Things To 

Know

You're Invited: Morning Tea with the Principal and Leadership Team - THIS FRIDAY 

Dear Current, New Families and Foundation Families,

We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you and your loved ones to join us for a special morning gathering with the school principal Natalie Rose and some members of the leadership team. As we embark on an exciting new year filled with opportunities and adventures, we believe it is essential to connect, share, and build a strong foundation for collaboration and growth.

Date: Friday 23rd February 

Time: 9:15 am

Location: School Hall (Barrbunin)

During this informal session, you'll have the chance to:

• Learn about the exciting preparations and initiatives we have planned for the upcoming year.
• Have your questions and concerns addressed by our experienced leadership team.
• Get to know fellow families and begin fostering positive relationships within our school community.
• Enjoy a delightful morning tea and engage in friendly conversations with other families and staff members.

We understand that starting a new journey can be both thrilling and overwhelming, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have inquiries about our curriculum, extracurricular activities, or simply wish to connect with other families, this gathering is designed to provide you with valuable insights and opportunities to connect.

Please RSVP by Thursday 22nd  February via this Google form

 to confirm your attendance and help us make the necessary arrangements for the event. If you have any specific dietary requirements or accessibility needs, kindly let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to this special occasion and to the start of a memorable journey together. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to contact our school office.

MOBILE PHONE BANS IN ALL SCHOOLS

A reminder that the Department of Education has in place a mobile phone ban that requires students who bring mobiles phones to school to have them switched off and securely put away during school hours.

The department is requiring all schools to ensure this ban is in place and enforced from the start of the 2024 school year. The ban applies equally to all government schools right across the state.

This helps ensure that school is a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions. 

By ensuring mobile phones are kept away at recess and lunch times, students can interact with each other face-to-face, without the distractions and social pressures that mobile phones can cause.

I ask for the support of all our families, staff and students in continuing to support the implementation of this policy in our school. 

Further information 

Exceptions: For a small number of students with particular health needs, an exception to the policy may be granted. Please contact Natalie Rose if you would like to discuss this.

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if you need to immediately contact your child, I ask that families contact the school office who will pass on a message as required. 

School mobile phone policy: A copy of our school’s local mobile phone policy, which implements the government’s mobile policy in line with our local context, is available here: https://www.ripponleaps.vic.edu.au/source/Mobile%20Phones%20.pdf

Parent support: The Mobile phones in schools webpage provides links to resources for families to help them balance their children’s time using mobile phones.

If you have further questions, please contact the administration office.

EXPLORING OPEN CLASSROOMS & CURRICULUM INFORMATION SESSIONS: A GATEWAY TO YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION 

As a parent, staying engaged and informed about your child's education is paramount. Understanding the curriculum, witnessing teaching methodologies firsthand, and gathering insights from educators can profoundly impact your ability to support your child's learning journey. At our school, we offer a unique opportunity for parents to take an active role in their child's education through our open classrooms and curriculum information sessions.

Open Classrooms: A Window into Learning

Imagine stepping into your child's classroom and experiencing the learning environment firsthand. Our open classrooms initiative allows parents to do just that. It's an invitation to take a peek into the daily routines, teaching techniques, and collaborative activities that shape your child's school day.

Parents are encouraged to join their children for a session first thing in the morning, where they can observe how numeracy skills are taught and applied in real-time. From interactive math games to group problem-solving exercises, these sessions provide valuable insights into the strategies used to foster mathematical proficiency.

Beyond numeracy, parents gain a holistic understanding of classroom dynamics, witnessing the integration of various subjects, the use of technology, and the cultivation of essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Curriculum Information Sessions: Empowering Parents with Knowledge

In addition to open classrooms, our curriculum information sessions serve as a comprehensive guide for parents seeking deeper insights into their child's educational journey. Hosted in the Barbunnin, these sessions bring together parents and our dedicated teaching team to explore the critical elements of the curriculum.

During these sessions, parents are equipped with essential information about the curriculum frameworks, learning objectives, and key milestones their child will encounter throughout the academic year. It's an opportunity to bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring that parents are well-informed and actively involved in supporting their child's educational development.

Our teaching team shares valuable tips, strategies, and resources to help parents facilitate learning at home effectively. Whether it's recommended reading materials, supplementary activities, or ways to reinforce classroom learning, parents leave these sessions empowered with practical tools to enhance their child's educational experience.

Connecting Parents to Learning Opportunities

Beyond the curriculum, our information sessions also highlight exciting new opportunities and initiatives designed to enrich the learning experience of our students. From extracurricular programs to community partnerships, parents gain insight into the diverse array of resources available to support their child's academic and personal growth.

Moreover, these sessions foster a sense of community and collaboration among parents, educators, and school administrators. It's a forum for sharing ideas, addressing concerns, and celebrating the collective achievements of our students and school community.

UPCOMING WORKS ON FURNEAUX GROVE 

Scheduled to commence from March 2024

Please note the following points:

• The works will run through Carrington Gr, necessitating the closure of Carrington Gr at the intersection with Furneaux Gr during the works.
• During the construction period, there will be no through traffic in Carrington Gr.
• Local traffic including access to the school will still be permitted into Carrington Gr.
• Adequate traffic management signs will be placed to guide motorists as per the traffic management plan.
• However, drop off and collection from Carrington Gr will require a U-turn at the end of Carrington Gr to divert back into Orrong Rd.

Given the potential impact on parents, teachers and students, we wanted to advise you early to make the necessary arrangements.

We still have no further information on when the work will start, but we are seeking council information and will update our community.