Dear Families,

We had another wonderful week this week as the remainder of the school participated in the swimming program. We would like to thank all of our volunteers who made the program run so smoothly. We really appreciate the support and value the help that you give. Thank you.

2027 Classes and Parent Requests

We are nearing the time when staff will create classes for 2027. Staff will do their very best to create classes that are well-balanced and cater to the children’s wellbeing, academic needs, and social growth. Parents may make reasonable requests for their children related to learning; however, teachers cannot be requested.

To make a request, you need to email me directly at helen.romeril@education.vic.gov.au by Friday, 6th November. Parent requests form part of our class placement process, but as we also have a range of other considerations, requests are not always granted.

Japan Trip

Our travelling students are having the most wonderful time. Today it is a visit to a local school which they are incredibly excited about. So far they have visited Mt Fuji, explored Tokyo, been to the Skytree, rode lots of trains, even the Bullet Train to Kyoto.

New Victorian Government restrictions on student use of personal electronic devices

On 4 August 2026, the Victorian Government amended the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, requiring all Victorian schools to restrict student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.

On Tuesday 20 October 2026, further information was published about how schools must do this (Ministerial Order 1515 – Personal Electronic Devices in Victorian Schools).

To follow the new requirements, our school will have a new Mobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices policy. This policy will be in place from 2027 and will be made available on our website by the end of Term 4, 2026.

This new policy will restrict student use of:

mobile phones
smart glasses
wearable devices, such as smartwatches
personal audio devices, such as headphones and earbuds.

Restricting these devices helps to ensure:

a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions
a safe environment for students, staff and visitors
greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and lunchtimes, without the distraction or social pressures caused by devices.

From Term 1 2027, the following restrictions will apply to these devices if they are brought to school:

mobile phones must be switched off and securely stored during school hours
wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions turned off during school hours and securely stored if necessary.
personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.

Our school can only grant exemptions to these restrictions to support:

student learning
health or wellbeing
the management of risks when students are offsite

In addition to these restrictions, wearing or using smart glasses is prohibited on government school premises and at school organised events or activities, including those held offsite or outside regular school hours. This prohibition applies to students, staff, parents, carers, contractors, volunteers and other visitors. Exemptions can only be granted by the principal as a reasonable adjustment for disability and where the adjustment cannot be reasonably provided for by another device or approach.

Our school will provide further information to you prior to Term 1 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Have a great week,

Helen

The Good Old Dana

Respect & Care, Responsibility, Inclusion, Tolerance & Understanding, Excellence.

Week 3, Term 4 2026 · 23 Oct 2026

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