Dear Monash SDS community,

Bocce

I'm thrilled to share that over the past few weeks, our school has had the honour of hosting the Special Olympics Bocce program, providing our secondary students with a unique and enriching experience. Over the last four weeks, Special Olympics Australia has run a Bocce program with the students in our secondary school.

Bocce is a game that can be played by people of all abilities and ages. It is a fun and engaging activity that promotes physical activity, social interaction, and healthy competition.

We are grateful to Michael, Cathy and Special Olympics Australia for their support and guidance in implementing this program.

Witnessing our students engage in these sessions has been incredibly inspiring. Not only have they demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, but they've also embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, which lies at the heart of the Special Olympics movement. It's been truly heartwarming to see our students embrace this opportunity with such enthusiasm and passion, and I couldn't be prouder of their achievements.

New National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Navigator service to support parents and carers.

Our school is excited to be part of the NDIS Navigators initiative. NDIS Navigators will be in all Victorian government specialist schools by 2025 to help you navigate and understand the NDIS and get the most out of the supports available for your child. Michael Goodman who is already part of our team here at Monash SDS, has taken up this role as the NDIS Navigator for 2 days a week. He will provide information and advice on the NDIS and available supports, including guidance on where to look for services and how to make the best selection for your child. He will also be able support you to understand the structure of the NDIS and how to navigate and engage with the system and ongoing management of NDIS plans and how to raise questions or concerns with the NDIA or NDIS funded organisations. Lastly, he will be able to assist you to access NDIS Local Area Coordination partners for advice and support. Contact Michael to talk about how the NDIS Navigator service can support your family at michael.goodman@education.vic.gov.au

School Saving bonus

You may have seen the recent announcement of the School Saving Bonus, as part of the Victorian Budget 2024/25. We are sharing more information about how families will be able to access and use this support.

This one-off support will include $400 for each eligible student to help families cover the costs of school uniforms and activities in 2025.

It will be available to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025.

Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families. Instead, families will receive the bonus as credits on their school accounts that will help meet the costs of your children’s activities and uniforms.

Existing supports - The School Saving Bonus support will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports for camps, sports, excursions and uniforms.

The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available to families experiencing financial hardship or other forms of vulnerability and short-term crisis. This program allows schools to make multiple applications for support on parents' behalf throughout the year if needed.

There will be more information and guidance about the School Saving Bonus in Term 3, 2024, ahead of its implementation in 2025.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our school community.

Lindy

Key Date