Melton West Primary School

Principal's Report 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Welcome to Term 4. We look forward to a great term ahead, with a continued focus on learning. This term is a long one, 11 weeks, with lots of things happening, including 3-6 swimming, excursions, transitions and end of year celebrations.

 

Mrs Mills and Mrs Cassar’s Babies:

At the beginning of the holidays, Mrs Mills and Mrs Cassar, who were due 2 weeks apart, gave birth to their babies only a day apart, at the same hospital. Mrs Cassar had a baby girl called Isla on the 19th September and Mrs Mills, a baby boy, Easton, on the 20th September. All are doing well, including their dads. We wish them all the best and look forward to having cuddles when they bring them to school for “Show & Tell”.

 

School Vision and Values Survey:

We are seeking input from all members of the school community to help create a new vision for the new Strategic Plan, along with the Values we will keep front of mind as we work together to achieve positive outcomes for all. Please take the time to complete the short survey by clicking on the link by FRIDAY 24th October. https://forms.gle/3Kmwt5fCaJ5c4imVA

 

Student Dress Code Policy:

Please find included a draft Student Dress Code Policy for input from the community. Please take a look and let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

 

Sun Smart Policy:

Term 4 sees the re-introduction of wearing of hats whilst outside and the applying sunscreen is highly recommended as the UV rating increases dramatically this time of year. Research shows that sun protection is highly recommended when the UV rating reaches 3 and above. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt. It is not like the sun’s light which we see, or the sun’s warmth (infrared radiation) which we feel. This means it 

can be damaging to our skin without us knowing. The UV rating is usually 3 from 10, then rises to as high as 6 or 7, then can be at 3 until 4.30 in the afternoon. The UV rating is not related to the sun shining or not. Even on overcast days the UV rating can reach levels that can cause problems. This week’s highest average was 5, with 7 expected next week. The Sun Smart widget that shows the expected levels for the day is available on our school website at the bottom of the home page. 

 

Prep Enrolments for 2026:

If you have a child in preschool, or one who is turning 5 before 30th April 2026, we are accepting enrolments for Prep 2026. Please call the office for details and to book an appointment with a member of the Principal Class team. If you have family or friends with children who should start school next year, please encourage them to contact the school for a Prep Enrolment Pack and a tour. The 2026 Prep Transition Program will commence in November. If they are enrolled by then they will be invited to be part of this wonderful experience.

 

Prep Transition Program:

The 2026 Prep Transition Program will commence next month. All families with children enrolled to start Prep in 2026 should have already received an invitation about this important activity.

 

The dates are:

  • Tuesday 11th November 10:00am – 10:50am

  • Tuesday 18th November 10:00am – 10:50am

  • Tuesday 25th November 10:00am – 10:50am

  • Tuesday 9th December  9:30am – 10:45am (Children will meet their teacher for 2026 on this day)

     

Whilst these sessions are occurring for the children, parents are encouraged to stay on-site and hear about the wonderful programs our school has to offer, as well as how to help prepare your child for their first year of school. These sessions will also have guest speakers such as the School Nursing Service, our Out of Home Care service and much more. We look forward to meeting you and your child during these sessions.

 

2026 Plans:

We will be beginning the process of forming new class grouping for 2026 during Term 4. To determine how many classes we will need,  if you know your child will not be returning in 2025 for any reason so we can plan accordingly, please contact the office to let us know. This is also important because your child might be the allocated person/friend for another child in their 2026 class and if they are not attending, their friend may find themselves without a buddy next year. 

 

Special Requests for 2026 Class:

Part of the work we do in Term 4 is to form the new classes for the following year. if you have any concerns or requests about other children your child should or shouldn’t be with, please put these in writing before Friday 24th October. Any requests received after this date CANNOT be able to be considered, due to the flow-on effect that any changes to classes already created has across the board. I will need to stick to this timeline quite tightly to ensure the process runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Please note, requests for specific teachers will not be considered. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact the office to make an appointment to speak with me. 

 

 

 

High Levels of Learning for All

Michelle Costa

Principal