Dear Students, Parents, Carers and Families

I trust that everyone had a great festive season and New Year and had the opportunity to holiday, relax and recharge!

Welcome to the New School Year!

A warm welcome to all our students, staff, and families as we kick off another exciting school year! Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our school community. In particular, I wish to welcome our new Foundation students and their families who embark on their primary school education. We trust your stay with us will be a long and joyful one.

We are committed to supporting every student in reaching their full potential and helping them feel confident, cared for, and inspired. Our teachers are excited to get to know each of you and create a positive, nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. Please book a time to meet your child's teacher for the "Getting to Know You" Parent Teacher Interviews on 11th and 12th February. Bookings can be made via Compass. These 10 minute meetings are an excellent opportunity for you to share important information regarding your child, information that will help the classroom teacher best support them to ensure that they can succeed in 2025. As it is very early in the year, the teacher will be able to provide information on how your child has settled into their class. A comprehensive written report and interview regarding academic and social progress will be offered mid-year.

We also welcome our new staff for 2025 to the Maramba community and know that they will bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to supporting our students’ growth and success. Welcome Mrs Foord, Ms Kristalyn, Mrs Whyte, Ms Janzerli, Mr Wilson and Ms Ekhlas.

School Uniform and Sports Tops

Students are expected to arrive at school in full and correct uniform, including black shoes. Additionally, as part of our SunSmart practices, all students must wear a broad-brimmed hat this term.

Beleza School wear is our uniform supplier. You can purchase uniform items through their website at https://beleza.com.au/online-store/or in-store at 7/151-159 cnr. Princes Highway and Wedgewood Road, Hallam Ph: 9702 3181

Our Friends of Maramba parent volunteers also run the second hand uniform shop at different times during the year. Please keep an eye out for communication via the school newsletter or Compass about times/dates.

The Maramba special sports tops can be worn on days that students have their Physical Education class as well as on the Fridays that they have House Sports activities. The sports uniform can be purchased from Aussie Custom Apparel following this link: https://www.aussiecustomapparel.com.au/product/maramba-primary-school-house-sports-shirts/

Aboriginal language has been used to name our Maramba houses because we understand that Aboriginal people have a strong connection to country. We chose words with meanings linked to country for our House names.

House Name

House Totem

Morack = Hill

Biik = Land

Warrain = Coast/Ocean/The Sea

Woorwoo (war-a-woo) = Sky

Bemin (bee-min) Ringtail Possum

Djimbang’gurr Eastern Grey Kangaroo

Gumbak Fish

Waa Crow (The Protector)

School Timings

Our school day runs from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm, with staff supervision on school grounds from 8:35 am to 3:25 pm. Outside of these hours, staff are not available for supervision as they are often engaged in meetings.

If your child needs to be dropped off before 8:35 am or picked up after 3:25 pm, please use our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service.

We appreciate all families who follow these guidelines. For more information on our OSHC services, please feel free to contact the school. Thank you!

Mobile Phone Policy

At Maramba Primary School, mobile phones and devices with similar functions, such as smartwatches, are not to be used during school hours, including lunch and recess, unless an exception has been granted.

Students are encouraged not to bring mobile phones to school unless absolutely necessary. If a phone is brought, it must be handed in for secure storage at the school office or with the classroom teacher. Secure storage means it cannot be accessed without permission. Phones will be kept in a lockable space at the office.

Students who use mobile phones inappropriately will face consequences in line with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy. Thank you for your cooperation.

House Sports and Assembly Dates

House Sports dates

Friday 14th Feb

Friday 28th Feb

Friday 14th March

Friday 28th March

Next Assembly

6th February at 9:00am - no student awards

As always, Term 1 offers a number of highlights with ‘Getting To Know You’ interviews, excursions/incursions, School Swimming Trials, Foundation Family Fun Morning, Year 1 Picnic, Harmony Day, Junior School Council Elections, School Council Elections, Cross Country, Colour Run and more.

We encourage you to keep informed by reading the weekly newsletter, bookmarking and frequently visiting Compass and the school’s Instagram page and asking any questions if still in doubt by contacting the General Office on 03 9796 7150.

We look forward to working together to ensure a fantastic year ahead!

Kind regards,

Moniba Ehsan and Stephanie Sharp

Principal and Assistant Principal

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the Students and Staff who will celebrate their birthdays last, this week and over the holidays.