A note from Mr Jackson

Inclusion Day Highlights 

Tuesday 19 March

It was wonderful, even calming, to see so many students dressed in blue on Tuesday. Students gathered in multiage groups in classrooms across the school to explore the themes of inclusion. They created different figures that celebrate the diversity we find at our school, that will contribute to a mural in the Chandler Hall. Gender stereotypes were challenged and students were encouraged to introduce themselves in AUSLAN as a way to build inclusive practices. In the afternoon, students took time to reflect on behaviors that arise from our school values in particular settings within the school. Thanks to all senior students who shared in the leadership of small groups throughout the day.

 

 

Leadership Ceremony 

Friday 22 March at 9:15am

While it is late in the term, all are looking forward to celebrating our student leaders’ participation in our community and present them with badges at the assembly tomorrow morning at 9:15am. We look forward to Anthony Carbines joining us for this civic celebration. Families of the students receiving the awards, along with the new student leaders, are invited to stay for morning tea directly after the presentation. Thanks again FORPS for hosting the morning tea.

 

Friday’s assembly will highlight the ‘Students of the Week’ with a focus on Inclusion after this week’s celebrations. The winners of our traditional Easter Hampers will be drawn so please don’t miss out on your chance to purchase the winning ticket. 

 

We hope to have the assembly outside although this will be determined by the weather.

 

Second Hand Clothing Swap Friday 

Friday 22 March from 3:30pm

In an effort to save some money and respond to the ever increasing growth of children, FORPS have scheduled a Uniform Swap that will take place after school this Friday. If you are looking for some cheap uniform options or to offer some good quality seconds that are no longer used by your child, then please come along. Come to browse and you just might pick up a bargain.

 

2025 Prep Information Morning 

Saturday 23 March at 9:30am

A special reminder that we will be hosting the 2025 Prep Information Morning on this coming Saturday at 9:30am. Saturday morning will be a chance to hear a little from the school leadership and join a school tour. There will be a light BBQ brunch to welcome families. If you know any new parents who might be considering enrolling their child into the school please let them know. A reminder to parents with siblings who are enrolling next year that enrolments will be accepted from the first day of Term 2. 

 

Weekly tours will continue to be offered for families, as they make the difficult decisions as to the enrolment of their child into primary education.

 

 

Macleod College Visit Today  

Thursday 21 March

Students from Years 5 and 6 visited Macleod College today. The learning experiences provide an opportunity for our senior students to build connections to the secondary school experience. It aims at building confidence and lower anxiety as they shift from primary to secondary school. Thanks to teachers, volunteers and Macleod College to bring the day together. We are sure it will be a valuable experience for all.

 

Curriculum Day Focus’ on Reading 

Wednesday 20 March

A special thanks to parents and carers who ensured the care of their children on Wednesday while teachers and educational support staff ‘went to school’. Yesterday, teachers discussed the most current research in regards to reading. It proved an opportunity to build a consistent approach to the teaching of reading based on the most current research. While our data in student growth, as evident in recent NAPLAN results is strong, staff continue to be motivated by high expectations as they seek further improvement from students.

 

School Council Update

This week we held our AGM and a General Meeting of School Council. It was an opportunity to receive the Annual School Report as well as the President’s report. We celebrated the election of the following office bearers;

  • Jane Banovac as School Council President
  • Anthony Sinclair as Treasurer
  • Nathan Hinks as Secretary

The following parent representatives will complete the School Council in 2025;

  • Jackie Arbuckle
  • Chanelle Mellor (Co-opted Community Member)
  • Kristen Munro
  • Kylie Essex
  • Ange Romas
  • Monica Della Torre
  • Mark Etheridge
  • Nathan Hinks
  • Jacquie MacNeill

The following staff are members;

  • Jeff Jackson (Principal)
  • Justine Convery (Assistant Principal)
  • Eli Phillips
  • Eleanor Kaiser
  • Celeste Watts

Thanks again to these parents who offer their time and wisdom in helping shape school direction, financial management and policy direction for the school. All are members of one or more sub committees including; Finance, Facilities, Policy, Canteen and Promotion. School Council meetings are open to all members of our community and are held twice a term. The next School Council will be held face to face on Monday 29 April. All are welcome to join us. If you wish to speak to a member of School Council or pass any correspondence onto the secretary, please don’t hesitate to contact the office or send an email through to

rosanna.ps@education.vic.gov.au addressed to the School Council.

 

A thrill at every meeting is to hear what the Junior School Councillors are working on and seeking ways to collaborate. This week was no difference. Audrey and Emma, both Junior School Council Executives, confidently reported on the Easter Buns Fundraiser and the possible projects including refreshing the sports’ shed or constructing a sensory trail. School Councillors were privileged to gain an insight into the content of the next JSC podcast!

 

Other issues that were discussed included School Council’s asset responsibilities, concerns over the security of the chickens, current promotional actions, making the School Council more accessible to parents and students, facilities projects and canteen changes to the menu. We heard from FORPS about the wonderful picnic on the oval and plans to continue to fundraiser into the year.

 

Mobile Technologies Policy

A reminder to parents and carers that we continue to have our Mobile Phone Policy that includes other digital devices that have similar connectivity as a mobile phone (eg smart watches). Students are required to present their phones prior to school at the office where they are stored until the end of the day. The policy can be found on our website

 

Early Finish 

Thursday 28 March at  2:30pm

A reminder that school will conclude at 2:30pm on Thursday next week. TheirCare will be providing care directly after the dismissal for those who require it. All are invited to attend the final assembly at 1:45pm. We will return to school on Monday 15 April.

 

Head Lice Reminder

A number of cases of head lice have been identified across year levels. A special thanks to parents who have picked up their children and provided treatment for their child. We continue to encourage parents to monitor their child’s hair and continue to encourage students to wear their own hats and communicate with parents if we have any concerns. For further information go to the Better Health Channel.

 

Keeping our Site Safe

A reminder to all in our community that dogs are not permitted on site. Our community is made up of a diverse student population who can act unpredictably at times and be unfamiliar with interacting with dogs. Playgrounds can be crowded, as well as difficult to maneuver through at busy times. For those who volunteer their time to care for our property, they are continually forced to dispose of black bags of excrement or clean up excrement themselves. At times, this has been the responsibility of teachers who discover surprises while out on yard duty. I understand that most in our community are both responsible pet owners and so I value the presence of family pets in our suburb. There are numerous places nearby to enjoy time with dogs and I encourage their use.  For these reasons, I encourage parents and our broader community to leave their dogs at home during school drop off and pickup periods.