The Bolinda Bulletin

Principal's Message

Working Bee

 

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding the Working Bee on Saturday, May 25th, weather permitting, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

 

There are several urgent jobs that we would like to complete, including:

  • Spreading softfall mulch around the playground
  • Filling the potholes in our carpark
  • Spreading rock on the pathways from the carpark to the entrance of the school
  • Replenishing the sand in the sandpit

It doesn't matter if you can spare 3 hours or just 30 minutes, every bit helps.

 

One important thing to note is that as the Working Bee falls under the Volunteer Policy, we do require helpers with Working with Children Checks. Since the event will take place at the school and there may be children present, this is a requirement under the Child Safe Standards.

 

If you are able to help out, please give me a call or email me at jordan.chamerski@education.vic.gov.au.

 

We hope to see you there, working together to make our school an even better place for our children.

 

2025 Prep Information Session

 

We are again running a 2025 Prep Information Session for families who are interested in enrolling their child at Bolinda Primary School next year. I have been running plenty of school tours for prospective Prep families next year and we hope this event will give families all the information that they need. 

 

Soccer Tournament

 

We sent 22 students to the COBAW Soccer Competition last Tuesday in Gisborne. Both teams played with extraordinary heart all day, leaving all their energy out on the field. We continue to be very competitive, but there can only be one winner on the day. While that wasn't our teams this time, we are very proud of their effort. Thank you to everyone involved on the day.

 

Cross Country

Eight of our amazing students represented Bolinda Primary School at the Cross Country event held at Hanging Rock on Tuesday May 7. Despite facing tough competition from schools across the area, our students showed determination, sportsmanship, and outstanding school spirit throughout the day! While they didn't bring home a ribbon this time, we are certainly proud of all of them! Thank you to all the parents for your support and encouragement on the day. 

 

Parents & Friends Association

Our first Parents & Friends Association (PFA) meeting of the year is scheduled for this coming Thursday, May 23rd, at 2:30 pm at school.

 

The PFA is a wonderful opportunity to bring our school community and the wider community together. By organising fun activities for the children and raising funds for the school, we can make a real difference.

 

Everyone is welcome to attend, so please join us if you can! However, if you are unable to make it to the meeting but would still like to be part of the group, please let me know. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, is invaluable to us. We simply cannot do it without your support.

 

Although we don't meet often, this meeting will be focused on planning exciting events for our school throughout the year.

 

Victorian Budget School Saving Bonus

 

The School Saving Bonus provides $400 in support for every child at government schools, and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools.

 

What is the School Saving Bonus?

 

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 includes a $287 million package to deliver the School Saving Bonus. This bonus provides $400 in support for every child at government schools and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools.

 

How will families receive the School Saving Bonus?

  • The bonus will be provided during Term 4 of this year, giving families time to plan and budget for the 2025 school year.
  • Families will receive a credit on their school family account to help meet the cost of activities and uniforms. Cash will not be paid directly to individuals or families.
  • More guidance on implementation will be provided to schools and families in Term 3.

Eligibility

  • The School Saving Bonus is open to parents and carers of every child enrolled in a government school in 2025.
  • For non-government schools, families eligible for the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, including healthcare and concession card holders, will also be eligible for the additional $400 support.
  • If your child attends a government school, you do not need to apply or do anything to receive the School Saving Bonus; the funds will be provided to your child’s school.
  • The application process for non-government schools will be the same as the existing Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.

Other supports

  • The one-off School Saving Bonus will be in addition to existing and continuing means-tested supports for camps, sports, excursions, and uniforms, ensuring that families most in need continue to receive additional support.
  • The application-based Affordable School Uniform program, available through State Schools’ Relief, will continue to be available for 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.

The department is working on the implementation of the School Saving Bonus and will provide more guidance to schools and families in Term 3, 2024.

 

School Microwave

 

We would like to remind you to please send microwave-safe containers for your children's lunches if they need to be heated up. Unfortunately, we are unable to toast sandwiches or boil water for lunches due to the high demand during lunchtime.

 

As you can imagine, it gets quite busy, and we appreciate your attention to providing containers that can be safely microwaved.