Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the last and busiest term of the year!

A few important observations and reflections since our return to school this term.

Communicating With Your Children About Pick-Up

It's important to communicate clearly with your child/ren about where and when you'll pick them up after school. While staff are on duty until 3:45 pm, please remember that school finishes at 3:30 pm, and it is the parent's responsibility to collect their children at that time. We understand that unexpected events can arise, but staff attend meetings after school, and supervision beyond 3:45 pm is not available.

Regrettably, over the last 10 days of school, we've observed a number of instances where students were left at school due to 'parent miscommunication' or confusion about the designated pick-up location. We understand that 'life happens' and are always here to support you. We know that juggling work, family, and other commitments can be challenging, but we urge you to please communicate clearly with your children or other people about pick-up arrangements. We're here to help, but frequent late pick-ups can be embarrassing or distressing for the children and also impact our after-school commitments to staff focusing on student data, teaching and learning.

We kindly ask that you enrol your child in Team Kids to prevent these situations. It's free to enrol, (even if you never use them) and IF something unexpected comes up and you cannot pick them up or are running late, you can easily book them in for after-school care, ensuring your children are safe, fed and looked after.

Your cooperation in this matter helps us ensure the safety and wellbeing of your child/ren. We are committed to providing a secure environment for your child, and we appreciate your cooperation and support in this endeavour. Please enrol your child in the program as a precaution.

Designated Drop-off Zones

As we focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment for our students, we want to remind everyone about the importance of adhering to safety road rules during drop-off and pick-up times. The designated drop-off and pick-up zones are in place not only for convenience but, more importantly, for the safety of our children.

We have noticed an increase in U-turns and vehicles stopping and pulling out unexpectedly during these busy times, which poses a significant risk to our students, staff on duty and their safety. We kindly ask all parents to:

Utilise the Designated Zones: Please use the marked drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure that students can enter and exit vehicles safely. (Note: The bus zone is NOT part of the designated area)

Move forward to the first space available at the very front of the queue and do not leave a car space in front. Children are expected to walk up to where the car has stopped rather than be picked up exactly where they are standing.
Remain in the vehicle as the student must enter and exit the car independently and exit on the footpath side. Make sure your child has their bag ready in the car (not in the boot) so that they can get out of the car quickly.
Move off safely and quickly by driving forward along the line rather than ‘pulling out’ into the traffic.

Follow Traffic Rules: Adhering to traffic signs and signals helps maintain an orderly traffic flow and keeps our students safe.

Be Patient and Alert: We understand that time is often of the essence, but being vigilant and patient can prevent accidents. Please keep a close eye on children as they navigate the area.

Avoid U-Turns: To minimise confusion and enhance safety, we ask that parents refrain from making U-turns in front of the school.

Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings.

If you are walking – cross at the pedestrian lights. Avoid walking through the traffic with your children.

Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child – they will learn from you.

The safety of our students is our top priority, and your cooperation is essential in ensuring that our drop-off and pick-up zones function smoothly.

Please be advised that parking regulations are enforceable and if you choose to park illegally in the street, then you could be booked by the local Council Officer.

Thunderstorm asthma – be prepared this pollen season.

Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, increases asthma and hay fever symptoms and increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening.

Our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Proper and regular use of an asthma preventer is key to preventing asthma.
If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to ensure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.

Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’. Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters. For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.

Hats

Just a reminder that our black school hat must be worn outside in Terms 1 and 4. Children not wearing a hat will be directed to the shaded/quiet area of the school. Please ensure your child/ren’s hat has their name marked clearly to enable it to be returned should they lose it. Please remind children that we do not have hats to loan out, and they must bring their own daily.

Medication at School

Schools must obtain written authority for all medication to be administered by the school. To administer medication at school, we require a Medication Authority Form signed by the student’s health practitioner or parent. Forms are available from the office.

Information Required:

Appropriate storage and administration directions. Medication should be in the original container with the original label (including the name of the student), information on dosage, and times to be administered where prescribed. Medication should be within its expiry date

Unfortunately, we cannot administer any medication (including over-the-counter medications such as eye drops, hay fever, or Panadol) unless this signed form is returned to school.

School Camps

To our campers this week, have an incredible time at camp forming new friendships, taking on exciting challenges, and creating lasting memories. While they will enjoy these experiences, parents take comfort in knowing your child is growing in independence and confidence. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself, knowing they are having fun, building new skills and learning in a supportive environment.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Take care,

Teri and Edwina

Literacy in Specialists