Primary News
Easter Raffle
Primary Easter Raffle donations are due back on Monday. The raffle will be drawn on the last day of term during a primary assembly at 1:40. This will also be a Student of the Month assembly for primary. Families are encouraged to attend.
6 PLAY Program Training
Earlier in the term, the Grade 5 and 6 Students completed their PLAY (Positivity, Leadership and Activated Youth) program training. These Student Leaders learnt how to facilitate safe and fun games for other students, including younger students, at school during lunch times and recess throughout the year. The program provides a platform for students to support each other, practice positive values, take responsibility and develop their leadership abilities.
The Lunchtime activities will kick off next term, with our leaders' taking turns in running small group activities and games for our younger students at lunch time. They are all very keen to give it a go!
Grade 4 Students Humanities
Our Grade 4 students have been exploring Rules and Laws in Humanities. Earlier in the term, Claire Galvin came to work with the students. In her role as Diversity and Inclusion Officer for MRCC, she guided the students to understand MRCC’s responsibilities.
The students formed the Merbein Council through a democratic vote, and conducted public meetings to discuss important issues. Over the course of 4 meetings, the councillors carried motions to allow the college uniform to be removed, for the construction of a larger and more inclusive playground equipment at the back of the oval, and to plant more trees for shade. The only motion not carried was for students to only use specific educational apps on the iPads.
At the final meeting, the students were honoured to host Mayor Liam Wood. They gained firsthand insights into civic leadership. Mayor Wood generously answered many questions about his role and vision for Mildura, sparking lively discussions and inspiring future leaders.
Mayor Wood's visit left a lasting impact, empowering our students to embrace civic responsibility and community engagement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Liam Wood for his invaluable contribution to our students' growth and development. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for our community!
Grade 3 Science and Humanities
As part of their Science and Humanities lessons, Year 3 students have been participating in a series of lessons to help in understanding the importance of habitats for plants and animals to encourage them to think and act sustainably when they interact with the environment.
After learning about living things and how they rely on the environment to survive, students looked at lifecycles of animals and how different ecosystems sustain unique animals and plants.
The Amazon Rainforest was investigated, and students identified how human activity and natural events have caused deforestation. The focus shifted to look at our local ecosystems and how some native animals are endangered. Students enjoyed participating in an excursion to the Cowanna Billabong and The Cutaway to see first-hand, the flora and fauna in these areas.
Currently, the students are applying all that they have learned to produce a poster to promote awareness of the conservation status of our local endangered animals
Checking Names on Uniforms
Could parents please make sure you check the names on the uniforms your children are bringing home. We have had a few taking home other students by mistake.
Uniform Policy
A quick reminder regarding our uniform policy – students are required to wear a Merbein P-10 College school t-shirt every day with black pants/shorts/skirts. Patterned or multicoloured shorts/pants/jumpers are not permitted. If students bring additional clothing such as beanies, hats, or dress-ups, they will be asked to remove them and place them in their bags when inside the buildings.
Jumpers
The colder weather is starting to arrive! Many students have come in very chilly the past few mornings. Please locate your child’s school jumper at home and send them to school with it on. If you do not have a school jumper at home, uniforms can be purchased from the main office. Alternatively, send your child to see Miss P who keeps a spare uniform cupboard full of spare/unclaimed jumpers that have been washed and are ready for new owners.
Front Playground After School
The playground at the front of the school, in front of the Green Building, is out-of-action after school for all children. Families, please keep children off of this playground after school. Due to liability concerns, all children will be asked to get off the playground after school.
Uniform
We have a spare uniform storage at school for a range of circumstances – to assist families in need, for students in the event of toileting or food accidents and, particularly in swimming weeks, in the event of lost uniforms. If your child has grown out of their old uniforms and these are still in good condition, please consider donating them. We have plenty of jumpers but are running low on t-shirts, pants, shorts and hats. Please send your child with your donations to Miss P (Carla Piscitelli).
Wellbeing Food Pantry
The college keeps a small amount of non-perishable food on hand for whenever students need it – this is often used when students leave lunchboxes at home or even for those days when they are just extra hungry! With winter coming into season, we are seeing an increase in the demand for this service. Some students have asked whether they can provide donations which is fantastic and is an indication of the wonderful community we have here at Merbein P-10 College. If any families wish to donate some non-perishable snack food (popcorn, jelly cups, muesli bars), send them with your child to give to Miss P or hand in to the primary office with Heather. Thanks!
Naming Articles
Please remember it is very important to name all your children’s property clearly, especially hats and jumpers, bags, drink bottles and lunch containers.
OSHC Program
A reminder to families our OSHC program only operates until 6.00pm each school night.
Please ensure you collect your child/ren by 6.00pm or a late fee of $1.00 per child per minute will be charged.
Dogs on School Grounds
If you are bringing a dog to school at pick-up or drop-off times please make sure it is on a lead and that you wait outside the gate for your child/ren. We have students with allergies and some students that are very nervous around dogs. Thank you.
Before School
Families please be aware that students who arrive at school before 8.40am can go to the Breakfast Club, held in the Canteen from 8.15am. Alternatively, they may sit on the seats at the back of the Green Building until 8.40am. Students are not to play out the front of the Green Building until 8.40am when the front playground is supervised and the doors of the Green Building are opened.
Severe Food Allergies
There are students at the school with severe food allergies. Please remind your child that their food is not to be shared.
School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB) Posters
The expected behaviours for Year P-3 students.
The expected behaviours for Year 4-6 students.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
Cheryll Hodge is our school’s OSHC coordinator and can be contacted on 0428 258035 if you have any queries. Please remember to contact Cheryll if your child/children are booked in and won't be attending.
Blue Book/Library Bags
Reminder that all students need a suitable waterproof bag to put their library and reading books in to take home. Blue book/library bags are for sale at the school uniform shop. Students are to return their diaries, books and bags every day after reading their book at home.