A Message From Anna
Toilets Update
Our toilet refurbishment is progressing beautifully, and we're getting closer to being able to unveil our wonderful new facilities. We estimate that students will be able to begin using the new toilets on Friday 27th November; just in time for Election Day.
The tiling is almost complete, the new skylights have been installed, and the toilets and individual urinals are next on the installation list. It's exciting to see everything coming together, and the spaces are already looking so much brighter, fresher and more welcoming.
Things are certainly looking (and smelling!) great!
We know the temporary arrangements have required some patience and flexibility from our students and staff, and we thank everyone for their understanding throughout the works.
Swimming Program – An Essential Part of Learning
Our school swimming program is an important part of the Victorian Curriculum and plays a vital role in helping children develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe in and around water.
In Australia, where swimming pools, beaches, rivers and other waterways are such a significant part of our lifestyle, water safety is particularly important. Tragically, drowning continues to be a leading cause of accidental death, and developing strong swimming and water safety skills from a young age can be lifesaving.
As swimming and water safety education is a mandated component of the Victorian Curriculum, our expectation is that all students participate in our school swimming program.
We understand that some families may feel their children are already confident swimmers, particularly if they attend swimming lessons outside of school. Others may have children who feel anxious or reluctant about participating. However, our school swimming program is about much more than learning to swim laps. Students develop important survival and water safety skills, including understanding risks, responding to emergencies, floating, treading water and making safe decisions in aquatic environments. These are skills that benefit all students, regardless of their swimming ability or previous experience.
Swimming lessons also provide valuable opportunities for children to build confidence, resilience and independence while learning alongside their peers.
We encourage families to discuss any concerns with us so that we can work together to support students to participate successfully.
Families who wish to opt their child out of the swimming program are asked to email the school, addressed to the attention of the Principal, outlining the reasons for their decision. This will allow us to understand any concerns and discuss appropriate options or adjustments where necessary.
Our priority is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop these essential, potentially lifesaving skills.
Student Supervision Before and After School
The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our highest priority, and we ask families to support us by ensuring children are appropriately supervised before and after school.
Before School – Supervision Begins at 8.45am
Staff supervision in the schoolyard begins at 8.45am each morning. Students arriving before this time must remain with a parent or responsible carer until supervision commences. Children should not be dropped off or left unattended in the schoolyard before 8.45am, as staff are not available to supervise them during this time.
After School – Collection at 3.30pm
Our school day finishes at 3.30pm, and we ask families to make arrangements to collect their children promptly at this time. Teachers supervise the front and back gates after school, with supervision concluding by 3.45pm at the latest. This additional supervision time is intended to support students as they leave the school grounds, rather than being an extended collection window.
We ask families to aim for collection at 3.30pm, rather than routinely arriving at 3.45pm. Many of our teachers have professional meetings, planning commitments and other responsibilities immediately following dismissal, and prompt collection allows them to fulfil these obligations.
Students should be collected by a parent or responsible adult unless families have determined that their child is sufficiently mature and capable of travelling home independently, whether by walking or catching public transport.
TheirCare – Before and After School Care
We understand that work and family commitments can sometimes make school drop-off and collection times challenging. Our onsite Outside School Hours Care provider, TheirCare, offers before and after school care in a safe, supervised environment. Eligible families may also access the Australian Government's Child Care Subsidy, significantly reducing the cost of care.
If you are unable to supervise your child before 8.45am or collect them at 3.30pm, we strongly encourage you to make use of this service.
Thank you to all our families for your cooperation and for working with us to ensure that every student is safe, supported and appropriately supervised throughout the school day.
Anna Johnstone
Principal