Assistant Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back!
A few reminders to start our Term 4 off to a great start...
HATS:
SunSmart Reminder – Hats On!
As part of our SunSmart policy, all students are required to wear their black school hat whenever they are outside during Terms 1 and 4 (from 1st September to the end of April).
To help keep everyone safe in the sun, our “Hat on your Head or COLA Instead ” rule will be in place. Students without a hat will be directed to the COLA at recess and lunch.
Please ensure your child’s hat is clearly named and labelled so it can be returned if it's misplaced. We kindly remind families that spare hats are not available, so students need to bring their own hat each day. Please help us promote sun safety and responsibility among our students.
DIVISION ATHLETICS:
Congratulations to the students who represented the school at the recent Division Athletics. We had some amazing results from our super athletes. Making this level of competition is an achievement in itself! Well done.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT PICK-UP:
It's important to communicate clearly with your children about where and when you'll pick them up after school. While staff are on duty until 3:45 pm, please remember that school finishes at 3:30 pm, and it is the parents' responsibility to collect their children at that time.
Recently, we've noticed students being left at school due to miscommunication or confusion about the designated pick-up spot. We understand that balancing work, family, and other commitments can be tough, but we encourage you to communicate clearly with your children or others about pick-up arrangements.
We kindly ask that you enrol your child in TeamKids to avoid these situations. Enrolment is free (even if you never use the service), and if something unexpected comes up and you can't pick up your child or you're running late, you can easily book them in for after-school care. This way, your children will be safe, fed and looked after.
Your cooperation in this matter helps us ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students.
Please enrol your child in the program as a precaution.
CYBER SAFETY:
https://www.vic.gov.au/safe-socials-parents-and-carers-primary
Social media safety -
Parents and carers play an important role in helping their children stay safe online and on social media. You can support your children to safely explore their digital world and teach them to avoid risky online experiences. You can look at websites, games, apps and social media together, and set some rules and boundaries.
Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and the confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about online safety.
The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident.
The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe happens online, and where to reach out to for more support.
To access the fact sheets, refer to the Safe Socials webpage.
The fact sheets are available in 19 community languages.
CAMP
To our Year 3 Campers, our students will have an incredible time away next week forming new friendships, taking on new and exciting challenges, and creating fun memories. While they will enjoy these experiences, parents can take comfort in knowing their children are growing in independence and confidence. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself, knowing they are having fun, building new skills and learning in a supportive environment. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures in the next Buzz.
THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA - BE PREPARED THIS POLLEN SEASON
Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life-threatening.
Our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.
During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:
- If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
- If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters. For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
Schools must obtain written authority for all medication to be administered by the school. To administer medication at school, we require a Medication Authority Form signed by the student’s health practitioner or parent. Forms are available from the office.
Information Required:
Appropriate storage and administration directions. Medication should be in the original container with the original label, including the name of the student, information on dosage, and times it is prescribed to be administered. Medication should be within its expiry date.
Unfortunately, we cannot administer any medication (including over-the-counter medications such as eye drops, hay fever tablets, or Panadol) unless this signed form is returned to the school.
Take care,
Teri and Edwina