A note from Mr Jackson

Emergency Drill
Wednesday 18 July
This week students and teachers rehearsed a lockdown drill as part of the termly emergency management planning responsibilities. Students quickly settled into the expectations of a lockdown. We're grateful to all who led students through this process.
Three Way Conferences
Thursday 24 July & Wednesday 30 July
Three Way Conferences are held early in Term 3. Three-way student-parent-teacher conferences are valuable because they create a collaborative environment where all three parties can discuss a student's progress, set goals, and work together to support the student's learning and wellbeing. This approach fosters a stronger partnership between home and school, empowering students to take ownership of their learning, and provides a platform for open communication and shared understanding.
Two initial dates have been set aside as we begin to structure afternoons for conferences to take place. The two dates that have been penciled in are Thursday 24 July and Wednesday 30 July. More information on how you can book an interview will be published in the coming weeks, prior to the end of term.
School Council Meeting Monday 16
School Council met on Monday evening and discussed a range of issues and heard reports from different sub committees. Some of the central themes from the meeting included…
a. Insurances
The School Council discussed insurances and noted that the Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents/carers 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.
In some circumstances, medical or other, expenses will be paid by the Department where it is assessed that it is likely that the Department is liable for negligent acts or omissions of its staff or volunteers. Parents may choose to engage in private insurance. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to look into their preferred options in this regard. The Department cannot provide advice to parents/carers on the purchase of individual student accident policy or ambulance cover.
Private property brought to school by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage.
This can include mobile phones, calculators, toys, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. As the Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property, students and staff are discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school.
b. Campsite Confirmation in 2026
The School Council confirmed the venues and dates for the two camps in 2026. The 5/6 Camp has been scheduled for 12 - 14 August and will be held at Anglesea. This will see the 5/6 Camp experience include a ‘bush experience’ one year, followed by a ‘sea experience’ the year after. 3/4 students will venture to Candlebark Farm near Healesville from 26 - 28 August. This will provide a safe and gentle step into independence. Both camps are scheduled for Term 3.
c. Besen Theatre
The meeting further discussed last month’s decision to relocate the concert held every second year to Besen Theatre. The council reaffirmed the decision to engage the Besen Theatre as a function venue and not as an endorsement of any political, religious, or ideological position. As a government school, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to remain inclusive, impartial, and focused solely on the educational and developmental needs of students.
d. Facilities Update
The Facilities Committee reported on a range of actions that continue to maintain and upgrade the site. The recent working Bee saw the construction of two cubby houses, the clearing of drains, blowing of the yard and refreshing of mulch above the prep amphitheater. The installation of accessible ramps will be managed and overseen by the VSBA. While the painting of the canteen, Chandler Hall and the music room took longer than expected, the end result has been a refreshed space. Further Capital Works Grants are being considered for an upgrade of the student toilets connected to the Chandler Hall.
e. FORPS
FORPS reported on the Election BBQ and the Mother’s Day and Special Others Stall. They shared plans for upcoming activities and the progress of the School Fair.
REMINDER: ICAS Assessments (Years 2-6)
A separate ICAS Compass post explains everything you need to know about participating in these standardised assessments in the areas of Science, Mathematics, English and Writing. These tests are not compulsory, they are simply an opportunity for students to challenge and extend themselves.
The scheduled window for the ICAS Assessments at Rosanna Primary is:
- Writing (4-8 August)
- English (11-15 August)
- Science (18-22 August)
- Mathematics (25-29 August)
Planning Week Next Week
As noted previously, next week teachers will be focused on evaluating the teaching and learning experiences of this term and planning for the coming term. Specific planning days for the coming week are;
- 34 Learning Area - Monday
- 12 Learning Area - Tuesday
- Prep Learning Area - Wednesday
- 56 Learning - Thursday
Specialist teachers, as well as some casual staff will support student learning over these days.