Secondary News

School for Student Leadership Alpine School

Six of our Year 9 students have arrived at The Alpine School for Student Leadership at Dinner Plain.  They will spend the next nine weeks building their independence, resilience and leadership skills.  We wish Campbell, Charlie, Jack, Mikayla, Charli and Meg all the best and look forward to them bringing their new skills back to Merbein P-10 in Term 3.

Cross Country Report

Last Friday we held our Annual Cross Country Event. There was a high level of student participation across every year level and a large amount of enthusiasm was evident at our presentation assembly after the running of the event. Mrs Holy and Mrs Kate Smith, supported by all of our staff, ensured everything ran smoothly. I especially thank the Merbein Lions Club for donating their time, expertise and BBQ to cook hundreds of sausages. Their ongoing support of our school is greatly appreciated. Their important contribution to the Merbein community makes this a great place to be.

Congratulations to the age group champions and a big congratulations to Kulnine who won the house championship. Below are the secondary age group champions and some pictures from the event.

Anzac Day

Hannah Fordham marched at the Pooncarie ANZAC Day march on her horse Lil Lelma Lady. Here are some pictures of Hannah and her horse.

Doctors in Secondary Schools

Doctors in Secondary Schools will return for Term 2 next Wednesday 5th May. Students can make an appointment at the school office.

Winter uniform

With the weather starting to cool it is important students wear the full school uniform that is appropriate for Winter. This consists of the school jumper/s and jacket, warm black pants and black tights/stockings to wear under the school skirt/dress. Only plain white or plain  black shirts are acceptable to be worn under the school polo top. Hoodies are NOT to be worn at school.

Secondary Jacket Price Increase

The cost of the secondary arena jacket has increased in price from $80 to $85.

Phone Policy

Merbein P-10 College understands that students may bring a personal mobile phone to school, particularly if they are travelling independently to and from school. 

At Merbein P-10 College: 

    - Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during school hours 

     - When emergencies occur, parents or carers should reach their child by calling the school’s office. 

The following actions are implemented if the phone policy is not followed by students:

• First offence- Phone will be confiscated and placed in a safe in the main office. The phone is returned to the student at the end of the school day.
• Second offence- Phone will be confiscated and placed in a safe in the main office. Parent will be required to collect the phone from the school.
• Third Offence- Phone will be confiscated and placed in a safe in the main office. Parent will be required to collect the phone from the school. The students will not be able to bring their phone to school for an agreed period of time ie 2-4 weeks.

If you have any queries regarding the phone policy please contact Rob Morgan at school.

Flu Vaccines for Secondary Students

We are able to provide flu vaccines for secondary students in our Doctors in Schools clinic. Some students will be eligible for a free flu vaccine if they fit the criteria set by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).  The criteria for a free vaccine include:

• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged from six months
• all people aged from six months with medical conditions putting them at an increased risk of severe influenza and it’s complications e.g. Cardiac disease, chronic respiratory disease (severe asthma), chronic neurological conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, renal disease, hematological disorders, children aged six months to 10 years on long term aspirin therapy
• pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy)

Students who do not fit the criteria will need to pay for the vaccine. The cost is $14.00 and must be paid in cash with the correct money at the clinic at the time of the appointment. There are no EFTPOS facilities available at the clinic and no change can be provided. Students will receive a receipt upon payment.

To book in for the flu vaccine, students need to book an appointment at the school office (please advise if the appointment is for a flu vaccine).

Doctors in Secondary Schools Program

Our Doctors in Secondary Schools program is available for all secondary students to access free (bulk-billed), confidential health care at school. This is a fantastic service which students can access for any of their health care needs including asthma/anaphylaxis plans, catch-up immunisations, mental/emotional health and any other medical concerns no matter how big or small. Students can see the school doctor for any reason that they would see their usual GP.

The rooms will be open every Wednesday during the school term from 9am – 1pm. Students can make appointments by contacting Yvonne in the general office or they can ask a teacher or wellbeing staff member to make the appointment for them – the only details required to make an appointment will be the student’s name and date of birth.

Parents are welcome to attend appointments if the student wishes.

School Wide Positive Behaviour (SWPB)