Dear Families,

This week, I was able to show our Department of Education Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL), Anne Gawith, around our school. It was wonderful to do a walk around with her and to be able to showcase the wonderful learning opportunities at Dana Street Primary School. Anne was particularly impressed with our Foundation students who were learning about the difference between to and too. The students were able to not only identify and write the two words, but also use them successfully within a sentence. Well done, Foundation!

Wednesday night, our dedicated 3/4 Teaching Team were online informing our parents about the upcoming camp; the activities planned are amazing, and I am personally very excited about the campfire sing-along. The information session was recorded, and if parents would like to access that, please reach out to your classroom teachers.

AusAlert

We’ve been advised that a national test of AusAlert will happen across Australia on Monday 27 July at 2 pm.

AusAlert is a new, national emergency warning system. It sends warning messages to compatible mobile devices during emergencies, to keep people informed so they can act quickly. The Australian Government plans to launch AusAlert in October 2026.

On Monday 27 July at 2 pm, all compatible mobile devices will receive a Critical Alert. Compatible mobile devices include phones, tablets, smart watches, safety watches and some vehicle devices. These will vibrate and make a loud, siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if they are on silent or do not disturb. The message will clearly state that it is a test. No action is required from the test.

To minimise disruption, student phones and smart devices should always be switched off and stored securely in lockers or bags during the school day. Students who use their mobile phone as part of a documented exception can continue to do so. If appropriate, they can turn their phone off during the test.

You may also wish to let your child know that if they see or hear the alert, school staff will support them. You can learn more at AusAlert: children and teens. Information is also available in other languages.

Safe phones

AusAlert may increase risk for people experiencing violence, especially if they live with someone who uses violence. Alerts may expose safety devices.

If you or someone you know has a hidden device, the best way to stay safe during the test is to:

turn off your mobile device or put it in aeroplane mode
keep your device off or in aeroplane mode for 24 hours.

Silent mode and do not disturb will not stop the alert.

For more information, please refer to the Staying safe with AusAlert page.

Department of Education Reminders

Personal Accident Insurance

The Department (which includes our school) does not have personal accident insurance for students.

If a student is injured at school or while participating in a school activity (including off-site) and requires medical treatment, parents/carers are responsible for all of their child’s medical expenses. This includes transport costs such as ambulance costs (which may include an air ambulance if considered necessary)

Personal Property Insurance

The Department (which includes our school) does not have personal property insurance for staff and/or students.

Items of personal property that are lost, stolen or damaged at school or during school excursions are not the responsibility of Ballarat Primary School - (Dana Street) or the Department. Staff and students are reminded not to bring items of value to school or on school excursions.

Ballarat Primary School - (Dana Street) encourages parents/carers to consider obtaining their own accident insurance for students and property of value that may be brought to school.

Have a great week,

Helen

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