Engagement & Wellbeing

Furry Friend

There was great excitement last Friday when a possum was spotted in a tree near the 1/2 portables before school. Poss obviously loved the attention and hung around until after recess and was a very popular drawcard in the yard. We often see evidence that some furry friends are active overnight at school, however, don’t usually spot them during the day. Luckily for us with the trees bare of leaves Poss was easy to see this time.

Toilet Use - Parents of Girls in Years 3-6

Our senior girls toilets near the canteen, along with those in the BER, have sanitary dispensers installed in them. This is part of the government’s free period products in schools initiative.

Lately we have had a lot of misuse of these products, including pads and tampons being strewn around the toilets or even them being shoved down toilets (still in their wrappers), causing blockages.

We understand that some girls may be curious about the products however want to ensure that they are always available to those students who need them and are used in the manner intended. 

We have been having some age appropriate reminders and conversations about the toilets and dispensers at school, and we would appreciate your follow up conversations at home around this. It is also important that we share the message of respecting our shared spaces and looking after our toilets. 

The government’s commitment to providing free pads and tampons in all government primary, secondary and specialist schools:

• provides students with the confidence that there will always be period products available at school
• relieves students of the stigma, anxiety and discomfort that can be associated with menstruation and its management so they can focus on their studies
• eases the cost of living for families.

Thank you for your support with this. 

Uniform reminders for Families

The school holidays are often an ideal time to audit and top up school uniform supplies. It is important that all students are following the school’s uniform guidelines, as we expect all students to be in the correct uniform while at school. 

A copy of the guidelines can be found on our website HERE. 

It’s been wonderful to see most students doing a great job with these, and we appreciate your continued support to ensure that all students are following these expectations while at school. 

Please see some reminders below: 

• Plain socks (black or white only; no logos)
• Shorts / pants - plain black only, with no logos. No sports shorts or shorts with cut out sides. Shorts must be of an adequate length to participate in all school activities appropriately.
• All shoes (runners, school shoes, etc.) should be black.
• The only hat that should be worn is a school hat. No caps should be worn. Beanies for warmth are the only exception.
• Coats and beanies are for outside only. Coats are recommended to be the school coat or a black coat; coats do not replace jumpers. 

Families needing support to purchase uniform items can contact narelle.sullivan@education.vic.gov.au as there is some help available for anyone who may be experiencing difficulty. All discussions are confidential.  

Long Hair

All students with longer hair need to have it tied back while at school for health, safety and hygiene reasons. This includes to prevent head lice transmission, as well as for students to be able to play and participate safely in the wide range of activities undertaken every day at school.