Wellbeing and Inclusion Update
Supporting Our Families
At Athol Road Primary School, we understand that many families are continuing to feel the impact of rising living costs. We know that balancing household expenses, school costs and everyday life can sometimes be challenging, and we are always looking for ways to support the wellbeing of our students and their families.
The Victorian Government provides a range of programs to help reduce the cost of education for families attending Victorian Government schools. We encourage all families to explore the available support through the Education Cost of Living Support website, which brings together information about the assistance available for families, including help with uniforms, school camps, breakfast clubs, dental care and much more.
Education Cost of Living Support:
www.vic.gov.au/education-cost-of-living-support
At Athol Road Primary School, we are fortunate to be able to offer a number of supports to assist our families, including:
Foodbank Support
Through our partnership with Foodbank Victoria, we are able to provide grocery items to families who may benefit from some additional support. We also have fresh fruit available for students throughout the school day, ensuring they have access to healthy snacks that help keep them energised, focused and ready to learn.
Breakfast Club
Our Breakfast Club, proudly sponsored by Foodbank Victoria, operates Monday to Friday from 8.00 am. Families are welcome to access Breakfast Club before school, whether they are dropping children off before work or would benefit from a nutritious breakfast to start the day. We know that eating breakfast plays an important role in supporting children's concentration, energy levels and readiness to learn.
State Schools' Relief
If your family is experiencing financial pressure, we can confidentially assist with applications to State Schools' Relief. This support may include assistance with school uniforms, footwear and other essential school items. Eligible families may also be able to access OPSM glasses vouchers, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to see clearly and fully participate in their learning.
Additional Support Available
There are a number of other supports available to Victorian Government school students, including:
Free period products available in student toilets.
Smile Squad, providing free dental check-ups and treatment for all Victorian Government school students.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), which assists eligible families with the cost of camps, excursions and sporting activities.
Other financial and wellbeing supports available through the Victorian Government's Education Cost of Living Support website.
If you are ever finding things difficult, or you're unsure whether support may be available, please know that you are not alone. We encourage you to contact Carmel Nigro (Principal) or Rachel Gathercole (Assistant Principal) on (03) 9547 1224. Any conversations will be treated with care, respect and confidentiality. We understand that asking for support can sometimes feel difficult, and we are committed to working alongside families to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate fully in school life.
At Athol Road Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive, regardless of their family's circumstances. If we can help in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Connected, supported, thriving.
Rachel Gathercole
Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Inclusion