A note from Mr Jackson
School Council Meeting Highlights
Monday 4 May
Our recent School Council Meeting covered a range of important updates about fundraising, facilities, student voice, health and safety, and teaching and learning.
The Council were fortunate to have the Junior School Council Leaders, Clem and Alex, share the latest news on their activities on recent fundraising efforts, including the Easter Bun-raiser, which raised approximately $500. These funds will be donated to State Schools Relief, a charity that supports students and families in need by providing school uniforms. In addition, the Junior School Council is working on defining a school project that will use some of these funds to further support life and learning at Rosanna Primary School.
Clem and Alex highlighted the importance of student voice and shared early insights from a recent school-wide student survey. This data will continue to be explored with the Junior School Council to develop strategies that strengthen student voice across the school.
The Principal’s Report proposed actions to ensure Year 6 students receive their red polo shirts and hoodies in a timely manner in 2027. These actions included the provision of a longer lead time for suppliers with the addition of a small number of polo shirts and the availability of a transfer of the school logo that can be used on red polo shirts purchased from local stores. These measures are designed to keep uniforms affordable and accessible for all families.
Besides the ongoing monitoring of school finances, the Finance Sub Committee approved the request of TheirCare for a 4.2% increase that reflects a range of cost pressures, including:
Alignment with the Commonwealth fee cap
Award wage increases anticipated in July (estimated 3.5%–4.5%)
Significant increases in state-based service licence fees (in some cases more than tenfold)
Rising fuel, energy, and operating costs
Increased compliance and regulatory requirements, including mandatory training and educator registry costs
Ongoing inflationary pressures across the childcare sector
These increases will take effect from 28 July. Charges will move to the following;
Before School Care $32.08
After School Care $39.95
Pupil Free Day $87.38
Holiday Program $87.38
More information will be provided to those who are registered and will be made available later in the term.
The Facilities Sub Group completed a site walkover to review recent maintenance and minor works improvements. These included the finalisation of the accessibility ramps, the levelling and remediation works of Building C and the new carpeting in the northern end of the administration building. Some defects were identified, including issues with the fence line and ramping works on Bellevue Avenue which have since been corrected. The team also noted the quality of the finish in the art room wet area, which will be replaced in mid May.
Plans were shared for the refurbishment of the male and female toilets attached to Chandler Hall, with works expected to be completed by the end of the year. This will be funded through a grant from the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA).
Students and the parent community have played an active role in suggesting ideas for the development of the creative play space on the oval, including the redevelopment of the embankment. It will add another important creative and imaginative play space for students who love to explore their environment. These works are expected to begin in the coming holidays and be completed by the end of the year. This project is primarily funded by a grant from the North East Community Fund.
The school is also preparing for a rolling facilities audit, which occurs every four years. This audit will help identify and prioritise maintenance works.
The Education Sub Committee presented updated Asthma and Anaphylaxis policies to School Council. The Anaphylaxis Policy now recognises the inclusion of additional devices available for delivering adrenaline and the implications this has for staff training. The regular review of these policies provides an important opportunity to evaluate our practice and ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.
A special item saw the introduction of the Draft Teaching and Learning: Instructional Model at Rosanna Primary School. Staff shared the most recent version of the Rosanna Primary School Instructional Model, which outlines our agreed approach to high-quality teaching and learning across the school. Over the coming weeks, key elements of this instructional model will be featured in the school newsletter, helping families understand how we structure learning and support student progress. The Council acknowledged the significant work that has gone into developing and refining this model and emphasised the importance of continuous improvement.
The Canteen Sub Group noted the recent purchase of a safer pie oven as well as identify the fundraising dates that support the function of the canteen.
In more general business, the meeting heard of plans to install enhanced security lights over the sustainability Garden after damage as a result of vandalism occurred earlier in the year.
Birders Learn From an Expert
Wednesday 6 May
The birding and walking clubs collaborated for a birding session at Rosanna Parklands, led by Michael Clark (Emeritus Professor of Zoology at La Trobe University) on Wednesday. Despite limited bird sightings, students learned about bird behaviour, binocular usage, and bird identification, such as distinguishing between male and female magpies. In reflecting on the local birds in our community, Mike described changes to the local bird population, including an increase in parrots and a decline in smaller birds due to habitat loss and an increase in noisy miners. Toby found out that the hardest to find bird that Mike had seen was the endangered black-eared miner. As the 30 birders ventured on their walk, Mike pointed out rainbow lorikeets that were eating insect remains and magpies listening for worms. “It’s not just about collecting a list of birds but also looking at the behaviour of birds,” Mike pointed out. We all finished the lunch time knowing lots more about birds and better at birding.
Respect Takes Centre Stage
Thursday 7 May
Students explored the importance of Respect during our termly celebration. Year 6 and Prep students renewed their buddy connections and together considered not only the significance of the value of respect, but the actions that make the value visible. This week was an important opportunity to look beyond a surface level of understanding and seek to understand how our actions reflect what we value in relationships with people and the world around us.
A Day to Celebrate the Role of Mothers and all Special Carers
Friday 8 May
Thanks to all who gathered and staffed the annual FORPS Mother’s and Special Others Day Stall. Students from Prep through to Year 6 enjoyed carefully selecting a special item for their loved one. We all hope that the weekend is full of laughter, surprises and valuing of each other.
Whole School Photo Day
Wednesday 27 May
We are looking forward to taking all our photos and snapping some memories of 2026! It is always a fun time to capture a fleeting moment that lasts forever.
We have been asked by our photographers to identify any students who do not wish to be included in school photos. There might be a large range of reasons this might be the case and we wanted to provide parents with an opportunity to withdraw your child from the experience. If this is the case, please contact Ally at the office or email her at rosanna.ps@education.vic.gov.au before the end of next week.