Acting Principal

Mr Chris Grimmer

Prep - 10 All Back Onsite!

It was wonderful to have all of our students back onsite and into classrooms this week. Our primary students made a terrific start last week and now our Years 7-10 are getting back into the swing of things this week. After such a long time in remote learning it’s extremely important that we focus heavily on reinforcing the importance of our college values and expectations. When there are over 800 students and staff working together it’s vital that mutual respect, tolerance, resilience and collaboration are on display at all times. This term we are heavily focused on student and staff wellbeing, catching up and extending learning and importantly re-connecting with each other to strengthen our relationships. This relies on great partnerships between home and school, so hopefully we can continue to work strongly together to support our students as they transition back from the remote learning format. 

We have really appreciated the wonderful support from our families over this latest remote learning period and I know this will continue throughout a very busy Term 4.

Student Free Days in Term 4

This year Merbein P-10 College Council had allocated two student free days but unfortunately due to COVID-19 we have had to cancel our presenters and not proceed with the days. As a result the following new dates have been allocated for our student free days in Term 4.

• Monday November 2nd (the day before Melbourne Cup Day) – Staff will be undertaking professional learning in rotating groups on this day, focussing on literacy intervention, instructional model & the integration of technology within our teaching & learning programs.
• Thursday December 17 & 18th (final two days of the school year) – Rather than having further disruptions to learning in Term 4 we felt that this will be the least disruptive to our families but also allow staff to complete planning for 2021 – the focus of these days will be data analysis & 2021 organisation and planning.

Assistant Principal Appointment

Just prior to the end of Remote Learning 2.0 the Assistant Principal – Wellbeing & Engagement position at the college was advertised state wide. Mr Rob Morgan was appointed to this position which will begin formally from the start of 2021. As you would be aware Mr Morgan has been fulfilling this role in an acting capacity for some time following Mr Greg Rhodes retirement. I would like to congratulate Rob and look forward to his leadership around student wellbeing, School Wide Positive Behaviours, student voice & student leadership across the college over the coming years. 

Road Works in Channel Rd & Park Street

Due to road works in Channel Road/Park Street, access to the college will be impacted for several weeks. Parking and student drop off in Park Street should be avoided and buses will not be able to drop off and pick up from the normal bus stop in Park Street. Mr Morgan has informed students of the changes via Compass, and families should be aware that buses will be stopping on Commercial Street in the morning and afternoon until the road works are completed. Unfortunately this work was planned for September but was delayed, so at this stage it will impact the college until around mid November.

Public Holiday Reminder - Friday 23rd October

A reminder to families that next Friday 23rd October is a public holiday in Victoria. No students or staff will be onsite that day. This is the day before the AFL Grand Final and replaces the original public holiday that was planned for September.

Thunderstorm Asthma Season

Grass pollen season occurs between October and December. Parents are reminded of an increased risk of seasonal asthma, hay fever and epidemic thunderstorm asthma during this time.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are triggered by an uncommon combination of high grass pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm, resulting in large numbers of people developing asthma symptoms over a short period of time.

People with a history of asthma, undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are at an increased risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma during this time. Having both hay fever and asthma that are poorly managed increases the risk further.

More than ever before, this year it’s important for staff and students to manage any hay fever or asthma symptoms, as these conditions can produce symptoms that are similar to coronavirus (COVID-19) such as runny nose, cough or shortness of breath.

Don’t assume symptoms are due to hay fever or asthma.

If your child is experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss or change of sense of smell or taste, that are different in any way to their usual hay fever or asthma symptoms, they should self-isolate immediately and test for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The best way to reduce and prevent symptoms of asthma or hay fever and reduce unnecessary absences from school is to follow an up-to-date asthma action plan or hay fever treatment plan. Please ensure your child’s plan is up to date and a copy supplied to the college.