From The Principals

Hello VPS&K Families! Can you believe we are already half way through Term 1? Those first 5 weeks have gone past so quickly, and we are now well and truly into the swing of things. Our Foundation students are about to start their first full week of school next week, and they have been showing us all just how ready they are! It was great to see so many of our Foundation students and their families at the Foundation Welcome BBQ last week, and this week, our Year 1-3 families at our 'Big Play Date' event after school on Thursday. This is a great opportunity for families to connect and build friendships, as well as students. Thank you to the teachers who organised these events, and to all members of the community who came along. 

Parking

I know this appears in almost every newsletter, but again, we urge families to please take note of parking sign and road rules when driving around our school. Sadly, there are still many drivers who are totally ignoring road rules, parking illegally and causing dangerous situations on the road. This week, council inspectors have been present, and unfortunately having to issue many fines. The parking limitations at the Vermont Oval seem to be easing, so please make use of this parking area if you need to. 

Also, we remind everyone that the staff car park off Nurlendi Road is strictly for staff members only. There are a number of parents using this as a drop off / pick up spot which is not permitted. It is also not safe to direct your child to enter via this driveway. There are stairs just to the right of the driveway that provide a safe entrance for students and adults. We seek your assistance in this matter. 

Colour Run

A huge thank you to those people who have already signed up online and created a fundraising profile for our Colour Run. We are so looking forward to this event, and to hopefully raising some more funds to go toward restoring the stadium flooring. Remember you can log on at Best Fundraising Ideas in Australia | Australian Fundraising  and create a profile for your child. 

Just a reminder that all children will have the opportunity to participate in the Colour Run if they wish to, it is not dependent on if you are fundraising or not. If you would like to help out with the Colour Run organisation or helping on the day, please come along to the next Community Network meeting next Friday, 8th of March in the staffroom at 9am. 

School Council

We thank all those members of the school community who cast their vote in the School Council election this week, and of course thank the parents who nominated for a position on the council. The results of the election will be finalised today and published to the community next week. 

NAPLAN Assessment 

A reminder that the students in Years 3 and 5 will be involved in the NAPLAN assessment this year. If you are unaware of NAPLAN, it involves assessments in literacy and numeracy. It is a National assessment that the students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. This year, the assessments will be held from the 13th of March through to the 22nd March. Please click on the link below for further information.  Further details will follow closer to the date.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Please make a note on your calendar. The parent/teacher interviews are being held on:

• Monday 18th March 2024 from 3:45pm
• Tuesday 19th March 2024 from 3:45pm

Further details about how to book will be sent via COMPASS next week. 

Lost Property

Please read a note from Mrs Jenkin who looks after our lost property below,

At the moment, our Lost Property bin in the North Building is overflowing and the number of jumpers and hats are multiplying daily.

There was a thorough audit of the lost property area today. Unfortunately, only 21 articles could be returned to their owners. Those articles were clearly named, so thank you very much.

There are another lonely 8 jumpers and 4 hats waiting for their owners to claim them still in lost property. The bin is overflowing. The main reason articles are unable to be returned are:

1) No names.

2) Names have washed off.

3) Jumpers handed on when person has left the school and haven’t been renamed, and

4) Items bought through the second-hand uniform have not been renamed.

Thus, it makes it very difficult for the people sorting out lost property, to return it to the rightful owners and really clogs up the area making it very untidy.

With the changeable weather, a lot more jumpers are going to find their way to lost property over the coming weeks. Please check your children’s clothing to make sure they have their name clearly named and therefore can be returned.

News of a fundraiser opportunity of a past student

We are always very happy to hear about our past students. One of these is Kaylee who is in Year 7 this year (big sister of current student Jacob). She has been growing her hair for the past four years aiming to raise money for 'wigs 4 kids'.  Not only will her hair be used for a wig, this cause will allow Kids with Cancer Foundation to continue their financial support of families who have a child suffering from cancer.

If you would like to find out more about this cause or donate to this amazing fundraising effort by Kaylee, the link is below:  

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/kayleetrewarn/wigs-4-kids

Well done Kaylee!

Have a great weekend,

Jess, Joy & Jacc