General
News
Bus Arrangements for Last Day of Term
Please see attached letter from CDC regarding the bus arrangements for the last day of term 2.
The Wentworth bus will operate on the normal pick up time of 3:05pm from the school.
On Friday, 28th June, the school day for students will end at 2:15pm
Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Merbein P-10 College! It will arrive on Monday 29th of July, and be here until Tuesday 6th of August. Stay tuned for times and dates that you can drop in and browse the range of stunning children’s books. Keep an eye out for your child’s invitation in the coming weeks.
School Uniforms
The Purpose of the College Uniform is:
- To foster collective and individual pride in the College
- To create a sense of identification with the College
- To enhance individual student safety and group security
- To engender self-discipline
- To create a sense of equality amongst the students
- To promote a positive image of our school in the community.
It has been great that most of our students come to school wearing the correct uniform every day with pride. It is an expectation that students are in full uniform and when this is not possible, a parent needs to provide a letter/message with an explanation of why, and when their child will be back in full uniform.
A reminder that only plain white or plain black shirts/jumpers are able to be worn under the school polo top or shirt, NOT HOODIES. Parents may be contacted by the school when there is an ongoing issue to try to rectify the concern. It would be great if families could ensure students are able to come to school in the correct uniform. Your support with this is much appreciated.
The official school uniform includes:
- Wearing plain black bottoms with:
- No meshing or transparent parts
- Minimal branding (eg. a small, discreet logo)
- Wearing official College upper-wear including:
- Official Primary or Secondary jackets
- Polar fleece jumpers
- Knit jumpers (secondary)
- Year 10 Rugby Tops
Parent Payment Schedule
Attached is a copy of the Parent Payment Schedule and requisites for 2024
Supervision of Students in the Yard
Yard duty teachers from the Secondary area are on yard duty from 8.20 am, and the Primary area from 8.40am before school and until the final bus departs in the bus area at 4 pm after school. During recess and lunch, teachers from both Primary and Secondary sections are on duty to ensure students are in the appropriate areas and are participating safely in activities. Please ensure students do not arrive at school before 8:15am unless they are travelling on one of the early school buses, as they are not supervised in the yard. Any students who arrive prior to supervision starting will be directed to sit in the cafeteria.
Every Day Counts
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.
Why it’s important?
We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.
If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school.
There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.
Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in academic and social development.
What we can do?
The main reasons for absence are:
Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and setting good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference.
It's encouraged that family holidays are planned during school breaks where possible, and not during the term if it can be avoided.
Day off” – Think twice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts. “
Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school, speak with your classroom teacher and let the school know as early as possible.
Being away from school for 1 day a fortnight equals missing 1.5 years over 13 years of school
Top attendance tips for parents
- The school want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting the school and asking for advice and support
- Remember that every day counts
- There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
- Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
- Open and prompt communication with your child’s school about all absences is a good idea
- Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term
If your child is going to be absent, it is important this is communicated to the school via Compass or calling on 50252501
Updating Details
Have you changed your address or phone number in the past three months or has your family situation changed? If so it is important that you pass on your new details to the school. Please contact the school office between 8am and 4.30pm school days or email merbein.p10@education.vic.gov.au
Canteen Prices
Secondary
Primary
Uniform Shop
School uniforms can be purchased from the school’s main office between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm during the school week. If these hours are inconvenient for you, please ring the school to make an alternate arrangement.
School Bank Account
BSB - 633 000
Bank Acc Number – 176208320
Account Name - Merbein P-10 College Official Account
Breakfast Club
The Merbein & District Community Bank is financially supporting the Breakfast Program. Foodbank Victoria also supports the breakfast program with donations of food. The following organisations provide volunteers to assist with the program when COVID-19 restrictions allow; the Board & Staff of the Merbein & District Community Bank, Merbein Development Association, Merbein Lions Club, and Merbein Uniting Church. Merbein P-10 College parents are also welcome and encouraged to volunteer. The Breakfast Program is held in the school cafeteria. All students are welcome to come along between 8.15am and 8.45am each morning if they would like a FREE tasty breakfast to kick-start their day's learning.
Student Absences
If your child is away from school, please notify the school before 9.30am. The preferred method to notify of absences is via the compass portal or by phone or sending an email to the following email address: heather.collihole@education.vic.gov.au
An automated text message will be sent to your phone if your child is not at school and the school has not been notified.