Principal’s News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mums, Grandmothers and other important women in our children's lives.  I wish you all a day filled with love, laughter and kindness.  Thanks to everyone who joined us for our celebration yesterday.  This was a lovely gathering and the children were so excited to have their mums and other special people there.

I would also like to than Scott DeBoer for organising the beautiful bunches of tulips for the guests of honour.  Scott has generously donated flowers on many occasions and they have been greatly appreciated by those who have received them.

Child Safety

Thanks to Parents and Carers for all they are doing to support us in ensuring the safety of our children while they are at school.  One way we do this is by requiring all visitors to sign in whenever they enter the school.  This is a requirement of Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. If we do not follow this requirement, we are non-complient and run the risk of deregistration.

Parents and Carers are asked to ensure that they call past the office and sign in, especially when attending meetings, visiting classrooms and helping out with school events. Parents are not required to sign in when picking up or dropping off their children.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Early Years Education (MACS eye)

 Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

I had a meeting with the Area Manager for our OSHC Provider, MACS eye earlier this week.  I sort clarification about payment for the service.  MACS eye will only charge families for the difference between the cost of OSHC sessions and the subsidy parents receive from the government.  Some parents were under the impression they had to pay the full amount then claim this back from Centre Link.  Once the paperwork has been filled in by families, MACS eye claim this back on behalf of the families.  I have asked MACS eye for some direct communication to the community about this.  I will forward you a copy once it arrives.

Supervision Before and After School

Supervision of the children at school commences at 8:30am.  Prior to this time, teachers and other staff are engaged in meetings and classroom preparations.  Children dropped at school prior to this time are being left unsupervised by their parents, without anyone to help if an unsafe situation arises or a dispute occurs between children.  

Supervision in the afternoon runs from 3:00pm to 3:15pm.  If parents are detained and will be running late, don't panic.  Your children are completely safe with us.  We are very happy, on the odd occasion, to look after them at the office until parents arrive.  If you know you are running a little late, please call the office and we can then reassure your child that you are on the way.

If parents need to drop their children to school early in the morning or pick them up after supervision finishes, I would encourage them to consider enrolling them in OSHC.  The MACS eye staff are great and the kids absolutely love going.  Knowing they are in a safe and supervised environment will give you peace of mind.

Best wishes for the week ahead,

Nick.