Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
School Dates for 2024 – 2026: Please find the dates for the Victorian School Holidays for the next few years to help plan for family holidays. Please note the dates for 2026 have changed since I published these last year due to the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
2024 | 31st January – 28th March (Preps 1st February) | 15th April – 28th June | 15th July – 20 September | 7th October – 20 December |
2025 | 30th January – 4th April | 22nd April – 4th July | 21st July – 19th September | 6th October – 19th December |
2026 | 29th January – 2nd April | 20th April – 26th June | 13th July – 18th September | 5th October – 18th December |
Please note, apart from 2024, the actual start date may change to a day earlier or later depending on the curriculum days being approved by School Council. The 2024 start dates were approved at the last school council meeting and are set.
LOTE for 2024: At the last school council meeting, a motion was passed to change the LOTE taught in 2024 to Auslan, after extensive consultation of families, students and staff. This will be taught by the classroom teacher, with music being introduced from 2024. We look forward to sharing our learnings with our community. If you have any friends or family that know sign language, we would be happy to welcome them as a one off or regular guest speaker at assembly, please let me know.
Survey Results | Chinese | Auslan |
Student Survey 20 out of 24 classes | 33% | 67% |
Parent/Carer Survey – 68 respondents | 25.8% | 74.2% |
Staff Survey – 51 respondents | 2% | 98% |
Sun Smart Policy: Due to the high UV ratings from late August to early April, it is a government requirement to have students and staff wear hats whilst outside during these times. Term 4 and Term 1 is wearing a hat is compulsory. We need your help with this as we are finding at least 1/3 of students do not have a hat and are refusing to move to a shaded area when directed by an adult. This year has been particularly difficult, with some students swearing at adults when they have been asked to move into the shaded areas. We are fortunate to have many shaded areas around the school, included a playground available for all year levels. Please provide your child with a hat, ensure it is named, so that if it gets lost it can be easily returned to its owner.
Prep Enrolments for 2024: If you have a child in preschool, or is turning 5 before 30th April 2022, we are accepting enrolments for Prep 2024. Please call the office for details and to book an appointment with a member of the Principal Class team. If you have family or friends with children who should start school next year, please encourage them to contact the school for a Prep Enrolment Pack and a tour. The 2023 Prep Transition Program will commence in November. If they are enrolled by then they will be invited to be part of this wonderful experience.
Prep Transition Program: The 2024 Prep Transition Program will commence next month. All families with children enrolled to start Prep in 2024 will receive an invitation in the near future if they have enrolled. The dates are:
- Tuesday 21st November 10:00am – 10:50am
- Tuesday 28th November 10:00am – 10:50am
- Tuesday 5th December 10:00am – 10:50am
- Tuesday 12th December 9:30am – 10:45am. (Children will meet their teacher for 2024 on this day)
Whilst these sessions are occurring for the children, parents are encouraged to stay on-site and hear about the wonderful programs our school has to offer, as well as how to help prepare your child for their first year of school. These session will also have guest speakers such as the School Nursing Service, our Out of Home Care service and much more. We look forward to meeting you and your child during these sessions.
2024 Plans: We will be beginning the process of forming new class grouping for 2024 during Term 4. In order to know how many classes, we will need please contact the office to let us know if you know your child will not be returning in 2024 for any reason so we can plan accordingly. If you are unsure of the new school that is okay, we do not need to know that information now. This is also important because your child might be the allocated person for another child in their 2024 class and if they are not attending, their friend may find themselves without a buddy in their class in 2024.
Year 6/7 Orientation Day: On Tuesday 12th December, all year 6 students attending a government school in Year 7 will participate in the statewide Year 7 Orientation Day. However, some students may need additional time to help them feel ready for secondary school. If you feel your child needs additional support, please speak to your child’s teacher and we will arrange additional visits.
High Levels of Learning for All
Michelle Costa
Principal
