Last week's Swimming Carnival was a great success, thanks to the support of our community. Our sincere thanks to everyone who assisted on the day as we couldn't have done it without you! A big shout out to Jim for the many hours spent inputting data on the timing system and to Nicole and staff for their organisation and support. These events are always a massive undertaking and we really appreciate the effort and time given.

Congratulations to all participating students on their achievement and participation in the day's events. While Mitta Red took out a convincing win, all houses are to be commended on their enthusiastic team spirit and sportsmanship.

This Friday, a number of our students will go on to compete at the Division final in Wodonga. We wish them all the best of luck and thank families for their support with transport.

Yesterday, students in Years 1-4 participated in their second and final football clinic, thanks to AFL North East Border. Students can continue to build on these skills by registering for this year's AusKick season. For more information, please see our community news page.

As previously advised, we now have a vacancy for a Business Manager. As we have not been able to fill this position, we will be readvertising this position. Interested persons are invited to apply via DET Recruitment online. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

We are excited to announce that this week Choir has recommenced with Emily. Each Wednesday, Emily will be running a lunchtime choir session for all interested students.

Nominations for the 2022 School Council Election are due tomorrow. This year we have 4 Parent positions, 3 DET positions and 1 Community Member position to fill, so please consider if this is something that you could contribute to. Council meets just twice a term and is a great way to use your skills and experience to help support our school to achieve its goals.

Nomination for School Council can be made by completing and submitting this form.

Next Friday the 25th of February is the Inter-School Mountain Bike Ride at Falls Creek.

If your child is interested, please visit this link to sign your child up. Further information about times and expectations are on the registration site. Please note that families are responsible for the transportation of their child and bike, as well as ensuring the bike is safe and suitable for this event. If your child/children are interested in participating, please also register their interest to Joel Armitage via email at joel.armitage@education.vic.gov.au by this Friday, 18th February.

Many thanks to families for their support in finalising parent payments. These funds are critical in allowing us to meet the costs of learning materials, so that we are able to prioritise other funding into resourcing additional learning support in the classroom. While we continue to seek opportunities to source additional funding and resources to support our students' academic achievement and well-being needs, your ongoing support is greatly appreciated.

In line with the Department of Health guidelines, students in Years 3-6 are required to wear masks inside. It is also compulsory for all students over the age of 8, to wear a mask when travelling on a school bus. Students under the age of 8 are also strongly recommended to wear a mask. To reduce waste, we ask that families please ensure their child brings a clean labelled, reusable mask to school each day.

Volunteers are desperately needed to support our canteen operations. If you have availability to help out, please contact the Neighbourhood Centre on 55441166.

Unfortunately, the planned Dental Van visit has had to be postponed until later in the year. We will advise of the new date when this has been confirmed. In the meantime, we are still collecting Dental forms. If you haven't yet completed a dental form and would like your child to access this service, please complete and return to school by next Friday, 25th February. Replacement forms can be obtained from the office.

Congratulations to Jarrod Paine and Shannon Boland on the launch of their new book, 'Snakes Awake'. Families are invited to attend the launch next Friday at the Mount Beauty Library.

Art with Nicole

Students in Year 5 and 6 have been busy working on the front page of their Art folio inspired by Joseph Amedokpo, a contemporary West African Artist. We used a variety of lines and shapes to create these striking artworks.