Principal's Report

It was very exciting to get a shout out from local athletes (and now commentator) Britt Cox and Phil Bellingham on the TV coverage of the Olympics on Thursday night! Phil had just finished competing in the Ski Mountaineering event and was being interviewed by Britt. She asked: "What do you have to say to all of the kids back home, but especially those at Mount Beauty Primary School that might one day dream of becoming an Olympian?" He replied "Just give it a go, I never thought I'd even go to one Olympics, so just have the biggest crack you possibly can, take risks and just back yourself in 'cos your dreams can come true and amazing things can happen if you just have a crack."

Thank you Phil and Britt. You've inspired us. We might have a new unofficial school motto - Just have a crack like Phil!

Student Representative Council

This week, students in Years 3-6 have been preparing speeches and persuasive writing as part of the annual SRC (Student Representative Council) elections.  Today, students nominating for election presented their speeches to their peers and voting was undertaken.  The new SRC will be announced at Monday's assembly.  

On behalf of all students and staff, we would like to acknowledge the representation provided by our outgoing SRC members Erin, Christian, Chilli, Kit, Goldie, Ollie, Cleo and Sebastian.  It has been a pleasure to work with this team of dedicated students, who have proven themselves to be reliable and committed to the role, providing a positive role model for others through their initiative and willingness to take on additional responsibilities in a range of different circumstances.  

School Council Elections

A reminder that School Council elections are also underway, and we are still seeking nominations.  Retiring and new members are asked to nominate by 4.00pm on Wednesday 25th February, 2026.  Please complete the nomination form here.

Parent Teacher Conferences Next Week

Bookings for parent teacher conferences may now be made, using the Compass app/Conferences.  All families are encouraged to speak to their child's teacher to help establish the school-home partnership and support your child's transition to school. Appointment times are at 15 minute intervals and are an opportunity to share information that will help teachers to understand and better develop positive relationships with your child. Parent teacher conferences will be held next week from the 23rd-26th February. Bookings can be made through the Compass app/Conferences and are subject to teacher availability. If you are unable to make a booking and require an alternate time or an online meeting, please contact your child's teacher.

Funding our School Programs

Our school is committed to providing our students with equitable access to computers, and have just undertaken a new lease of 60 chromebooks, to replace aging and failing devices.  Our students and teachers are very appreciative of the upgrade and the difference this will make in the classroom. Unfortunately, the school does not receive funding for this and other learning materials, but rely completely on the contribution families make through the annual family payments and fundraising.  This year, we are seeking the support of families to help us ensure we are able to continue to provide our students with the best opportunities we can.  If you haven't already done so, please finalise your parent payments asap or speak to our office about a payment plan.  More information about fundraising opportunities will be provided soon, with this year's focus on funding the computers and helping to subsidise camps to increase affordability for families.  A reminder that eligible families are also encouraged to apply for Camps, Sports and Excursions funding, which has been increased to $400 per student/year.  Forms may be obtained from our office.

Fire Safety Program Wed 25/2

A reminder that a community bushfire safety session will be held next Wednesday 25th February, from 4-5pm in the multi-purpose building. Residents and visitors from surrounding areas are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Pupil Free Day

On Tuesday 10th March, we will be having a pupil free day to enable staff to attend a network professional learning day.  OSHC will be running for families who require this service, and bookings are essential.  Bookings may be submitted via the link on the OSHC page of this newsletter.  

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

Our OSHC service is taking enrolments for before and after school care.  Interested families are invited to visit the service (next to 2/3 classroom) and to speak with our room leader, Jacara, about what the program can provide for your child.

Next week's program includes cooking pancakes, tie-dying, flying drones and baking cakes. Other OSHC activities include sport, art and science experiments. Further information can also be found on the OSHC page of this newsletter.

Free resources for families of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years.

The Department of Education has launched an Easing into adolescence webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 (Grade 5 to Year 8).  The webpage has information and strategies you can use to help ease your child into adolescence and secondary school. These include: 

• a guide to emotion coaching. Staff from The University of Melbourne’s Tuning in to Teens Kids program developed the guidance.
• how to support your adolescent with their studies and more generally. Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller helped develop this resource.

Subtitles for videos by The University of Melbourne on the webpage are available in 10 languages. You can select your preferred language on the translations page.

For questions about these resources, contact the Strategic Partnerships, Transitions and Student Voice team. You can email them at Secondary.School.Transition@education.vic.gov.au.