A note from Mr Jackson

Traffic Awareness

A parent has reported that after school they have seen students crossing Bellevue Avenue without looking for traffic. I encourage parents to have a conversation about strategies that support childrens’ awareness of traffic.

We use the safe road crossing procedure of stop, look, listen and think as a prompt to students when crossing the road

• Stop one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath. 
• Look in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• Listen in all directions for approaching traffic. 
• Think about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. 

National Simultaneous Storytime

Wednesday 21 May

Students gathered in Learning Areas on Wednesday along with millions of others to hear and respond to the text ‘The Truck Cat’. Part of our Education Week activities it was a reminder of the importance of reading and celebrating the richness of great literature.

New Synthetic Turf Worn In 

Wednesday 21 May

Our new synthetic basketball court was run in on Wednesday. Students took on teachers in a seesawing match that surprised some and brought a smile to us all! With cheering from the sidelines, the whole school celebrated the completion of this refreshed space in our school. We are certainly impressed with the scorers ability to use tally marks efficiently! Unfortunately, it is a record of baskets rather than points, the scorers were unaware that a basket scored two points. There was much animated discussion, and perhaps the teachers proved a little fortunate, as there were some three points scored during the game! Discussions have already been had about the possibility of another sporting challenge.

District Sports 

Tuesday 20 May

Congratulations to students who participated in the District Cross Country on Tuesday. A number of students will be heading to the Divisional Level. Teachers returned celebrating student behaviour over the day and students returned celebrating that they had given their all. Thanks to staff who organised the day and the volunteers to who supported the day. 

Open Classrooms A Real Thrill 

Thursday 22 May

A special thanks to those parents and carers who were able to enter classrooms on Thursday afternoon and to share in students’ learning. It was great to celebrate the discussions and understandings arising from this year’s Education Week theme ‘Celebrating Cultures’. Teachers and students were excited to see so many parents attend. A wonderful celebration of Public Education.

Working Bee Invitation Reminder 

Saturday 31 May

A reminder that we have scheduled a working Bee for Saturday 31 May between 9:00am and 12noon. Some will join us for an hour, while others will be able to stay for longer. We are grateful for all who lend a hand. The key tasks that have been set aside include;

• Piecing together and installing the two cubby houses that have been delivered. Students in the Junior School Council have supported their purchase and installation.
• Mulching the North Eastern area of the playground with mulch that is currently in the carpark.
• Clearing some of the drains that are starting to look a little bit full. 

We are fortunate to learn and live in this picturesque location. We acknowledge that it is only with the support of families that we are able to ensure that the spaces around the place are kept neat, tidy and safe. Your support is greatly appreciated and will be celebrated at the Working Bee BBQ at 12 noon.

Mysterious Musical Gift Arrives

Staff and students were thrilled early this week to receive a generous donation of a Karaoke Machine! It has caused great excitement, and we hope to be able to use it during lunchtime clubs and in classrooms. We are looking forward to the auditions for ‘Australia’s Got Talent’.

Reconciliation Week 

Starts Monday 26 May

Monday 26 May marks the anniversary of the tabling of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report in the Australian Parliament, which recommended a national apology for the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. Student Leaders and First Nations students have been invited to attend the Banyule Council’s Sorry Day Healing Ceremony at Malahang Reserve in Heidelberg West.  Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr will be delivering a cleansing ceremony to respectfully acknowledge the resilience of the First Nations community, who were impacted by the removal of Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Children. It is a public event that starts at 1pm for those who are able to attend. For more information go here. 

Later in the week students who attended the event will share a little of their reflections in a presentation at the assembly.

We look forward to celebrating the week with some lunch time creative mural making as well as lessons within classes based on departmental resources.

Photo Day 

Monday 26 May

A reminder to make sure that teeth are brushed and hair is combed on Monday before students arrive. Don’t be late or you just might miss out on the class photo! School Photos run on a regimented timetable. Students who are absent due to ill health will have their individual photo taken later in the year. Please ensure your child attends in full school uniform.