drive home is also recommended as students will be a little wet and colourful!

Improving Attendance:

This term, we want to highlight the importance of regular school attendance for students' academic success and wellbeing. Attending school consistently helps children build routines, feel connected with peers and teachers, and develop essential life skills.

Every missed day adds up—missing just one day every two weeks amounts to 20 days per year, nearly 10% of the school year.

Regular attendance lays the foundation for positive habits, personal growth, and academic achievement, supporting students for a brighter future. Remember,

"It's Not OK to be Away," and “School is Cool”.

If you face challenges impacting your child's attendance, please reach out to the school. We're here to support you and your family.

School Saving Bonus Code Distribution:

The Victorian Government is providing a one-off $400 School Saving Bonus for government school students from Prep to Year 12 in 2025.

Starting Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the Department of Education will email you a unique $400 School Saving Bonus code. This bonus can help cover costs for uniforms, textbooks, excursions, and other school-related expenses. If you have multiple children in Victorian government schools for 2025, you’ll receive one email per child, which may arrive on different days. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder.

You can use the code in-store at school-approved suppliers or online to allocate the $400 towards school-related purchases. For more details, visit School Saving Bonus | vic.gov.au on 26 November, where a user guide will be available.

If you haven’t received your code by Friday, 29 November, please email school.saving.bonus@education.vic.gov.au.

Foundation Transition:

In the coming weeks, our transition process will continue. Two weeks ago, we welcomed our 2025 Foundation students and their parents for their first session. On Thursday, they returned wearing their special T-shirts and bringing big smiles as they joined a classroom session. Meanwhile, parents and carers participated in a session focused on Literacy at BEPS.

Take care,

Teri and Edwina

Digimaker