Principal's Report
Congratulations to all our senior student leaders who, on Monday, accepted their 2024 leadership badges. These are to be looked after and worn with pride!
Attendance
The Department of Education is currently looking very closely at each student’s attendance. All Principals receive a report every 2 weeks about students who are having too much time off school. I must be able to explain to the Department why this is so. What this means for you (parents and carers) is you MUST give a reason for your child’s absence. If they are sick, keep them home but please let us know via SENTRAL.
Remember, the attendance patterns children show in the early years of schooling indicate the students most likely to show poor attendance at secondary school. These patterns stay with us throughout life too, so it is best to develop good attendance early in your child’s schooling.
Missing 15 days per year, each year equates to an entire year off school by the time a child has finished their schooling.
After the Storm…..
Thanks to all those who followed instructions during the storm last week. A special shout out to Nick Riley for returning with his chainsaw to clean up the basketball court!
The tree has now been removed from the roof of the Maths Problem Solving portable and the bent shade sail fixed. Unfortunately, we still need to wait for the portable to be assessed for safety as to if/when we can use it again. In the meantime, Maths Problem Solving classes with Mr Jellie are being held in the students’ classrooms.
First Aid
It has been terrific having St John’s at our school this week teaching all of our students about first aid. We believe this is such an important thing to do for all children whether in Prep or Year 6. Any bit of knowledge or skill in this area could be vital.
Personal Property
Principals have been requested by DET to remind staff members, students and parents/guardians that “personal property brought onto school premises is done so with the knowledge that DET insurances will not cover any loss or damage to such property, therefore staff members, students, parents/guardians are discouraged from bringing unnecessary or particular valuable items to school.”
We request students do not bring expensive items and toys to school to use during their breaks. We cannot guarantee these items will not be damaged or lost.
Parents are reminded that the Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance or transport as well as any other transport costs.
A Reminder….
The Health and Wellbeing Centre is not to be used for pick up or drop off. This is for their clients only.
PEP meetings
Personal Education Plan meetings being next week (27th Feb) and is a perfect opportunity to meet the teacher and discuss some learning goals specific to your child. Please ensure you book an appointment through SENTRAL.
COVID-19
There is at present an increase in community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria.
You can help us keep our school as safe as possible by taking 2 important steps:
- Ensure your COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. Information on how and where to get vaccinated is available on the Get vaccinated webpage.
- If your child shows symptoms of COVID-19, please ensure they stay home and get tested. The easiest way to test is to use a rapid antigen test (RAT).
You can buy RATs at supermarkets, pharmacies and other retailers.
If your child has symptoms but tests negative, please ensure they stay home until they no longer have symptoms. If the RAT test result is positive, please ensure they say home for at least 5 days and until there are no more symptoms.
Thank you for your support – these steps will help us all stay well.
Have a great fortnight,
Mark Moorhouse
Principal