Some words from the Acting Principal

Dear Karoo PS Community, 

Welcome 2025 School Council 

I am very pleased to announce the members of the 2025 School Council. We have filled all parent and staff positions.

Parent members

1st year - Serryn Bryant, Tony Khouri, John Savinos, Paul Barrett, Danielle Coniglione

2nd year - Tammy Culpitt , Sarah Elliott, Vanessa Fernando, Luke Michael, Jess Thompson

Staff members

Peta Phillips, Simone Vitas, Clare McCandlish, Josh Edwards and myself.

We also welcome Sue Baxter each month as a visitor.  

Our first meeting will involve nominations for School Council President and office bearers which I will communicate to the community once finalised. 

Road Safety - Drop off and pick up at Karoo PS

The safety of our students and our families is a top priority.  Therefore, please be mindful of following the road rules during drop off and pick up times, to ensure our communities safety.  In particular: 

• Follow the 2-minute timed drop off area
• Crossing at the School Crossings
• Single parking (E.g. not double parking on Karoo Rd or Murrindal Drive)

We know that drop off and pick up times are busy times on the roads around our school, so we thank all for your cooperation, as you are mindful of the safety of all and being patient when required.

"Smart" watches - Mobile Phone Policy

While it is wonderful to see students wearing watches - especially if they show an analogue clock! -  it is apparent that some of these "smart" watches can be used to make mobile calls or send text messages. We have been made aware that some children have been using their watches to make calls or messages during school time. The Department of Education is quite clear on its mobile phone (and devices) policy. Smartwatches must have their capacity to make calls switched off (similar to flight mode) or not be brought to school.  

Department of Education Information - https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/students-using-mobile-phones/policy  

Please also find the Karoo Policy here : https://karoops.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Mobile-Phone.pdf

Please help your child set up their device so that they are not inadvertently breaking the rules

Pupil Free Day - Monday 24th March

On Monday the 24th of March we are holding a Pupil free day and hopefully your family is able to enjoy the extra long weekend!   The staff will be focused on completing Protective Intervention Training and LEAP (Language Enhancement Activity Program) to continue to build our abilities to support students.   

Celebrating and Farewelling Mrs. Danielle Heatley

On Friday the 4th of April, our school community will have the opportunity to celebrate and farewell Mrs Danielle Heatley.  We will be combining our end of term Easter Bonnet Parade with a farewell assembly.  This will be time for our students and school community to acknowledge and thank Danielle for her outstanding contributions to Karoo PS over the past 6 years as Assistant Principal and Principal.  At the conclusion of the assembly, parents are welcome to remain for light refreshments in the courtyard, where you will be able to talk and thank Danielle personally.

Karoo PS Community 

Our wonderful Karoo PS community is growing again! It is with great excitement that I can share that another member of our staff is expecting a new member into their family in Term 3 - Rebecca Barton.  We wish her so much joy at such a special time and look forward to meeting her little bundle of joy!  

 Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you around the school!

Courtney Hoffmann

Acting Principal